Patriots and fans. Reflections on the Superbowl and national loyalties.

My country right or wrong. Such patriotism just doesn't work for me. Some wrongs are inexcusable, such as the Holocaust. I admire Berliners who have erected monuments that address the wrongs of their past. You can love your country, and your family and football team, but you should never suspend your moral judgment, or excuse reprehensible or criminal behaviour whether near or far. Nor should you ever believe your country incapable of atrocities. At the end of the day I'm an internationalist and care about the human race, no matter creed, colour or culture.

Samuel Johnson famously wrote that "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel", and indeed it is. History has many examples of national shame and crimes against humanity, with most countries guilty at some time or another. In times of crisis, patriots invariably resort to flag waving, hands on hearts, and an outpouring of platitudes. Making America great again is such a platitude and a dangerous one at that especially as it comes from someone whose ignorance of history is legendary. To grasp history you have to read it first, and not to declare everything that challenges fake news, ala Trump.

The phrase "charity begins at home" irks me no end and I do wonder whether it's sometimes an excuse for indifference. There are daily cases of urgent need beyond our borders, or home, that are worthy of support. I recall twin tragedies a few years ago when fires burnt homes in the Blue Mountains followed shortly after by a massive tsunami that devastated many areas of the Philippines. Not all countries have the resources to deal with such disasters. I donated to both relief funds but was criticised for donating to the later far greater tragedy when there was a need at home. Fortunately, most people are more charitable. Our local medical surgery has been outstanding in fundraisers for the Tibetan earthquakes and other disasters around the world. Fortunately, good doctors don't select their patients according to wealth, passports or colour of skin.

Much has been made of dual citizens in Australian politics of late with the question of divided loyalties coming to the fore. People may serve and sometimes die for their country but what their country gives back in return varies widely with many poorly served by their country. Which brings up that famous JFK inauguration speech: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. Hmmm. Now every politician claims to be serving their country and not the interests of sections they represent, including their own. In truth, it's not that simple. There are underdogs.

I've been watching the Superbowl 2018, with the favourites, the New England Patriots, that word again, losing to the underdogs, the Philadelphia Eagles. Here we are dealing with cheering sports fans, adorned with their team's colours, who usually support their team right or wrong. And are they one-eyed when it comes to penalties! I have no problem with that as long as fair play takes place without unnecessary injury, and sports clubs despite the bluff and bluster, normally have strong codes of behaviour anyway. But when in a sport, like tennis, I am expected to be patriotic and support Australian players regardless I balk. No way would I support Bernard Tomic over the ever gracious Roger Federer. No contest there or dispute about my patriotism.

Much is made of family ties and of not hanging out the family's dirty laundry. Once again bad behaviour within the family needs to be addressed and dealt with, for the good of all. Family doesn't exclude or excuse crimes whether inside or outside of the tent. In politics it's been said that it's better to have a troublesome person, such as Stephen Bannon, inside the tent pissing out than outside pissing in. I don't agree.

I prefer a global outlook: Doctors without Borders, Journalists without Borders, so why not donations and charity without borders.

I conclude with an international anthem, of sorts, by the great Elizabethan poet John Donne. Hemingway drew from this poem for the title to his epic novel of the Spanish Civil War, a war to which many international volunteers fought and died including his fictional character, Robert Jordon.

No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.   

My sentiments exactly. Climate change deniers take note of the interdependence of Earth's weather and environmental systems. Of care for the commons, the oceans and the skies, that we all share and care for to our peril. Countries must act together with the planet's needs at the forefront, and not put Trumpland first no matter the consequences. It will be a bad future if such a short-sighted view is brandished. Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel and Donald Trump is the scoundrel in Chief. Resist!