On Patriotism and What It Means To Me.
While patriotism in its truest sense is only a minor evil, in America it has been blown out of proportion into an incredible engine of tyranny. Patriotism has recently, lets say post September 11th, become more a blind acceptance that whatever the president and congress decide is not only right, but also anyone who says otherwise is a pacifist or even an anarchist. This disillusioned atmosphere of "we"ll let the government handle it" has bred some of the most right-smashing laws ever passed. For example the Sedition Act of 1918 states "Anyone who willfully utters, prints, writes, or publishes any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of government of the United States, or the Constitution of the United States, or the military or naval forces of the United States . . . shall be punished by a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment of twenty years, or both." .
Worse and more damaging an emotion to our rights then blind acceptance though is apathy. If one just lies back while the government runs it own course under the umbrella excuse of patriotism, I believe, we the people of the US establish the world's most powerful oligarchy. One with a three-pronged attack of the judicial, executive, and legislative branches. All that is really would take to halt the tyrannical engine of patriotism is keeping people aware of their rights as Americans and getting them to vote their mind. But that is a bigger challenge then it should be with an apathetical public opinion and an ineffective media, one whose primary goal is to market goods rather then to inform.
Yes, Americans are on average lacking. Needing and pleading for help whether they understand it or not. But patriotism is not the answer to their plight.
Being patriotic might be something different to me than it is to others. ... That is being patriotic to me. ... What I remember most though was having to move. ... It is what being patriotic means to me based on life experiences. Patriotism is a way of life. ...
This pledge along with our flag gives us an enormous sense of freedom and patriotism, and sometimes I wonder what our lives would be like without those things. ... However, I believe freedom means having the opportunity everyday to just be myself. ... However, that war has proved to me how lucky we are to have our freedom and patriotism. ... Patriotism is what holds all Americans together. ... In conclusion, freedom and patriotism are what allow us to have are own opinions and have pride in our country enabling us to be strong. ...
Patriotism is the love or devotion to one's country. ... Exhibiting patriotism can be quite simple. ... I have nothing against peace, but whenever my country is attacked, I am ready to go into battle; hence, patriotism is means to me a way for me to protect my country. ... Seeing so, many of our American brothers and sisters die made me feel terrible. ... If they only knew of the great freedom they have, they would not be slandering America's great name.Our country has its flaws, but what country is perfect? ...
Many people debate about what the definition of a patriot is. ... The War in Iraq, the faltering economy, and terrorism have made people very tense about what direction our country is heading. ... Whether its war, public school funding, or the economy people speaking on an issue exemplifies what patriotism truly is. ... Patriotism means something different to everybody. ... To me patriotism means involvement in the process. ...
Patriotism Before this assignment I never really stopped and thought about what the definition of patriotism was or what it means to me. ... According to the Oxford English Dictionary patriotism means "the character or passion of a patriot; love of or zealous devotion to ones country." ... But being patriotic, to me means supporting good things inside this country - volunteering, mentoring, and doing charity work - not just armchair quarterbacking a war. ... That's what bin Laden does. ... That is what we"re trying to stop our enemies from doing. ...
Teachers should emphasize Patriotism and heroes Peter Gibbon is Harvard educator, he thinks students should be patriotism. ... I want to prepare young people to say no the government, but I"m suggesting patriotism means being true and loyal, not to the government, but to the principles which underlie democracy ( Zinn, "Debate"139). ... For my own experience before Columbus was my favorite explorer hero from my history class; however, his contribution made me want to learn more about him, but after I read "Columbus" from Zinn, it made me so disappointed from the past. ... Gibbon response "D...
Teachers should emphasize Patriotism and heroes Peter Gibbon is Harvard educator, he thinks students should be patriotism. ... I want to prepare young people to say no the government, but I"m suggesting patriotism means being true and loyal, not to the government, but to the principles which underlie democracy ( Zinn, "Debate"139). ... For my own experience before Columbus was my favorite explorer hero from my history class; however, his contribution made me want to learn more about him, but after I read "Columbus" from Zinn, it made me so disappointed from the past. ... Gibbon response "D...
The showing of patriotism by Americans that followed was amazing. ... People express their patriotism in different ways. ... Being in the armed forces I needed reassurance that my country was behind me for the job that lied ahead. American flags painted on buildings, flying from trucks, and pinned on clothes was what I needed to see. ... It means people are moving ahead into the future. ...
American Values By Nicolaj Bundesen What are American Values? I decided to ask a few people as to what they thought it was. One person told me that the American dream was to be rich. Another person told me it was having a perfect family situation. ... American Values, it has been said, means different things to different people, but with the same major goal. ...
