As I listen to political rhetoric these days, the calls for nationalism are bothersome. Actually worrisome. Being great is not about me first, or isolation.
Being great is taking positive actions for society within our country first, but beyond as well. It is being fully engaged in the world as a positive example.
Who can believe that in this fully connected world, with instant communications and only hours apart or minutes in the worse case we can survive to the disadvantage of all others?
Spectrum of Nationalism: It’s important to recognize that nationalism exists on a spectrum. At its most positive, it can inspire feelings of patriotism, a deep love and respect for one’s nation, motivating people to contribute to the common good. It can also foster a sense of national pride in cultural achievements or democratic institutions.
The Darker Side: However, nationalism can also have negative consequences. Extreme nationalism can lead to feelings of superiority over other nations, fostering an “us vs. them” mentality. This can fuel prejudice, discrimination, and even violence against those perceived as outsiders. Throughout history, extreme nationalism has been a driving force behind imperialism, war, and ethnic cleansing.
Extreme nationalism has never ended well.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
Off topic…*
I just watched Joe Biden speak at the 75th anniversary of NATO.
My tablet doesn’t have sound, I rely on closed captions, so I don’t know if he stuttered. His speech was almost certainly written for him. He definitely used teleprompters. He looked Presidential. I was never more proud to be American.
I can only imagine Trump humiliating himself if he were in the same position. Looking forward to his sick response.
Four more years!
Or not, if the topic is nationalism.
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yes, there are many folks like Lincy and she qualified for asylum–but millions have not done what this lady did or they simply come to the border–ask for asylum and are told to report to a judge in 5-years–not go home and come back in 5-years, just show up at a courtroom somewhere in the States–good luck with that.
We can probably agree that the system is being gamed and it needs a big fix.
Our cognitively challenged leader finally came up with something when he was worried about the election–
people in the sanctuary states rebelled when they found migrants delivered to them by governors in Texas and Florida–if it’s a national problem let’s share the wealth.
Massachusetts Gov. said last week they are at the limit of what they can take and tomorrow it is not legal to sleep at Logan Airport, in effect out they go–she was a big talker when her state was not invaded and railed against bigots and racists in Texas and Florida–funny how when you are forced to provide services and money you come down off that arrogant high horse.
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But they are legal. Legal immigration is just fine.
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you are not legal until you can prove you are in specific danger but the loophole is so wide that millions are allowed in–of course many other millions just walk across and from countries worldwide –what a mess the left has created–sort of like “defund the police”.
Bill Mahr (sp) and James Carville call the policies of the left; “stupid!” From drag queens in a 4th grade class to pronouns many are forced to use.
best of health
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“Yes, seeking asylum is legal. Asylum seekers must be in the U.S. or at a port of entry (an airport or an official land crossing) to request the opportunity to apply for asylum.
“There’s no way to ask for a visa or any type of authorization in advance for the purpose of seeking asylum,” says Byrne. “You just have to show up.”
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“legal immigration is just fine–illegal is not…”
I wonder if that applies to running for President?
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I am astounded that all this could get by me. Nationalism, Nazis, fascists, a theocracy, and the end of our democratic way of life. All due to Donald Trump. He must surely be the devil incarnate. No, let me rephrase that, the devil is old school thinking and nobody believes in old scratch any more. We will just say that Trump is a powerful man who can destroy the country all the while putting Biden and Harris out of work. The shame of that man. Carry on, I’ve got to get back to reality.
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You have made some excellent points.
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Dick I can only wish more people had your ‘problem’ and tried to become more well informed perhaps then we would see things a bit more for what they are. I totally agree things are scary now and I worry for the future if the so called Project 2025 folks get in power. Trump is too stupid to realize what he is even backing and those around him will manipulate him for the end game and make us into a theocracy no better than Iran. We cannot allow him to take power regardless of who is the titular head of the opposition be it Biden, Harris, or whomever at least we have a shot at retaining our democratic form of government. The so called worry about millions coming here illegally needs to be remedied no doubt but how about both sides taking a course of action to that end and also workinng together to remedy things like the social security deficit and balanciing the budget. There is a good reason to have a give and take approach which is what we had for most of our country’s existence but not the extremes of either side and yet because that is where the money comes from and that is what the media wants because it generates interest. How about no more money being spent other than what the federal government provides somewhat akin to what they do in many western Eurpoean countries?
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Mr. Quinn and readers:
Nationalism has its nuances.
It is inevitable that they has been and continues to be immigration of people from poverty and wars and droughts to more prosperous and “stable” countries such as Europe and the US. As long as the new immigrants are willing to assimilate and become productive citizens (is that asking too much?) into the new countries, that’s fine.
I agree that in general tariffs on imported goods from other countries raises the prices for domestic buyers. But when a country imposes higher tariffs on their exported goods but decries comparable tariffs on goods coming into their country, is that fair?
History has many examples of governments stoking nationalism to justify wars with other countries. Judgments are often clouded by the fervor of nationalism.
What is going on now are illustrations of the above. There’s no easy answers without costs.
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legal immigration is just fine–illegal is not and if legal that is just fine–not complicated really–obey state and federal gun laws–traffic laws–tax laws–securities rules and regulations–just obey the immigration laws–if you do not then good bye.
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Yes in theory but not practical in reality. Many are not able to follow the “rules” to apply in a foreign embassy and then wait years for eventual approval.
Suppose you and your family are starving or are targeted by gangs in remote places, you will want to get out fast!
But I agree there are plenty who just want a better life here.
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what if my family is hungry –does it in any way justify stealing food–food stamps and WIC don’t provide enough for my children so I steal from Kroger–we can go on and on–there have to be rules and an orderly method of allowing folks to emigrate and immigrate–once you begin to justify the breaking of the law you find yourself on a slippery slope–who among us decides what rules are breakable–anarchy is the result.
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“Yes, seeking asylum is legal. Asylum seekers must be in the U.S. or at a port of entry (an airport or an official land crossing) to request the opportunity to apply for asylum.
“There’s no way to ask for a visa or any type of authorization in advance for the purpose of seeking asylum,” says Byrne. “You just have to show up.”
“Asylee” is the term used in the U.S. for people who have been granted asylum. Under U.S. immigration law, a person granted asylum is legally allowed to remain in the country without fear of deportation. They qualify to work and travel abroad and can apply for their spouse or children under the age of 21 to join them. Asylees have the opportunity to become permanent residents, and eventually, citizens, provided that they meet all other requirements.
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She just showed up on the border, and now she is just as legal as me.Or you.
Lincy Sopall, a transgender woman who faced abuse and persecution in Honduras, received asylum in the U.S. in 2018 and works as a fashion designer. She says of her decision to flee: “I had only two choices: leave Honduras and live or stay and die.”
https://www.rescue.org/article/leave-and-live-or-stay-and-die-lincys-story
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much of what might be nationalist thinking is actually a push back against illegal immigration–when you foster policies that allow millions to cross the border and then you have policies that guarantee housing, education, and health care at your expense and mine you would be silly not to expect blow back–the folks who created the problem now tell us they have the solution.
NATO is here and I heard from Adm. Kirby this AM that they are working to get more of the NATO members to pay the 2% of GDP requirement–we pay about 65% of NATO costs–about 20 of 32 members are below the 2% assessment–Poland pays over 3% of GDP and Luxembourg less than 1%.
When Trump told them all to pay up there was controversy (that mean man!) but too bad–we all pay and for decades we were Uncle Sucker. I will take that form of nationalism any day!
Sort of like the monthly assessments at a senior facility–pay up or there will be consequences.
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Your problem is you listen to political rhetoric. It is meant to gather support during the next election and no further. The bureaucracy has the bigger handle on relations with the rest of the world and it rolls on administration after administration.
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perhaps my real problem is I study the lessons of history and see much of it repeating. I also listen to what average people say and write about what they believe and want. Let’s pray what I observed is wrong.
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