Start philosophically then: with the tension between a universal duty and a particular duty. We are called to recognize the image of God in every person, and we owe duties to each person. But we also stand in particular relationships with certain persons to whom we bear special responsibilites: sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. These special relationships channel our potentially endless obligations to persons under God, and make them practicable for us. The world contains millions of needy people. Who do we help? We start with those with whom we stand in special relationship.

And THAT is, in its relation to our fellow citizens, patriotism. And the lack of that virtue, as of many others, is worth bemoaning and struggling to recover.

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