Does nationalism matter?

I was walking past Lichfield police station today, watching their grubby Union Jack flapping around in the wind and I wondered why the Lichfield District Council building just down the road didn’t also have a Union Jack proudly waving around.

In fact, why don’t all Government buildings have a Union Jack?

I’m kind of a nationalist – in the sense that I like to feel like I’m part of something, like I belong – but not in the defensive ‘screw everyone else, let’s be completely independent’ sense.

One of my favourite phrases is “no involvement, no commitment” because I think applies to so many things. I’m of the mind that a greater sense of nationality (similar to what the U.S. seems to have) would help society to function more cohesively. Maybe flying the flag is one part of that.

What do you think? Does nationalism matter? Should Government buildings fly the flag? Do you fly the flag?