Not sure about that Matt: one mans terrorist is the next guys freedom fighter would be one consequence.
A question for anyone down the local pub on a Saturday night is:- Which country are you prepared to die for?

Anyway, I should have added "language" to that last list of mine!! Welsh, Gaelic etc etc. How about Corsica, Brittainy (anyone seen the flag for Cornwall, UK which has the same colours as the Brittainy version?), Basque country or Catalunya - I have seen many flags of these "countries" (more or less by Matts definition) on the panniers of touring bikes and in those regions you may find the regional flag flying in preference to the national flag of the relevant country.
Take another look at McGregor: makes his money in the capital of the UK but flies a Scottish Saltire as his preference on the road.

I suppose I am saying that the "trappings" of countries are relevant, symbolic and of importance.

I had an interesting conversation with a guy a few years ago; he had duel fluency in English and German from his upbringing. So I asked him which language he thinks in - as such, doesn't matter what the answer was (in fact English) but that is where his allegence lies, although he was serving with the German armed forces at the time with an oath of allegience to that country I would imagine.

Finally, the best single demonstration of national unity I have personally experienced was on 1st July 1998 when "Oh Canada" was sung in the streets of BC (and I guess a lot more places there) - all very spontaneous and natural as far as I could tell, but you won't see that in the "UK".

Hanging up my political boots now; as I say, I've tried to keep a biking theme!

Dave

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Dave