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Many Faces of American Patriotism
by Zelan Amricao
http://www.mypatriotic.com
Patriotism has almost as many faces in America as there are
Americans. For some, patriotism means unswerving support and
devotion to our flag, our elected officials, our men and
women in uniform. For others, patriotism means criticizing
politicians when they take America in the wrong direction,
protesting in the streets, sometimes even burning the flag.
It is our duty to voice our opinion and question our leaders
when we feel them steering us in the wrong direction. It is
also our duty to vote them out of office when we feel their
leadership is inadequate.
Our country's values are part of patriotism. Human rights
and freedom are what Americans stand for. Our constitution
says that we hold certain truths to be self-evident, all men
are created equal, and that they are endowed with certain
unalienable rights. Patriotism demands that Americans do
what is necessary to protect these values.
America is the home of the brave. A patriotic person is not
afraid. If you allow anyone to intimidate you, you lose your
freedom. We must protect our civil liberties because those
who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little
temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Don't
give into the fear and allow the government to take away any
of your liberties.
We must stand firm and debate governmental policies. We
must honor the values of democracy and exercise our right
to free speech. Patriotic Americans should stay abreast
of current issues and openly discuss these in a public
forum.
In the last hundred years we have significantly disrupted
the ecological balance, which is demonstrated by global
warming, rain forest depletion, diseased and dying coral
reefs, and mass species extinction. The world is under great
pressure to maintain this delicate balance in nature that
has been established over millions of years. We have to
learn to live in harmony with our environment and to chart a
course for a sustainable future. The future of mankind
depends on it.
Citizenship, race and nationalism are advanced patriotism.
Wars and the people who fought them should not be forgotten.
America derives its strength from all citizens regardless of
ethnicity or culture. Compassion and consideration should
be extended to everyone. Basic rights and civil liberties
should always be first. By identifying our shortcomings and
learning from our mistakes, positive changes can be made.
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live," was
said by Martin Luther King, Jr. Our founding fathers were
willing to die to establish this country and its values.
Standing by these values and being ready to fight for them
is what American patriotism is all about.
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