On Patriotism

Just a little input on the topic of patriotism that I am quite certain Mr. McSame will raise in the general election

On Patriotism.

 

With all of the recent talk about flag pins, pledges of allegiance and patriotism, I have recently been drawn to ruminate on the topic. What exactly is patriotism? Is it a policy of blind conformity with the policies and actions of one’s government? I hope not. Because if that is indeed the definition, then the only factor that separates a good, patriotic American from a Nazi is the “ovarian lottery ball” that rolls from fate’s bingo machine with your date and place of birth stamped upon it. If patriotism is indeed that blind conformity spoken of earlier, a good and decent American who had instead, randomly fallen into 1934 Germany would have been one of the group of people who are now seen as a repugnant scourge of humanity.

 

On a more personal level, when I consider the gifts that fate has bestowed upon me, neither cover-boy style good looks nor earth shattering athletic ability are on that list. Neither artistic talent nor musical endowments live in any part of my being. What I have been given is the gift of rational thought, a capacity for reasoned discourse and deep contemplation. If none of those gifts are required of me with regard to matters of a political nature, I am left to ask how my existence is any different from that of a citizen of North Korea who is told what his opinion will be and who his friends and enemies will be.

 

          The American Heritage Dictionary defines patriotism as love of and devotion to one's country. So when I consider this definition, I ask myself what is a good example of love and devotion for me to look to? My daughter is without question, the one person on this earth to whom I feel the most love and devotion. I love her without condition. Yet if she did something that was wrong, I would certainly call her out on it. I would never ignore her flaws, because the fact that I love her makes me want to help her become the best girl and woman that she can possibly be. I would do my country a tremendous disservice if I were to fail to hold it to those very same exacting standards. If my government fails to live up to the idealism of the words in the constitution or the bill of rights, it is my duty as a citizen to take to the streets, or the airwaves or the Internet and rouse the consciousness of other citizens in the same spirit that was shown by Patrick Henry. So when I rail against an unjust war that was sold to the American people based on fraudulent information or fear mongering, I am indeed doing my patriotic duty. Yes, I suppose I could wear a lapel pin or participate vigorously when anthems and pledges are delivered, but I’m a bit uneasy that if I lower my eyes to put a pin on my jacket, my right to privacy might be handed over to a TelCom company, or if I lower my eyes to put my hand over my heart and sing or pledge, I might find myself and my country in an ill-advised and unwarranted war with some other small country.

 

          So you’ll just have to take my word for it without benefit of any symbols, songs or chants. I shall continue to demand that my government officials show a level of moral fortitude that justifies my faith in my country.

           

In the words of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy:

        

Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change.

Reviews

[JC]

Sometimes when you stand up for what is right, you stand alone, but that will have to wait for another day. We show our patriotism by, exercising the right to vote, assembling in peaceful protest and our freedom of speech. We are vigilant, and tenacious in ensuring that our government holds itself accountable.

Continue the good fight, our fellow Americans are depending on it!

JC

[Narnie]

It's strange this patriotism thing. As a Brit we are not allowed to feel too patriotic. If we try, we have the Empire mess thrown at us and the football hooligans, and the BMP who use it as a racist stick. I am patriotic to my fellow countrymen. I am patriotic to the people who make this country what it is and that covers all race, gender and class. I do not blindly support my government but then I am blessed that the country I live in, allows me not to agree with them. I do not believe that the Queen should be our figurehead... but I am blessed that I am allowed to publicly voice that without being accused of treason. I like the people who live in my country. I abhor the people who run it. Would I do a better job of it than them? Oh no, but then the controversy they provoke is what makes this country so great.

A thought provoking and well written piece. Very good to read your words again.

[Dms]

Well written for what that's worth. Although, as a former soldier who's seen combat, I don't know if I can agree on all points considering the rarity of moral courage. I think it's a value that most people hold in their hearts, even if they aren't boisterous enough to make themselves heard. The only conflict that I've had with folks against the war is the simple notion of two halves being weaker than one whole. Not to say that either side is right or wrong, but so long as people don't support the war I can tell you a few things that will happen. Lack of funding will mean less armored vehicles, which means more soldier fatalities. Less soldiers enlisting will mean longer deployments for those who have enlisted, which has already happened. Quite frankly, being that many of my dearest friends are still over in Iraq, I'm afraid that they'll pull out. When the enemy sees us weakening our forces, they may grow bolder. Aside from that is the power vaccum that will ensue if we simply leave those poor people.