ARE YOU PATRIOTIC?

Do you love your country? Are you willing to sacrifice your life to uphold the principles and values that are considered American? Will you defend the Constitution without hesitation or compunction? Our military will, and they take a sacred oath that binds them to such obligations.

This question is posed to those who have not served in the armed forces, and is in no way meant to impugn or call into question ones patriotism. Rather, it is meant as a way to define patriotism and provide a sense of what it is. The concept is quite large so conciseness may be appropriate.

We should all remember that the United States of America is the product of dissent: first from the British Crown during The American Revolution, second during the Civil War when struggling to define the nation's government served as the catalyst for intra- and interstate turmoil. These tumultuos periods, in addtion to others, helped solidify the foundation of this nation and its values, which have evolved throughtout its brief history.

One may ask what this has to do with patriotism, which would be a legitmate question. Remember one thing: acquiescence must never be mistaken for patriotism. It is with a dissenting voice that women and African-Americans protested laws that legislated inequality...they too were proud Americans. Therefore, those who believe that patriotism can only be exhibited through our willingness to accept our government's decisions, have missed an extremely important point; see first amendment. It is essentially our duty, as citizens, to check and balance our government. Yes we have the three branches of government, but we also have 300 million American citizens who should feel obligated to carry on the properity of our nation. Only if one believes our elected officials always make the right decisions should one remain silent.

This is not to say that we should decry hatred for our policy makers. Neither is it to imply that our government is always wrong, clearly they are not. Transversly, they are not always right, and a true patriot will perfom their duty and inform those who are willing to listen that dissent is sometimes necessary. This makes our nation stronger...the ability to recognize where we are wrong and make adjustments.

There are many ways to display patriotism, but only one nation for which we should display it...The United States of America. If you've never served in the military, public office or held a government position, please do not feel unpatriotic. However, if you don't feel the need to leave this country a better place for the children, therein lies a problem. A true patriot understands that imperfections exist, and in order for the U.S. to sustain its place as the world leader, these imperfections must be addressed. This is the "home of the brave," and it is the brave who are willing to tackle the issues that affect our nation now, and have the potential to affect it in the future. Stand up, be counted, vote, educate yourself and someone else.

SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM, NOT WITH WORDS, BUT WITH DEEDS.