My thoughts on patriotism
I recently was involved in a misunderstanding with someone whom I respect that has a different view than I on the state of our country right now. While I have no need to change hearts or minds, it's my hope that the following quote and video will help others understand my mindset, and at least think outside of their own box for a moment. I consider my dissent against our present government to be the truest form of patriotism, but I support YOUR right to disagree with me. That very right is under attack by this administration. . .
"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else" ----- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
posted by John Good @ 9:45 PM
9 Comments:
pa-tri-ot-ism pey-tree-uh-tiz-uhm
–noun devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.
n. Love of and devotion to one's country.
n : love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
I didn't see anything in the definition that says anything about the President or stance on war. In fact, I believe if one is devoted to their country and supports it, then they have a patriotic obligation to fight and defend it's honor and dignity (and it's constitution).
I have already heard 2 Bushusefools say and I quote, "Bush is America".
This statement is reflective of a Fascist quality. The Head of State is the State.
So many sick bastards believe it.
This bunch stole election after election, attacked us on 911, invaded 2 countries that were no threat to our Nation in anyway, killed over 100,000 Humans and maimed many more.
Anybody who supports the Bush Regime(which includes the Democratic Party misLeadership) is not being Patriotic.
We need a full accounting. They need to pay for what they did.
I am SO going to read this book!!
I agree with all three of you. Dissent IS Patriotic..and ESSENTIAL right now.
You actually heard someone say that "Bush is America?"
You have got to be kidding me...
I have not liked any of our Presidents at all since Ronald Reagon...
I do agree that the current Bush is the worst of the last three... Then Clinton... Then Bush's daddy...
Mike Sylvester
Yes Mike. Both people believe he was also chosen by God. Maybe he was. The People sure did not elect him.
I had some fascist bitch in a Lincoln Navigator call me on my bumper sticker today. "Somewhere in Texas. . .a village is missing it's idiot".
"Excuse me, what does that mean"
"What"? I replied.(I wasn't looking her way when she addressed me)
She read it back to me.
I replied "It means that Bush needs to be sent home".
She says "You're wrong. You don't belong here".
I said "Whatever. Most of America agrees with me", and got in my car.
These compassionate conservatives just slay me. . .I disagree with you. . .now, leave! Whatever!
Next time someone questions your patriotism, ask them to name the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. When they can't answer - and most Neoconvicts can't - recite them back to them.
Freedom of religion; freedom of speech; freedom of the press; freedom to peaceably assemble; freedom to petition the government. Not the exact wording, but the point will be made. However, if you want to quote it verbatim: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Then ask them why they're not patriotic enough to even learn one opart of the bill of rights.
Of course, every now and then, a Neoconvict or two will be able to plead the Fifth!
Point taken Mr. Good. I very much understand, even see, and respect your point of view. And you have broadened my perspective on the topic in general.
It's SO easy for things to become blurred, and today's "media" just exacerbates the problem. It's as if true journalism has disappeared from our country. Most media outlets anymore just repeat whatever lame releases they are given by this administration, and this has gone on for years now. There are no investigative reports, opinions, or even basic research done.
If our citizens are only getting one point of view, they cannot possibly make an informed decision. The only thing that I can do about this situation is to talk about it, report what I find, and give you the facts behind my reasoning. The choice of what to beleive is yours, the reader's.
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