Most of my beliefs on the subject have been stated already, and probably better than I could have done it. It is a subject that has concerned me a lot over the years given my background, examining my own loyalties and whether they ought to be divided or simply co-exist (I chose the latter).

I think my patriotism is culture-based, and not geographical or political.

Any geographical implications are simply a result of coincidence, as culture congregates in (or originated from) a particular area, and they resemble the rings on a tree, the rings getting fuzzier as one ventures further away. So, I am proud to be Macedonian; and then Greek; and then Mediterranean; and then European; and then human; and so on. But the externalisations of my pride are all culture-based and couched in terms of language, sayings, history, customs, music, song, food, nature and so on.

And I like the borders of my patriotism to be fuzzy. Hard borders bother me, and that is why I find politics and government irrelevant to my patriotic feelings. Even the related symbols (flag, National Anthem) mean comparatively little to me, simply signs that there is a chance I might find like-minded people near them, but I am fully aware that I will also find there things and people I do not like.

The etymology of the word (from "pater"-father, i.e. "love of fatherland") is also midly repellant to me, as it is exclusive, it defines hard limits.

Should ever England and Greece go to war I'll be the first to be killed, in the middle, still trying to negotiate a settlement.