Isn't about time we progressives took back the American flag? I am tired of being cast as anti-American for asking questions. Aren't you?
What is the nature of being patriotic?
When I hear the word "patriotic", I think of a man in a blue suit with a lapel pin. I think of Joe the Plumber and his simplistic rendition of a country that is always right. I think of my old boss that was the first to wear a flag on his shirt, but then closed the factory and moved it to Mexico. The new "patriots" don't ask questions. They vote for things without reading them. When it is pointed out to them you get a version of "love it or leave it".
There must be a distinction drawn between blindly nationalistic and patriotic. I consider myself patriotic. Here is what I believe should be the definition of patriotic:
It is my civic duty to keep informed. I follow the media and the opinions of my countrymen. It is through exhausting effort that my positions on issues are formed.
I shop for products at local shops. I buy American when possible and encourage others to do the same. Ghandi's most successful campaign was getting the Indian public to keep their money in the country.
I vote for people that I believe have the interest of the lowliest of us in mind. Poverty is on the rise and I think that is not acceptable. Government is meant to serve the interests of all, not simply those well off enough to give donations. I support public campaign finance and check the box every time on my tax form. I also support what the British call the Alternative vote or Run off voting. But voting is the most patriotic act that can be done. I vote in every election I can.
I celebrate the plucky nature of our national character. I know that we have problems, but we are only a few generations away from being cowboys, slaves, and Wobblies. We disagree, but isn't that the point? We are a diverse people of varying educational and economic backgrounds. Unity is overrated, I'd prefer a rational argument over mindless unity.
I write love letters to congressmen when they stand up for what I believe in. It's not enough to write when you have a problem, praise emboldens those who wish to stand up for our rights.
I support civil servants. Soldiers, teachers, firefighters, policemen, city aldermen, and sanitation workers are serving our community and deserve a pedestal. Not to mention a fine income and healthcare.
I read and study the history of our people. You can't know where we are going if you can't see where we've been. I listen to the voices of my grandparents who told me what the Great Depression was like. I never want to see anyone eating ketchup soup because it's all that is available. My support for social programs is based on knowing the alternative. History is a gateway to understanding. You might be surprised how many people don't know that many died for a 40 hour work week.
You, dear reader, can be a patriot. You can make the country a place worth defending. The revolution has never stopped. It is a never ending struggle to keep and broaden our rights. Thus concludes the rant!