The Whole Life blog is a place to find stories about faith journeys, ponder the thoughts of selected leaders throughout the interfaith community, and explore ideas about how we inspire one another and connect. The name suggests two ways of thinking: That we are ever seeking those things that lift our spirits, help heal us and make our days a little brighter. And that our reach is inclusive, gathering all who are open to good will across cultures, religions and personal philosophies. After all, we are one world, one people. |
    |
Defining Patriotism
Hadi YazdanPanah
Oct 10, 2008
Recently I had a conversation with an elderly colleague of mine (let us call him Jack) regarding the presidential elections.
According to Jack, ‘It’s over. Barack has won and he will be one of the worst US presidents.“
It turns out that while Jack, a Catholic and staunch conservative republican, voted for JFK therefore proof that he can cross party lines, his biggest question regarding Senator Obama is his patriotism.
“I question his patriotism,“ Jack said.
A recent Google search for “barak obama unpatriotic” returned 1,900,000 hits. The Washington Post has an excellent article that examines Obama’s unpatriotic nature, which is everything from stranding with his back (as were Governor Richardson and Senator Clinton’s) backs to the flag, to his association to a 60’s radical. Weigh those claims against the fact the beauty pageant runner-up Sarah Palin spoke at the Alaskan Independence Party convention less than six-months ago.
Thus the proverbial rhetorical question, “Who is less patriotic, Obama for not wearing a flag pin or Palin for supporting the secession of Alaska from the US?“
The more accurate question one must ask is, “What is patriotism and what does it mean to be an American?“
Is it the size of one’s flag in the yard? (If you are asking the US or Confederate flag, then you are getting the point!)
Is it the size of one’s shotgun mounted above the fireplace?
Is it the number of hotdogs one can eat on 4th of July?
Is the fact that one can only speak English and is proud it?
I would serious like to know what our readers think. What is patriotism and what does it mean to be an American?“
Next entry: Pink Ribbon Woman
Previous entry: Walking for shoes, starting at a NASCAR race
Return to the Whole Life blog »
A Brother and the Pastor of ATLAH WORLD MINISTRIES, in Atlah NY, the Hon. James David Manning, PhD, delivered the following message “God Save America” to his congregation,Saturday, 18 October 2008, regarding Barack Obama and America
http://www.viddler.com/explore/ATLAHWorldwide/videos/27
of Williamsburg
Oct. 27, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Is Obama patriotic, probably as much as his wife, who is proud of America for the first time, and Rev.Wright, who is his minister of 20yrs. Obama’s personal associations explain his patriotism. His proposed programs also explain his like or dislike of America, such as “spread the wealth”. His social justice and redistribute wealth ideas reveal that he does not like America today.
Sarah Palin wears her patriotism on her sleeve. She is upfront is support of American culture, troops and private enterprise. Her personal associations represent hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet, a phrase once associated with describing America.
Hopefully, the US will break into 3-4 countries. It is too diverse with no cultural commonality anymore. Why fight it? Why keep making people like those who do not like them? Why shove together those with different purposes and goals in life? It makes no sense.
Oct. 23, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I think a lot of people are just falling for negative ads, stupid email forwards, and corporate run TV pundit programs.
They’re foolish and ignorant.
Folks all around the world who actually listen to Barack speak are inspired by it, moved by it, and reminded about all the good things that America stands for.
That, my friends, is a patriot.
of Richmond
Oct. 11, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Post a comment