Patriotism

What exactly is Patriotism?
This is a provocative question posed to me this weekend. Is it a feeling, an act or both? Let's examine it closely. Patriotism assumes that we have borders to defend, that we have justifiable enemies. Patriotism assumes that "we are the good guys", it assumes we've done the right thing.

Patriotism assumes that if we are the good guys, well then the other country must be the bad guys. We have the "forces" and they have the "terrorists or militias" ask yourself, which one sounds better? We have the "operations" and they have the "bombings or terrorism" ... again ask yourself, which one sounds better? Would you rather be a "Soldier, Marine, 'contracted security guard', an Officer or would you rather to be an 'insurgent' or 'terrorist'?

On this July 4th weekend, I ask that we all STOP and think for a minute what exactly does Patriotism mean to you. Patriotism shares many values with Religion and Nationalism in that it assumes boundaries that later justify acts of war. If you can appeal to peoples nationalism, religion or patriotism then you can convince them to do certain things on behalf of their country and religion. These are the roots of war.

It's time to start thinking globally. With the internet and technology age upon us we have an obligation to reach out to all of humanity. The primitive thinking of "us versus them" has to end now. Let's move to another place and realize we all need each other and that our imperialism and our wars have alienated many. We are victims of our own greed and thirst for power. We are a country driven by money and power as we ignore the blood we've shed on other soil and lies our leaders have perpetuated. So on this July 4th weekend I'll hold off on my blind "we are the good guys" celebration and tears. I would rather celebrate the independence of the world from the U.S. imperialism. The world would like to see a "COMPASSIONATE" leadership, if any. And the U.S. doesn't see any MONEY that can be made with compassion. Wars make money not compassion, understanding and negotiating.

So in towns all over the U.S. we have a weekend to party, relax and enjoy barbecues with family and friends. Most will see it as just another weekend to have fun. They won't stop to think about who we are and what we've done. It's no coincident to me that this holiday is symbolized by fireworks; not by hugs or kisses, not by silence or music but the symbols of explosives, and rockets. Explosives were created to kill people but we've given it a different face. We've given explosives a happy side to it. Just like all the wars are portrayed in our history books.

God Bless America today and may God Bless the world including all of our "enemies". May we find a common ground to help one another. May we have the strength to induce change in this broken country to take care of our own first and then to reach out to others in need.
Cheers to all!