What is economic patriotism? If it is stoning KFC and McDonalds, then it is silly and pointless. In contrast, the willingess to defend your country and to die for it is noble and virtuous and I respect those who have the guts and commitment to choose that path. What is not noble - and this is what Einstein referred to - is blind patriotism, which champions not the instinct to protect your own but the instinct to pillage and suppress others.
Think back to the World War II. The Nazis chose war for the sake of war, because they believe they had a right to rule and others the duty to serve. That kind of patriotism is indeed a curse. In contrast, the allies fought for human liberty and freedom, the right not to be subjugated. That kind of patriotism is why the free world survived.
