"Patriotism".

I felt I should post something since we received our first "flame".

An upside down flag. How original. For a follow up why not get an animation of a birning[sic] flag.

My intent is not to single this man out; he is merely exercising one of his freedoms, and I respect that. Actually, his comment reminded me why I became involved in politics as a child.

My response was heartfelt:

I do not believe in "flag burning" because the upside-down flag is a peaceful way of showing that I am not pleased with my government's performance.

What the ACLU says about this.

"Because democracy is not a quiet business. Its lifeblood is the free and vibrant exchange of ideas. As New York Times columnist and author Thomas L. Friedman has pointed out, the war on terror is also a war of ideas. How are we going to convince holdouts in other countries about the importance of free speech and civil liberties if we show so little faith in our own?"

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security."
--Benjamin Franklin

"A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government."
--Edward Abbey

"A true patriot always questions his government and its leaders."
--(I cannot remember who said this, but I still remember it from high school.)

I also left out one by mistake:

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
--Voltaire

I have my father to thank for opening my eyes at an early age. I grew up in the era of "Reaganites" and "the Star Wars Defense System". While my peers were busying themselves with Transformers and Barbies (I have nothing against Transformers, but Barbie and her perfect, blond "American girl next door" crap can take a hike), I was busying myself with the CBS Evening News. When we talked about current events in middle school, my hand was always the first one in the air. By the time I was a Senior in high school, it was no surprise that Government was one of my favorite classes, and my teacher hated me for it.

I've always been very outspoken in my political, spiritual, and philosophical views, and I have always encouraged others to be the same way. The only life we have is the present one, and as long as you are not hurting someone else or standing in the way of their rights, then you should be able to live your life how you wish to live it. That is how I believe.

I do not affiliate myself with any party. I consider myself socially liberal and fiscally conservative because it's practical; we need to help our fellow man, and we need to save money so we can continue to do so. I despise corruption in politics, and I am not naive enough to think that only Republicans are corrupt (Hillary Clinton proves this, to me).

And to answer Dr. John, I question the government because that, sir, is what true patriots do.

Tags: [true patriotism]