Here in China there is a nasty twist to being 'Patriotic' or 'Non Patriotic' too.

When Hong Kong was handed back to China it was agreed under a charter called 'One country, Two sytems'.

That charter specifically agreed that the Legislative Committe, the equivalent of HK's parliament would by 2008 have more seats directly elected. Currently the Chinese Govt has the major say in appointees and only 24 seat are direclty elected. This was to increase to 30.

A couple of weeks back the National People's Congress said that this would not now happen. Basically China stating that democracy would not be allowed to increase and put its yes men out of power.

Those HK politicians and ordinary people who have protested against this and other actions such as the proposed security bill (which was so loose anyone could be arrested on a number of very non specific charges) are now being branded as 'Unpatriotic'.

In the past recent history non patriots have been locked up, or sent to labour camps in very large numbers. In the cultural revolution thousands of non patriots were beaten to death during struggle meetings.

I have yet to hear Blair (who should be making a comment or two) or Bush even mention what is happening in HK.

The word patriot can mean many things to many people and politicians seem to be able to twist the meaning to their own ends.