Love of country is almost synonymous with patriotism. Patriotism implies that it is the fatherland (pater) that we are loyal to, and therefore we are loyal to and defined by the men at the top, and the land within the geographical boundaries that they can control.

I propose another paradigm: matriotism - where the primary loyalty is to the land, animal and plant life and well-being of the people. Where love of mother earth is the highest good.