Ignoring Anna Naidu's absurd proposals to initiate compulsory singing of the national anthem and service in the PLA - which I can only assume are intended to provoke - I take issue with her assumption that patriotism (as she describes it, probably better labelled 'nationalism') is a positive thing at all ('Lessons in patriotism', February 24).

The same hypocrites who lament the lack of patriotic fervour among the people of Hong Kong probably loathe the arrogant belief in national exceptionalism held by many in my country, the US. Can't they see that an unquestioning devotion to one's country is incompatible with open-minded, rational thinking?

Peace and prosperity are fostered by an understanding that we are part of an increasingly interdependent world and that people, not nations, are things to be loved.