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The Faces of Patriotism
by Zelan Amricao
http://www.mypatriotic.com
Many Americans feel patriotism means unswerving support and
devotion to our flag. Patriotism is also supporting our
elected officials, and men and women of the Armed Forces.
Others feel that patriotism means questioning our
politicians, protesting in the streets and burning the flag.
It is our duty as Americans, to question the decisions of
our leaders. On election day if our leaders are not
guiding our country in the desired path, Americans should
vote them out of office.
Our country's values are part of patriotism. Human rights
and freedom are what Americans stand for. Our constitution
says that we hold certain truths to be self-evident, all men
are created equal, and that they are endowed with certain
unalienable rights. Patriotism demands that Americans do
what is necessary to protect these values.
A patriotic person is not afraid; we are the home of the
brave. Allowing someone to intimidate us loosens our
freedom. Protecting our civil liberties is essential and
don't give in to fear nor allow the government to remove
any of our liberties.
We must stand firm and debate governmental policies. We
must honor the values of democracy and exercise our right
to free speech. Patriotic Americans should stay abreast
of current issues and openly discuss these in a public
forum.
Disruption of the balance of the ecological systems has
occurred within the last hundred years. Global warming,
rain forest depletion, diseased and dying coral reefs and
mass species extinction are all due to our inability to
live harmoniously with the environment. We have failed on
many levels and the futurity of mankind depends on our
successful relationship with our environment.
Citizenship, race and nationalism are advanced patriotism.
Wars and the people who fought them should not be forgotten.
America derives its strength from all citizens regardless of
ethnicity or culture. Compassion and consideration should
be extended to everyone. Basic rights and civil liberties
should always be first. By identifying our shortcomings and
learning from our mistakes, positive changes can be made.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, 'A man who won't die for
something is not fit to live.' Our country was established
because our founding fathers were willing to die to
establish this great country on human values. American
patriotism means standing by those values and being ready to
die for them.
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