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July 17, 2004
Patriots and patriotism
This editorial was written by Teresa Neumann, a good friend here in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Several months ago, I ran into Teresa at a peace rally in Corvallis. There are protesters who gather in front of the Benton County courthouse and on a particular Saturday, they had arranged for busloads of supporters to join them. I was there, sign in hand, and heard a familiar voice. A very loud voice. Teresa has a warrior's heart and fully understands what it means to support our troops. And, she is not afraid to confront lies with truth. Here's what she recently sent to a local paper:
The literal definition of the word 'patriotism,' according to Webster's Dictionary, is: "Devoted love, support, and defense of one's country." Webster defines 'support' as: "to endure, especially with patience or submission.to uphold by aid.to advocate.to support, so as to preserve intact." That said, some who claim to be patriotic clearly do not fit this discription, despite their demand to be accepted as such.Genuine pacifists, whose beliefs prevent them from active military service, I can respect. Many of them serve and defend our country in a non-combatant military capacity, supporting our government in the tough choices that must be made when our homeland is under attack. Most anti-war activists do not earn my respect, however, because all too often, they are simply promoting their own political and personal agendas. Try as they might, their overall aversion to the military in general -- a trademark of the anti-war movement since the 60's -- has been difficult for them to mask during this current war. Even worse, are those so-called "activists" who parrot the anti-American rhetoric and ideologies of our enemies. Not only are they decidely un-patriotic, they are -- by default -- dangerously close to treason.
What then is a patriot? A patriot hates war, but when called to serve, sucks it up and does what must be done. Patriots value teamwork, gladly sacrificing any personal agendas for the greater good. They do not publicly whine or belly-ache, nor would they dream of openly maligning those in leadership. A patriot is pragmatic, knowing nothing will be 100% perfect all the time, and they are proud of their country -- not ashamed of it. Be assured, you will never find a real patriot burning the American flag. True patriots love their country so much, they are willing to lay down their lives for their fellow citizens.
David Brooks, writing in a New York Times column on June 26, gives us an example of what a patriot is NOT, by quoting Michael Moore's rendition of the criminals who killed many of our troops in Iraq: "The Iraqis who have risen up against the occupation are not `insurgents' or `terrorists' or `The Enemy.' They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow - and they will win."
Brooks also reports that in Cambridge, England, Moore told a crowd: "You're stuck with being connected to this country of mine, which is known for bringing sadness and misery to places around the globe." And in Liverpool, he added, "We, the United States of America, are culpable in committing so many acts of terror and bloodshed that we had better get a clue about the culture of violence in which we have been active participants."
Trotting around the globe with his baseball cap and smarmy smile, rest assured, Michael Moore has done nothing to protect -- or defend -- America; indeed, he puts us at greater risk.
In the final analysis, Mark Twain says it best: "In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, Brave, Hated, and Scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot."
Thanks, Teresa. Well spoken. I can't imagine anyone I'd rather stand beside at a protest rally.
Posted by Deb at July 17, 2004 10:40 AM
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