Patrronizing Patriotism

Today is Independence Day, the anniversary of the birth of not only a new nation, but a new sense of optimism, of idealism. Surely we owe the Founders the respect they deserve, as do we owe those who gave their lives to defend these ideals the World.

The love of this great country of ours is an undying commitment. However, how do we measure one's devotion? Is it by waving the American Flag on a daily basis( with more and bigger equaling more patriotic)? Is it by unreluctantly supporting every action that our government partakes in, whether right or wrong?

A true patriot can not be evaluated through superficial activities, nor can he or she be questioned due to dissent.

Too many times, there are those who equate what is all things Christian, conservative, and white, with being "American". Too many times, those critical of the status quo are casted out of the realm of Americanism.

In a recent CNN poll, 90% of those surveyed believe that Senator John McCain, while only 75% believe Senator Barack Obama is. Yes, this does indicate that a vast majority of Americans think Obama loves his country, but what of the 25%? Does choosing not to serve in the military over helping the poorest members of society, or speaking out against an unjust war, or being a member of the Democratic Party, or being married to someone who pointed out past transgressions of the country she loves, make Barack Obama anti-American?

Let's face it, if he was, he would not be in the Senate. If he was, he'd not be running for the highest office in the land.

In the days after September 11, those who would invoke the mildest of criticisms of the Bush Administration would be marked. Millions, including myself, were spat upon in our opposition to the invasion of Iraq. Was our opposition a showing of unpatriotism? Quite the contrary; true patriots let their countrymen know when their country is heading toward a wayward path.

This Nation of ours was not founded by fearful men; it took the highest degree of brevity to resist authority in the defense of liberty. It should be no suprise then, that a man like Thomas Jefferson would say that "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism".
Or Robert F. Kennedy pointng out that, "The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country."

In the spirit of these brave men, let's thank God we're allowed to dissent without retribution...it's why I celebrate the 4th.

The Price of Staying Home...or switching.

Note: I wrote this blog last month; it's been a while since I've posted on Blogger.
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I wanted to take this opportunity to address the problem of the 17% of Clinton supporters who claim that they will vote for Sen. McCain and the 22% of them who will not vote in the general election at all(source CNN).

For almost four decades, Hillary Rodham Clinton has dedicated her life to public service; fighting for universal healthcare, women's rights, gay rights, and countless other causes. During the last 16 months, the junior Senator from New York presented a platform that greatly contrasts with the policies of Bush/McCain. It would be a great disservice to Senator Clinton by her supporters if they do not help bring about the change that she was calling for in November by backing Senator Obama.

No one can really deny that 2009 will bring about a strong Democratic majority in both houses of Congress. There will be numerous bills dealing with healthcare, education, labor rights, greenhouse emissions reduction, civil liberties, and so on and so forth.

Clinton supporters who would advocate such legislation should reconsider their reluctance to support Barack Obama, particularly when the only alternative would be electing a Republican President who would veto these bills.

Clinton supporters should realize that Roe v. Wade can be overturned by a Supreme Court re-shaped by a McCain Presidency. Are they really willing to take such a risk?

I find it hard to believe that these so-called "progressives", who have been fighting the Republican agenda for the last 16 months with Hillary would want to derail their own ideals. They can blaim the defeat of Sen. Clinton on mysoginy all they want, but looking back with bitterness is not going to help anyone but the status quo.

Now is not the time for bitterness. The stakes in 2008 are way too high. Hillary has called for party unity, and her supporters should follow her lead.