I’m in lovely NYC with family for the Fourth. Going to see some fireworks, drink some beer and express my abiding gratitude to the best country in the world, home of the brave, land of the free, beneficiary of Providence.

That sort of language clearly rankles my friend Will Wilkinson. I discussed the merits and shortcomings of patriotism with him for a special Independence Day edition of Bloggingheads. I found it to be a largely un-worthwhile discussion. Knowing in advance that Will is utterly immune to any romantic or sentimental arguments (as he might characterize them) for love of country, we were forced to restrict our conversation to sociological and other strategic rationalizations for patriotism. It was kind of like debating love of country with a Vulcan. Except, ironically enough, at the end of the day, I think it’s pretty clear that Will is the one letting his emotions get the better of him. He hates the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and since he thinks they would be impossible without patriotism, he doesn’t like patriotism. Clear away a lot of unfruitful tangents and that’s what you’ll be left with, if you opt to watch.