What is Patriotism?

From WorkingForChange:

We have become so divisive as a nation, beholden to our political parties of self-righteousness that we are unable to place love of country ahead of Democrat and Republican. Republicans are unable to look objectively at how this administration may have needlessly and recklessly taken the country to war any more than I fear Democrats would, had it been their figurehead occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

If patriotism is indeed love of country, then its definition must include its people: all of its people. Patriotism is not exclusively acknowledging the heroics of our armed forces at the State of the Union Address while failing to recognize the millions whose unemployment benefits did not last as long as their ongoing job search. Patriotism is not a political tool to be used in conjunction with wedge issues to stir the emotions of ordinary citizens, enacting economic policies that primarily benefit major campaign contributors or demanding that only low-income families make sacrifices during times of war.

Love and concern for the country, including its people, is the patriotic responsibility of every American.

Indeed. Click here for more.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$