RubySoho
Winston
The Truths of Patriotism As Told By a Patriot
July 3rd 2007 14:16
Here it is, 4th of July Eve, and I'm waiting for the day to go by so that my wife and I can finish work, load up the car, and drive across the state to her parents house. Then, tomorrow morning I will fling off the covers and get down to the hard business of grilling food, drinking beer, and setting off fireworks to celebrate kicking the British to the curb (no offense to any Brits out there -- water under the 231-year-old bridge!).
I love the 4th, because it is such a low-key, fun holiday. It is everything summer. But this year, I thought that maybe I would take a few moments here to reflect on a point that has been bothering me. The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday, a day filled with bombastic celebration and stirring patriotism. That word though, patriotism.....that word has become a battleground.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines patriotism as "Love of and devotion to one's country." Simple enough. And yet, ask group A if group B is patriotic and you are liable to get a reply in the negative. The same holds true in the reverse situation. Groups A & B will both agree, however, that group C is definitely not patriotic because they believe X. How can such a simple concept, the love of one's country, come to be a matter of such subjective opinion?
The answer lies in mis-use of the word in the public, political sphere. In America today, conservatives are wont to infer that those who disagree with the war in Iraq or how the War on Terror is being waged are less than patriotic. I have even heard rhetoric saying that people who oppose the war in Iraq "hate America" or that they "want the terrorists to win." Think about that for a moment. By the logic of those statements, taking a stance that disagrees with government policy necessitates that all those holding that view are unpatriotic malcontents actively hopeful that America will come to a bad end. Does this mean that the majority of Americans hate America, since well over half of Americans do not favor the Iraq war? That number seems preposterous. And yet attacks on the patriotism of those with differing opinions persist.
How do those on the left respond? Some of them try to argue that they are, in fact, patriots, but just as many fall into something along the lines of "Oh yeah? Well I think YOU hate America, so there!" You can guess how far that conversation gets us. The fact is, both sides are guilty of accusing the other of flagging patriotism, and both sides are completely wrong. Conservatives love America. Liberals love America. Independents (i.e. me) love America. The failure of 300 million people to march in lockstep on every issue is not the sign of crumbling patriotism, it is the sign of a healthy society rife with competing ideas. Our liberty affords us the right and, dare I say, the duty of holding forth different views on issues of great import.
If a child was to argue with his mother bitterly over some matter, would that necessitate that the mother and child were irreconcilable? Must that point to the child's hatred for his mother? Some of us being parents and all of us having been children, we can all answer "no!" resoundingly! The familial bonds shared between them are stronger than harsh rhetoric; they overcome divisiveness. Why then would it not be the same between America and Her citizens? To be disappointed in Her, to wish things were otherwise with Her....these things do not mark hate. They mark love, fierce love, that laments what is seen as harmful behaviors.
If disagreement is wrong, if rebelling against a certain ideology is wrong, or if refusing to partake in slavish devotion to party ideals is wrong, then our Founding Fathers were the most egregious offenders in the history of our nation. The men that, in 1775, began meeting in Philadelphia to direct the future of their would-be nation were as disparate a group as any to be found today. And yet, it was through their differences and by overcoming those differences that the bricks of our nation were crafted. Into each brick went independence, free thought, liberty, and justice. Mortaring them together are patriotism, unity, and the filial love of our fellow citizens. It must be so, for we have persevered through trials that have tested our mettle as a nation and emerged victorious. If we had not the strong base I describe, we surely would not have flourished in the face of such calamities.
We will weather our current storms as well. And, as we have in the past, we will weather them by discussion, by questioning, and even by quarreling. We are mandated by our founders, in our Constitution, to watch our government and to charge that government to redress any grievances or ills that it may cause. Patriotism is not blind obedience; it is a duty that calls us to love our country unconditionally, but vigilantly. To neglect that duty, to fall asleep to the dangers of complacency, would mark our undoing. It is the one manner in which our patriotism can truly fail. Those of us who love our country (and that is all of us) must continue to debate and to question wherever uncertainty lies. In this manner free countries are guided and maintained. In this way, patriotism shines.
Happy 4th of July!
I love the 4th, because it is such a low-key, fun holiday. It is everything summer. But this year, I thought that maybe I would take a few moments here to reflect on a point that has been bothering me. The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday, a day filled with bombastic celebration and stirring patriotism. That word though, patriotism.....that word has become a battleground.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines patriotism as "Love of and devotion to one's country." Simple enough. And yet, ask group A if group B is patriotic and you are liable to get a reply in the negative. The same holds true in the reverse situation. Groups A & B will both agree, however, that group C is definitely not patriotic because they believe X. How can such a simple concept, the love of one's country, come to be a matter of such subjective opinion?
The answer lies in mis-use of the word in the public, political sphere. In America today, conservatives are wont to infer that those who disagree with the war in Iraq or how the War on Terror is being waged are less than patriotic. I have even heard rhetoric saying that people who oppose the war in Iraq "hate America" or that they "want the terrorists to win." Think about that for a moment. By the logic of those statements, taking a stance that disagrees with government policy necessitates that all those holding that view are unpatriotic malcontents actively hopeful that America will come to a bad end. Does this mean that the majority of Americans hate America, since well over half of Americans do not favor the Iraq war? That number seems preposterous. And yet attacks on the patriotism of those with differing opinions persist.
How do those on the left respond? Some of them try to argue that they are, in fact, patriots, but just as many fall into something along the lines of "Oh yeah? Well I think YOU hate America, so there!" You can guess how far that conversation gets us. The fact is, both sides are guilty of accusing the other of flagging patriotism, and both sides are completely wrong. Conservatives love America. Liberals love America. Independents (i.e. me) love America. The failure of 300 million people to march in lockstep on every issue is not the sign of crumbling patriotism, it is the sign of a healthy society rife with competing ideas. Our liberty affords us the right and, dare I say, the duty of holding forth different views on issues of great import.
If a child was to argue with his mother bitterly over some matter, would that necessitate that the mother and child were irreconcilable? Must that point to the child's hatred for his mother? Some of us being parents and all of us having been children, we can all answer "no!" resoundingly! The familial bonds shared between them are stronger than harsh rhetoric; they overcome divisiveness. Why then would it not be the same between America and Her citizens? To be disappointed in Her, to wish things were otherwise with Her....these things do not mark hate. They mark love, fierce love, that laments what is seen as harmful behaviors.
If disagreement is wrong, if rebelling against a certain ideology is wrong, or if refusing to partake in slavish devotion to party ideals is wrong, then our Founding Fathers were the most egregious offenders in the history of our nation. The men that, in 1775, began meeting in Philadelphia to direct the future of their would-be nation were as disparate a group as any to be found today. And yet, it was through their differences and by overcoming those differences that the bricks of our nation were crafted. Into each brick went independence, free thought, liberty, and justice. Mortaring them together are patriotism, unity, and the filial love of our fellow citizens. It must be so, for we have persevered through trials that have tested our mettle as a nation and emerged victorious. If we had not the strong base I describe, we surely would not have flourished in the face of such calamities.
We will weather our current storms as well. And, as we have in the past, we will weather them by discussion, by questioning, and even by quarreling. We are mandated by our founders, in our Constitution, to watch our government and to charge that government to redress any grievances or ills that it may cause. Patriotism is not blind obedience; it is a duty that calls us to love our country unconditionally, but vigilantly. To neglect that duty, to fall asleep to the dangers of complacency, would mark our undoing. It is the one manner in which our patriotism can truly fail. Those of us who love our country (and that is all of us) must continue to debate and to question wherever uncertainty lies. In this manner free countries are guided and maintained. In this way, patriotism shines.
Happy 4th of July!
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Comment by Onesnap
Even though I've been bitchin' about the grand USA as of late, the 4th is a great day. I'm still proud to live here and proud to be an American.
Tomorrow for us will be pretty low key...we will go geocaching in the AM and go to a movie at night. Our 4th of July celebration begins on Friday night in Unity Maine (see my post on 4th of July: Redneck Style).
So I ride my Liberty off into the sunset (aww, how Patriotic)...and I promise I'll be careful with the sparklers around the campfire this weekend! *boom*
Comment by D. Armenta
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As far as the so-called Patriot Act is concerned, I quote a founding father:
"Those who would give up freedom for security don't deserve freedom."
Comment by katyzzz
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Trouble with argument I find the other side always seems to want to shove their opinion down my throat rather that simply present a point of view in a controlled fashion, and accept that there are irreconcilable differences.
A bit of a problem when it comes to war games. For that I have no solution but err on the side of conservatism.
But have a great, fun, free of stress day, and do watch those crackers as has already been advised.
Any excuse to get out of work is a good one for me.
katyzzz
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
I know, opposing views are rarely presented in a cool, calm fashion. Still, loud disagreement is healthier than meek complacency!
Thanks for the well-wishing
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Have a fun 4th!
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Comment by JoshZ
on the first point you kicked the brits to the curb because they were quite distracted by a short french guy with an ego problem they didn't have a name for yet.
Not starting a fight, I've just always wanted to use that line about Napolean.
It was JD Fogerty that said "To question your country's policy, especially in a war that kills people, is definitely not un-American. It's probably the most patriotic thing you can do."
Unfortunately, too many people use their mouth and ears WITHOUT engaging the brain.
Dude, value your freedom. Especially your freedom to think.
JZ
Comment by youranter
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Tales From The Green Lantern
Winston, enjoy your holiday. I don't know how you could think of it as low-key though. Across the ditch, they're going to take the rest of the week off to celebrate. I have to give it to you Yanks, you know how to throw a party.
Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music..............
Comment by JoshZ
Hey, didn't you canucks beat up the americans in some war or another?
JZ
Comment by youranter
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Tales From The Green Lantern
Comment by Wendi
Patriotism is something that's growing on me in age. I didn't grow up in a very patriotic environment and am so used to people slandering the government - for this reason or that (myself included, mind you). However, as I age, I realize that the government is an imperfect body comprised of imperfect people... but that the government isn't America.... we are.
Orble is actually helping me nurture and grow my sense of patriotism. One of the most powerful pieces I've ever read, a piece I actually printed out and taped to the shelf in front of my desk, was written by Nick, and called America the Beautiful . Fourth of July this year also spawned some patriotic goose bumps in Raven's blog, with his post 4th of July - this bird's view .
I don't love everything our government does, and I don't approve of or condone every attitude the American Public presents. We have our flaws, all the way around. And yet, I realize what opportunities exist for me simply because I was born in the right place at the right time. America is a beautiful country, and I'm learning to appreciate it for what it is.
Now, that being said, I'm not about to go tattoo an Eagle on my ass or wear the stars and strips on my chest, but I am beginning to develop some sense of true patriotism, and I think I kinda like it. *smiles*
We avoided the firework displays this year and spent our fourth of July bonding with nature at Mammoth Cave and Nolin Lake. Kentucky is so beautiful, and what better way to enjoy the freedom of our country than by enjoying the natural beauty our country offers?
Great post!
W
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
As for the short French dude, it seems ranter has beaten me to the punch on correcting you on that one. It IS a good line though, and I'll try to set up another chance for you to use it!
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Thanks for not taking credit for slapping us around in 1812. Josh was all set to give you guys some added warfare history!
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
However, as I age, I realize that the government is an imperfect body comprised of imperfect people... but that the government isn't America.... we are.
This is so true, and yet so easy to forget. I'm as guilty as the next person of complaining about "the government". But as you said, all of us make up America, not just some old men and women in Washington, D.C.
That being said, I find it so grating when this person says that person isn't patriotic or hates America. If you disagree with someone, pick apart their argument, present a different view point.....but don't slander a person's love for their country. It's divisive name calling at it's worst level. It probably won't stop any time soon, but we can hope.
Sounds like you had a beautiful day! Ours was fun, but wet. It rained all day long, although we did manage to get the fireworks off the ground. Colorful explosions make everything better