Showing posts with label true patriotism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label true patriotism. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Obama on Patriotism
If you haven't already checked this out, here is Obama's speech on Patriotism that he gave on Monday. I'm sure its likely you haven't heard much about it, because the media seems far too concerned about kissing John McCain's ass and bitching about Wes Clark being such a jackass by telling the truth.
It's just as compelling speech as Obama's "More Perfect Union" speech he gave during the whole Wright BS storm. It once again shows why Obama is not the typical candidate, and why he should be our next President.
Also, check out this wonderful analysis by Al Giordano at The Field. It is a wonderful post, and truly brings up some good points for those on the left who are panicking about Obama's "perceived" move to the center (present company included).
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Don't tread on me
As anybody who knows me understands, I love this country. I love our sense of independence, and our vast freedoms to be who we choose to be, not what someone tells us to be. I love that we have no state religion or language, and that we refuse to dip our flag to foreign leaders during the Olympics. Although not as easy as it used to be, I love the idea that any American can rise from obscurity just through hard work and determination. I have read the Constitution, and marvel in the words of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.
However, there is one thing I do not do, one thing that might result in some people questioning my love for my country. I don't put my hand over my heart during the national jingoistic displays.
Yes, I don't put my hand over my heart for "The Star Spangled Banner" or "The Pledge of Allegiance". I haven't since high school, and I don't intend to start doing it now. Instead, I stand respectfully with my hands clasped in front of me.
Why do I do this? The symbolism, of course. I don't need to be told how to show my respect to my country. Saluting flags and standing at attention and all that other crap is something far too militaristic, far too anti-democratic to my tastes.
As far as the Pledge of Allegiance is concerned, I go even farther and don't recite the pledge. After all, this isn't some fascist police state (yet). Our rights are derived from nature, not from the benevolence of Uncle Sam.
Thus, I can't understand why people jump all over Barack Obama for not kowtowing to the American flag during the national anthem. If he so chooses to stand with his hands at his waist, so be it. I'm certain he loves this country, and respects those who have died for it.
If you choose to put your hand over your heart, by all means do so. If you wish to stand respectfully, go ahead and do it. Hell, if you wish to stand disrespectfully, or not even stand at all, go ahead. Some people may not like it, but that is the way it goes in a free society. They'll get over it, in time.
To me, patriotism is standing up for what you believe. I believe in a free and open society, one where your love of country is shown through actions, not just hollow words and salutes. We fought a war over sixty years ago against two nations built upon jingoism and hollow nationalism. I'll be damned if I let this country that I love turn into one of those nations.
However, there is one thing I do not do, one thing that might result in some people questioning my love for my country. I don't put my hand over my heart during the national jingoistic displays.
Yes, I don't put my hand over my heart for "The Star Spangled Banner" or "The Pledge of Allegiance". I haven't since high school, and I don't intend to start doing it now. Instead, I stand respectfully with my hands clasped in front of me.
Why do I do this? The symbolism, of course. I don't need to be told how to show my respect to my country. Saluting flags and standing at attention and all that other crap is something far too militaristic, far too anti-democratic to my tastes.
As far as the Pledge of Allegiance is concerned, I go even farther and don't recite the pledge. After all, this isn't some fascist police state (yet). Our rights are derived from nature, not from the benevolence of Uncle Sam.
Thus, I can't understand why people jump all over Barack Obama for not kowtowing to the American flag during the national anthem. If he so chooses to stand with his hands at his waist, so be it. I'm certain he loves this country, and respects those who have died for it.
If you choose to put your hand over your heart, by all means do so. If you wish to stand respectfully, go ahead and do it. Hell, if you wish to stand disrespectfully, or not even stand at all, go ahead. Some people may not like it, but that is the way it goes in a free society. They'll get over it, in time.
To me, patriotism is standing up for what you believe. I believe in a free and open society, one where your love of country is shown through actions, not just hollow words and salutes. We fought a war over sixty years ago against two nations built upon jingoism and hollow nationalism. I'll be damned if I let this country that I love turn into one of those nations.
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