The Evil of Nationalism

          I’m usually the one to offer words of encouragement and hope in distressing situations. Today I have none. My soul is sickened by the pain and suffering inflicted by nationalism.

          Yesterday we saw nationalism take the lives of almost 300 innocent civilians who had nothing to do with the conflict raging 33,000 feet beneath them, a conflict born of nationalistic pride, arrogance, and greed.

          At the same time, a few thousand miles away, a centuries-old conflict over territory and national identity took more innocent lives. Religious arrogance plays a huge role in the ongoing evil there that struggles against peace and mutual understanding.

          And right here in our very own country, fear and ignorance rooted in nationalistic pride and greed compel angry people to confront children—many of them orphans—to wave U.S. flags while shouting “Go away!” Many of the instigators of this hateful display are themselves the descendants of immigrants, none of whom were invited by the original inhabitants of this land. What hypocrisy!

          Throughout human history, evil leaders around the world have used nationalism to manipulate the minds and hearts of the masses to cause war, genocide, terrorism, rape, and the destruction of the land. Our own politicians use nationalism to get votes (and subsequently dollars in their bank accounts) from simple-minded citizens who think they’re being patriotic by voting for those money-mongers. Bullshit!

          I’m sick of seeing flag-waving “patriots.” I’m disgusted by displays of “ethnic pride.” Religious zealots, even those who claim to be “Christian,” infuriate me. Passports couldn’t save those innocent people aboard Malaysian Airlines flight 17 yesterday. Citizenship is meaningless to the peace-loving Israelis and Palestinians fearing for their lives in the so-called “Holy Land.” And all those Central American children in detention facilities near our southern border? All they want is a place to grow up without fear and with basic needs fulfilled. Shouldn’t every child on this planet have that?