"I'm proud to be an American!" she proclaimed as she held the Olympic Torch high. That's what I saw yesterday when I turned on the TV. I would have dismissed it as simply another act of senseless patriotism, but there was something both in her eyes and her self-righteous tone that made me do a double-take. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Olympic Games supposed to be a symbol of world peace and, at the very least, cultural tolerance? It seems somewhat contradictory that no less than an Olympic Torch bearer would be comfortable flaunting her nationalistic opinions as if they were some sort of respectful offering at the altar of the Olympic Spirit.

It is for this and other reasons that I don't identify myself with those who call themselves patriotic. Since the tragedy on September 11, I've been barraged with USA bumper stickers and "Let Freedom Ring" posters, even neighbors who look at me like it's some kind of crime not to display the American Flag arrogantly in my window. If being a patriot means that I have to publicly scorn the nationalistic views of my foreign neighbors while holding "patriotic" views of my own, count me out. If, however, being a patriot is characterized by a willingness to form one's own opinions, based firmly upon the ideals of cultural tolerance and world peace as opposed to anger and bruised egos, then maybe true Patriots should be bearing the Olympic Torch, and maybe I'm one of them.