Patriotism is sacrifice
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” – Nathan Hale.
Patriotism is not measured by how much one salutes a flag, how many fireworks one blows up or which way one decides to say The Pledge of Allegiance. Patriotism is measured by what a person is willing to give up to make this country better for all people.
The United States was not made great because the population rose up to fight the British. It was made great because a small group stood up against the tyranny of the monarchy for the rights of everyone. In the era of Enlightenment, our forefathers founded a nation based on freedom.
“Every Generation needs a new revolution.” – Thomas Jefferson.
The government has since been corrupted. Instead of being for the people, by the people and of the people, it is now run by corporations, and corporate profits are placed above the rights of individuals to live a full, engaging and healthy lifestyle. People no longer have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They have the right to life in servitude, financial bondage and the pursuit of wealth.
It is time for a new way of thinking. One that emphasizes not the individual glory of each person or the regional and state pride that requires those in Congress to bring government funds to their home towns. It is time to think of the country first. In order for the U.S. to become greater, everyone must sacrifice for the common good.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” – Abraham Lincoln.
While members in both parties continue to bicker, it is time to recognize that the United States has entered an era where its government is divided in a way that is untenable. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have failed to do their jobs allowing the U.S. Government to come to a grinding halt while they engaged in a pissing match.
“Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,” – Emma Lazarus, inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
When Hale was executed for his part in the Revolutionary War, he didn’t ask what was in it for him. His selfless act and those of every other soldier who have participated in keeping this country free should be honored – not with flag waving, yellow ribbon magnets and patriotic chants but by following in their footsteps. Putting the country and others above the self may be the hardest thing that the citizens of the U.S. have ever done.
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy.
Be proud to be an American, celebrate the glorious history of this country, and then ask what you can do to make the United States better for everyone.
Patriotism is not measured by how much one salutes a flag, how many fireworks one blows up or which way one decides to say The Pledge of Allegiance. Patriotism is measured by what a person is willing to give up to make this country better for all people.
The United States was not made great because the population rose up to fight the British. It was made great because a small group stood up against the tyranny of the monarchy for the rights of everyone. In the era of Enlightenment, our forefathers founded a nation based on freedom.
“Every Generation needs a new revolution.” – Thomas Jefferson.
The government has since been corrupted. Instead of being for the people, by the people and of the people, it is now run by corporations, and corporate profits are placed above the rights of individuals to live a full, engaging and healthy lifestyle. People no longer have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They have the right to life in servitude, financial bondage and the pursuit of wealth.
It is time for a new way of thinking. One that emphasizes not the individual glory of each person or the regional and state pride that requires those in Congress to bring government funds to their home towns. It is time to think of the country first. In order for the U.S. to become greater, everyone must sacrifice for the common good.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” – Abraham Lincoln.
While members in both parties continue to bicker, it is time to recognize that the United States has entered an era where its government is divided in a way that is untenable. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have failed to do their jobs allowing the U.S. Government to come to a grinding halt while they engaged in a pissing match.
“Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,” – Emma Lazarus, inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
When Hale was executed for his part in the Revolutionary War, he didn’t ask what was in it for him. His selfless act and those of every other soldier who have participated in keeping this country free should be honored – not with flag waving, yellow ribbon magnets and patriotic chants but by following in their footsteps. Putting the country and others above the self may be the hardest thing that the citizens of the U.S. have ever done.
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy.
Be proud to be an American, celebrate the glorious history of this country, and then ask what you can do to make the United States better for everyone.