Patriotism: Trash or Treasure?

Yes, the world is full of injustice. <nods>



Of all kinds, in fact. That's what makes the challenge such a daunting one!

For example, in the case of Baarle-Nassau, the problem is clear. The way the borders were drawn, with all the hapless arbitrariness such things are often done with, a sizable Dutch community was bordered off into Belgian territory. This obviously is not right. I would suggest establishing a territorial transfer strip linking the Netherlands with this diaspora community, so that its citizens can freely travel to other Dutch towns without needlessly having to cross borders.

Now Baarle-Hertog is another case altogether. You are aware, of course, of the idiosyncracies that often accompanied the drawing of borders in those times of imperfect statehood. Following the premodern patterns of feudal domains, sometimes aberrations such as the Baarle-Hertog enclave would come into being. In these modern times, I think the moment has come to make a border that is both clear and logical. Of course we should give the inhabitants of Baarle-Hertog a fast-track opportunity to acquire Dutch citizenship after the town is incorporated in Holland proper or, should they so prefer, a transfer premium with which they can re-establish themselves in Belgian territory.

Mornin' all.......yaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnn......

if anyone still seriously expects me to say anything sane these next two weeks or so, abandon, ye, all such foolish illusions, now.

there are, of course, those who feel that belgium itself is a historical aberration, and should simply be reunited with its "motherland" (holland, that is).

i, however, consider myself a moderate, and believe that we should only consider such questions within a long-term framework.

germany, likewise.

Well, nimh, it is my understanding that bonobos know better than to get involved in anything as personally confining as a patriotic commitment. Bonobos know how to determine the wisdom of their loyalties.

Anyway, we should encourage Blatham to tell us about the apes. I think he did have something in mind.

Perc,

Take that joint away from your lips right now.......what will the others think? :wink:

Lola, "if anyone still seriously expects me to say anything sane these next two weeks or so, abandon, ye, all such foolish illusions, now."

then say something insane, dear nimh, we all love you anyway.

I really think Blatham got some of that "inferior gov't pot" and has been hallucinating more than usual about fury little animals

LOL ---Regarding that "joint"---I wonder if you'all would buy that for my excuse or should I just plead temporary insanity for some of those recent remarks?

Nimh---what foolishness will make you insane for the next two weeks?

Well, perc, I think that's as good an excuse as any. But you can just say you were having a bad day and plan to do better in the future. I think that's a good plan for all parties involved.

But you should know that Canadian pot is never bad. Or so I've been told. :wink:

Lola

Then apparently you haven't heard about the batch the gov't cooked up when they legalized it----made everybody sick

it's not exactly legal here. in fact, it's more legal in some u.s. states. there is some limited access to medical marijuana - but that stuff was just substandard.

hmmmm, wonder who told perc that it was legal here? are they settin' him up for a sting?

perc

Your good hearted note above gets a nod.

And yes, the government here, in gearing up as a supplier for medicinal pot decided they could do just a fine job on their own growing marijuana, thankyouverymuch, and refused all help, advice, and seed varieties offered by folks in the know, and ended up producing really lousy pot.

The thing is, they could even have avoided high profile contact with the 'bad guys'...all they'd have to do is borrow some from their kids.

You didnt think wanting to take over belgium AND germany was insane enough?!

Have you ever met any Belgians or Germans? Oy!



Stress - too much bloody <add swear word> stress - when I wouldnt even be able to deal well with just [this] much. <grumbles>

I have met a few Germans, actually. I lived in Germany in 1965.......I like the place, actually. And I visit friends there from time to time.

Belgians?.............. I've only met you.

I'm sorry you're feeling crazy. But hang in......you'll get better.

BELGIAN!? Moi?

<ahem>

Well, that explains why you didnt get my jokes just now, then <smiles>. (oh Walter, where art thou? )

(Trust me - they already came down to me saying insane stuff.)

Nothing much'll get better for ... 10 days, at least <nods>.

Oh, of course, I forgot nimh.......you're in Holland. Yes, well.............. you guys all look alike to me.

It was Blatham I think----he wouldn't----set-----me -----up----would----Damn

At what point does patriotism beome a negative?

When it becomes an obsessive substitute for genuine emotion. Or when the purpose of patriotism is about aggressive actions rather than the sensation of anger and/or a true love for country. It's not patriotism that's the problem, we all have self interest, and we can enjoy it, it's rather, I believe, how patriotism is being used that makes it positive, negative or all the points in between.

That's the answer I think of when considering c.i.'s question.

Taking care of my mother from early afternoon to late morning.


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Well, nimh, actually I'm always thinking of Spain, when hearing Netherlands and/or Belgium