Patriot Day

Sept. 11 is now Patriot day. We all know why, so I won't get into that. Instead, I've decided to repost my essay on Patriotism. I say repost because it was posted on my main website for a while and also on my old myspace blog.

Patriotism-

The simple word “patriotism” means so many different things to so many different people. To some, it means that you put your full trust in the system (in this case, the government) and you would never doubt its decisions or actions. Others think that patriotism simply means belief in the rights that the constitution gives us – speech, press, religion, etc… - and even if they speak out against the government they are still, at heart, true patriots. For others, it is much more simple than that. These are the people who believe that patriotism is the basic love and pride for our country, be it for whatever reason. Then there is another group of people who call themselves patriots, but are they really? These are the people who will fly the American Flag because it is fashionable, yet they will allow the weather to destroy one of the greatest symbols of patriotism. Are these people patriot, or are they just playing with trends?

This is an opinion piece on a subject where I am not even sure of my own opinion. I consider myself patriotic. However, some people would argue with me. I do not fly the American Flag. In fact, there is not even a thought of one in my house (unless it is in a book somewhere). So which group of patriots to I think I belong to? I would say a little of group two and group three. I fully back those certain “unalienable rights” that are given to me and my fellow Americans. I respect my freedoms and the freedoms of others, even if I do not agree with them.

I also love my country for other reasons than those rights that the Constitution gives to me. This is one of the richest countries in the world, not only in wealth, but also in culture. This is the best country in the world because it is the world. The United States is a mini world. We have the rich in the form of individuals. We have development in urban areas. We have third world microcosms in our back yard. Greed, corruption, free enterprise, bureaucrats – while seemingly evil at points is necessary, but I digress. This is not about the “necessary evils” of society. This is about the meaning of patriotism and love for one’s country.

Yes, I enjoy my freedoms. But I also enjoy power. While, I myself, do not have much power, the country that I live in does. Has this power been corrupted? What power hasn’t been? But it still feels good. We are the country with the bombs. We are the world’s unofficial police. Some might say that we are also the world’s bully. Stealing the lunch money from those countries that are struggling to grow. However, the world is truly an uncivilized place. To use the tired clichés, it’s a dog eat dog world, eat or be eaten. I would rather be the big dog, than to be the one cowering in the shadows, fearing that each and every day my government may collapse. The United States is currently too strong and too stubborn to be the one to be bullied. And I find this securing.

While writing this, my husband brought up another good point. He asked if I had become a bigger patriot since he joined the military. After thinking for a while, I came to the conclusion that no, this action did not really cause me to become a bigger patriot. However, it certainly changed my viewpoints regarding patriotism. I do not love my country for what it does, invading and eating smaller governments. I love my country for what it is: a modern day Rome, superpower of the Earth, the elite example of a republic (or the closest thing to it at the moment). I have learned that I can support this country and our soldiers for what they are, however I do not have to support what they do. It seems an odd conflict of emotions, but it works in my heart.

So why do I not fly the American Flag above my home? Why is my car not covered in magnetic yellow ribbons that say “Support Our Troops?” That is not the type of patriot I am. I am the type of patriot who will look up at the Stars and Stripes at sunset and find it a beautiful and moving site. I am the type of patriot who will be there for my husband when he returns home from his tour in Iraq. I am the type of patriot who will show my appreciation for other soldiers with my pride and tears when I see them on the street. I am a Patriot of the United States.

-- April Nicole Loebick

3 Days until Greg Come Home