Patriotism

Today, the 4th of July is reserved for talking about patriotism and what it means to us. For many, it's all about flying the Flag, wearing flag pins, hanging magnets on their vehicles and watching fireworks. None of these things seems particularly patriotic to me, but that's just me. I'm all about the Constitution of the USA and the Bill of Rights. Patriotism to me is believing in the Constitution and working towards fulfilling it's promises. Hoping that someday its promise of equal justice for all will be forth coming.

This is a presidential election year, which typically means the Republicans proclaiming that Democrats and liberals are not patriotic. Republicans follow Reagan's belief in "unambivalent National pride". In other words, where patriotism is concerned there is no room for self-criticism or humility. The world needs to know that the USA is #1, populated by God's chosen people and if the USA does it....by definition it is the right and moral thing to do. It has always confused me that many Republicans proclaim their love for their country while at the same time stating how much they dislike it's government.

We have already seen questions from Republicans concerning Barack Obama's patriotism. But by now we should be used to that. I'm sure the attacks are just begining.

Patriotism is not saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, it is not singing the national antham or flying the Flag on holidays. Patriotism is born of love of country. But to me, the Constitution defines the USA, not a flag or a song or a pledge. Forget about handing out flags on the 4th of July. How about giving every person a pocket copy of the US Constituttion?