Cultural Writing. Michael Parenti explores how hype, fear and mindless flag-waving are supplanting informed debate, commitment to democracy and real patriotism. He poses an alternative to superpatriotism, arguing that the real patriots are those who care enough to educate themselves about our country's history and its present plight. He reminds us that it is not "anti-American" to criticize unjust social conditions at home or oppose global policies pursued by our rulers. Rather it is our democratic right and patriotic duty to do so. An internationally known writer and speaker, Parenti is one of the nation's leading progressive political analysts.