But unlike the song, this land is not my land.
I've just watched an unashamedly sentimental episode of Boston Legal, clearly designed to be screened around the time of the American presidential elections. Whilst the debates were interesting (I always enjoy scriptwriters getting carte blanche to get real opinions off their chests) it did lapse in to a flag-fest, with twangy country music (this land is yoooor laaand...etc) and a couple of 'God Bless America' moments.
Here in the UAE, meanwhile, National Day is nearly upon us. Websites inviting one and all to record our tributes to Baba Zayed accompany flags on every corner. Somehow, nationalism in the UAE feels more heartfelt, more honest, and more sincere, than the Hollywood (or Boston) treatment of American pride.
I hope this country can preserve that honesty and innocence in its pride, and avoids the schmalz that can so easily accompany nationalistic fervour.
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