Almost two hundred years ago, Sir Walter Scott wrote, “Breathes there a man with soul so dead, who never to himself hath said, ‘This is my own, my native land!’” Patriotic feelings come easily and naturally. We say the pledge to the flag with conviction. We fly the flag and sing patriotic songs with enthusiasm. As Sir Walter Scott suggested, it is rare to find someone who does not love his country. But patriotic feelings are not enough. Loving your country is not enough. It takes more than that to be a good citizen.

George Bush loves his country. John McCain loves his country. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton love their country. So do Kim Jong-il and Hugo Chavez. These political leaders all love their countries – I’m convinced of it. But some love their country more helpfully and more healt…