Do not let anyone get away with the argument that tearing our

The stateswoman Betty Boothroyd once declared with stern clarity: “Do not let anyone get away with the argument that tearing our country out of one of the most successful partnerships in our history is somehow a great act of patriotism. It is not.” In these words lies a warning and a lesson: patriotism is not measured by the destruction of alliances, nor by impulsive gestures cloaked in rhetoric. True patriotism is the recognition of enduring bonds, the cultivation of trust, and the careful stewardship of relationships that strengthen both the nation and the broader world.

In the eyes of the ancients, a city or nation was never truly strong when it acted alone. The Greeks, Romans, and other civilizations understood that alliances—whether of trade, defense, or shared wisdom—were vital for prosperity and survival. Boothroyd echoes this timeless insight: to sever ties with those who have proven loyal and mutually beneficial is not courage or love of country, but folly. Patriotism demands discernment, the wisdom to see that self-interest and national interest are intertwined with the fates of others.

History offers a vivid example in the Wars of the Roses in England. Noble houses, seeking supremacy without regard for alliances, repeatedly tore the kingdom apart, claiming loyalty to the crown while pursuing selfish aims. The result was chaos, famine, and civil strife. In contrast, monarchs who nurtured alliances and partnerships, even with former rivals, secured stability, prosperity, and national strength. Boothroyd’s caution resonates here: destroying partnerships under the guise of patriotism weakens the nation and betrays its true interests.

The meaning of her words is particularly relevant in modern politics. Nations thrive not in isolation, but through cooperation, trade, and shared commitment to common ideals. When leaders frame the severing of alliances as a patriotic act, they mislead the public, equating emotional rhetoric with civic virtue. True patriotism is not a display of unilateralism or isolation, but a commitment to policies that protect and advance the nation’s long-term interests, often in concert with trusted partners.

Boothroyd’s insight is also a lesson in moral courage. It is easier to claim patriotism while tearing down alliances or rejecting cooperation, for such acts are dramatic and attention-grabbing. Yet real patriotism often requires restraint, reflection, and the defense of enduring partnerships, even when unpopular. In this way, citizens and leaders alike are called to weigh actions carefully, to distinguish between gestures of loyalty and acts of destruction disguised as virtue.

Consider the example of the Marshall Plan after World War II. The United States could have retreated into isolation, focusing solely on domestic recovery. Instead, it chose to invest in the rebuilding of Europe, forging strong partnerships that became foundational to global stability and prosperity. This was an act of true patriotism: advancing the national interest by sustaining alliances, protecting democratic values, and fostering mutual growth. Boothroyd’s words remind us that patriotism is measured not by the severing of bonds, but by their careful cultivation and preservation.

The lesson for all is clear: evaluate claims of patriotism critically, especially when they justify destruction or severance. True patriotism is aligned with prudence, foresight, and the collective good, not impulsive displays of power. Acts that appear patriotic in the short term may prove disastrous if they undermine alliances that secure the nation’s strength, safety, and prosperity.

Practically, this teaching calls citizens to engage thoughtfully in public discourse, question rhetoric that justifies division, and recognize the value of partnerships built over time. Support policies that maintain trust, foster collaboration, and strengthen the nation through cooperation, rather than isolation. In doing so, one embodies Boothroyd’s vision: patriotism is not destruction disguised as valor, but the careful, courageous defense of enduring bonds that serve the nation and its people.