Knee-jerk patriotism

[MR.?]

Since September 11th, a rebirth in patriotism has spawned. Americans all over the country now place our symbol of freedom, the flag, on their cars and post flags from their homes. This display of patriotism seems to be far too convenient and vogue. Is our nations new display of patriotism disingenuous?
Why in times of war and conflict do we find citizens of our nation rallying behind the government supporting military action, yet Americans remain apathetic and disconcerted with the election process? Patriotism shouldnt be used only as a defense and justificatin of war. Obviously, each individuals interpretation of patriotism varies greatly.
What is the true definition of patriotism? With all the mitigating factors that seem to divide and separate Americans along social, economic and cultural lines. How can we really say that we are a nation united? Will our heighten sense of patriotism fade in the coming months?
I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on the true meaning of patriotism and what it means to them.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Many foreign obersvers have called our country the United States of Amnesia. Weren't we attacked by terrorists in 1993, 1998 and 2000?

Our countryhas grown so immensely wealthy (our Federal budget is $2 trillion - 2,000,000,000,000.00 can you even fathom that) that people are more concerned day to day over getting their slice of that than about the fact that America is a country that must be maintained and at times protected.

Foreigners will tell you that Americans have no concept of the rest of the world or that others are out there. Septmeber 11th was a real reminder that YES there is a "rest of the world" and yes many of them hate us.

The prosperity of the 1990's (Clinton supporters love to say it was because of him) hastened the demise of our nation. (Is that Clinton too?) Those who were well off at the start of the 90s became extremely wealthy, but if you had nothing to start teh 90s, you are even worse off now. The gap between wealth and poverty grew considerable and eventually, our nation will become an oligarchy, then a dictatorship, and finally, revolution. Read history.

Now, as to recent patriotism, it;s all a show of bullshit. You want to see patriotism, go out to a military post. Walk around Ft. Benning GA (home of Army Infantry) and talk to some of the students about going to war. (Like I did last week) You'll see real patriots. These guys aren't flag wavers (like the suburban mothers you see with a flag sticker on the Grand Cherokee).

These are guys who understand all too seriously that the true price of a place like America is not taxes but dead soldiers. These guys want peace like no others, but prepare for war. That is patriotism, not all this recent shit that you see around you.

 

[MR.?]

Matt,

Thanks your your insight on this matter. I totally agree with you, sacrificing one's life for their country is the most honorable and vivid display of patriotism.

Many people use war as a symbol of patriotism. However, I feel patriotism covers a broader range of beliefs, sacfricies and ideology. Exercising the right to vote, utilizing the opportunity provided by the laws and beliefs of our country are some of the other forms of patriotism I recognize.

I mentioned in my initial post the apparent sense of disparity and divide in our nation. A true patriot would not only be willing to sacrifice themselves in times of war, but would also be willing to sacrifice time, money and their ideas. I do believe to build a better nation, citizens must be willing to recognize something much bigger than themselves and dedicate their individual strenghts through teaching and mentoring.

I think the greatest sin of all can be well described by a quote from Dante.(forgive me if i miss quote).....

"God reserves the hotest places in hell, for those in time of moral conflict, choose neutarality."

This quote symbolizes the deepth at which patriotism or faith in any nation can be weakned when people choose to remain inactive and apthetic when change is neccessary.

 

[MR.?]

bump!

 

[VicTusDeuS]

I'm a pussy, i'd probably crap my pants if I had to go to war. On the other hand I live less than 15 Min away from the WTC and I saw first hand the goings-on on Sept 11th. The anger I have from that alone would probably give me the courage to fight in any kinda war.

I think most peoples patriotism is through the anger they have because they feel somewhat violated by what happened on Sept 11. The US is supposed to be the safest place in the world yet we were probably the most vulnerable. We let people stay on expired visas, let too many people into our country without screening them and didnt have good protection at our airports..Go to Isreal any time before Sept 11th and try to get on a plane with a plastic knife. That country is probably the safest in terms of securty.

 

[the People's Champ]

I'm a pussy, i'd probably crap my pants if I had to go to war.

what about those in the draft in previous wars? to all of those that are the military, they aren't any braver than you are sitting in front of your television, they are just closer to the action and have to respond to it. put it this way for subject's sake, if there was an invasion from another country in your neighborhood, you wouldn't run away, now would you? fear is what most people feel when facing the unknown, shooting someone for the first time is a harrowing experience for the average person. sheit, if I was ever called up to duty when I was still in, I would be scared shitless, but you know what? that doesn't mean I have to compromise the cost of freedom of this country.

 

[LeviathanX]

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

[spongebob]

long gone are the days of what patiotism really meant. we had an event that brought us together, i for one feel that regardless of when you show your patiotism, you have a right to show the way you want.

we love our country during a crises like this(its called rallying behind the flag) it helps boost presidential ratings.

lets get past the superficial reprsentation of patriotism when its convenient and be thankful we can have patriotism at our choosing. im proud to be an american.

 

[dimitrios]

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST THREAD I HAVE READ. I was born AMERICAN and I will die AMERICAN. I will go and fight in war if needed so my family will be able to have the freedom that I have.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

 

[VooDoo Lady]

"Those who were well off at the start of the 90s became extremely wealthy, but if you had nothing to start teh 90s, you are even worse off now. The gap between wealth and poverty grew considerable and eventually, our nation will become an oligarchy, then a dictatorship, and finally, revolution."

This is complete BS. I started 1991 with nothing and by the end of 1999 had an annual income of six figures. I think you are mixing up Reganomics with Clintons tax, economic plans. If you will recall Clinton had the budget balanced the last several years of his second term. We were actually cutting into the horrid deficit Regan and Bush put together for us, and the country was strong. Why do you think Clinton was able to weather all the crap he did. One reason was that the country and its citizens were doing very well, and when people are happy they tend to be very forgiving. Clinton never sold out the future of your children by spending trillions of dollars more than he had like Regan did.

As for this new found patriotism, all I can say is phony. After Pearl Harbor the enlistment offices were full of boys and men wanting to sign up and fight for their country. Families were encouraging their sons to go off and fight for liberty. The country gave up almost all but the bare necessities to make the war effort strong. Today no one ran out after 911 to join up. Today we sit behind a TV and watch a guy sit behind a control panel while he launches weapons a thousand miles away from their targets. We wave flags today and then complain about long lines in airports. We on boards like this bitch and complain about the DEA, FBI, ATF, CIA, etc, all of which are FEDERAL agencies, and all of which are a part of that flag waving so proudly in our yards. I could rant for days on this subject but will spare everyone and stop now.

dex