This is for America

I'm watching the Oscars, and when Javier Bardem said "This is for Spain!" in his inevitable acceptance speech, I was struck by the beauty of his patriotism.

Being American in these dispiriting and alienating times fairly requires the dual armor of cynicism and scorn. And while world-weary disassociation promises absolution from the violence, mediocrity and arrogance carried out in your name, it never fully delivers. It's just another permutation of self-hatred that belies your lack of faith and interest in the power and presence of your homeland.

Patriotism, sweet I-am-We patriotism, is so beautiful.