Comments on: The meaning of patriotism http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: A.M. Deist http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786952 A.M. Deist Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:07:51 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786952 Some would have you believe that patriotism is a term used to describe the mental activities of those who agree with us. With everyone thinking about our independence and the troops risking their lives in the Middle East to maintain our freedom, maybe someone will convince President Obama that if we are going to war, we need to spare no expense for our troops. How many have been killed because they don't have the proper equipment to protect them against explosive devices? Sad that a country that considers itself the most powerful nation on earth has to depend on families to send flack vests to their family members because our past Administration chose to go to war on the cheap. We should all be ashamed of ourselves. As soon as men decide that all means are permitted to fight an evil, then their good becomes indistinguishable from the evil that they set out to destroy. - The Judgment of the Nations, Christopher Dawson Some would have you believe that patriotism is a term used to describe the mental activities of those who agree with us. With everyone thinking about our independence and the troops risking their lives in the Middle East to maintain our freedom, maybe someone will convince President Obama that if we are going to war, we need to spare no expense for our troops. How many have been killed because they don't have the proper equipment to protect them against explosive devices? Sad that a country that considers itself the most powerful nation on earth has to depend on families to send flack vests to their family members because our past Administration chose to go to war on the cheap. We should all be ashamed of ourselves.

As soon as men decide that all means are permitted to fight an evil, then their good becomes indistinguishable from the evil that they set out to destroy. – The Judgment of the Nations, Christopher Dawson

]]> By: A.J. http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786889 A.J. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:56:37 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786889 Well, since this has turned all political, I must say that patriotism probably involves not letting North Korea and Iran have free reign with nuclear technology. I don't think it involves trying to reinstate Chavex wannabes who were kicked out by their own supreme court either. (The Honduras.) Well, since this has turned all political, I must say that patriotism probably involves not letting North Korea and Iran have free reign with nuclear technology. I don't think it involves trying to reinstate Chavex wannabes who were kicked out by their own supreme court either. (The Honduras.)

]]> By: Duane G. Jamison http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786879 Duane G. Jamison Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:42:19 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786879 here, here, David, and thank you here, here, David, and thank you

]]> By: Tim Gibson http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786829 Tim Gibson Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:36:46 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786829 Patriotism, is often a single voice. Patriotism, is often a single voice.

]]> By: toni http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786822 toni Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:24:25 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786822 Patriotism is a love of your country and ALL your fellow countrymen whether dem or republican, whether you agree with them or not -patriotism is allowng those who disagree with you the right to disagree. Patriotism is a love of your country and ALL your fellow countrymen whether dem or republican, whether you agree with them or not -patriotism is allowng those who disagree with you the right to disagree.

]]> By: Sabrina in Las Vegas http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786760 Sabrina in Las Vegas Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:34:05 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786760 Patriotism is knowing that we have unalienable rights regardless of who is governing us. We have the right to tell our leaders where we feel they are doing good and where they are falling short. A true leader takes the critiques and in the face of adversity says "let's dig in and get to work, these people are depending on US." We believe in the ability to pull ourselves up if we are given the true opportunity. Happy 4th of July to all across this vast, diverse nation. Patriotism is knowing that we have unalienable rights regardless of who is governing us. We have the right to tell our leaders where we feel they are doing good and where they are falling short.

A true leader takes the critiques and in the face of adversity says "let's dig in and get to work, these people are depending on US."

We believe in the ability to pull ourselves up if we are given the true opportunity.

Happy 4th of July to all across this vast, diverse nation.

]]> By: Mari http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786730 Mari Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:21:59 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786730 The definition by Edward R. Murrow, is my favorite. Patriotism is not agreement. Nor is it blindly or naively following a leader without question. As part of the Baby Boom generation, I was in high school during the turmoil of the late 60's. The protests against the Vietnam war, the support of Civil Rights all formed me. We must continue to speak out, to be free to dissent, to protest injustice and fight for our freedom. We can not take for granted the freedom of speech, or the freedom to dissent....... indeed no freedom should be taken for granted. Happy Fourth everyone! The definition by Edward R. Murrow, is my favorite. Patriotism is not agreement. Nor is it blindly or naively following a leader without question.

As part of the Baby Boom generation, I was in high school during the turmoil of the late 60's. The protests against the Vietnam war, the support of Civil Rights all formed me.

We must continue to speak out, to be free to dissent, to protest injustice and fight for our freedom. We can not take for granted the freedom of speech, or the freedom to dissent....... indeed no freedom should be taken for granted.

Happy Fourth everyone!

]]> By: mycotype http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786724 mycotype Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:50:30 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786724 It's useful to know with certainty what isn't patriotic before voting for a leader of this country. Almost 50% of the electorate seem to have no clue... It's useful to know with certainty what isn't patriotic before voting for a leader of this country. Almost 50% of the electorate seem to have no clue...

]]> By: Lori http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786669 Lori Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:22:17 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786669 Being an American is having a combination of courage, willingness, readiness, and ability to take actions supporting justice and our institutional values while maintaining open-mindedness for self-monitoring, re-evaluation, and recrudescence. Being and American Patriot is loyalty to democracy and belief that we will endure adversity, turbulance and assault, because our foundation is true, right , unerodible, and robust. Being an American is having a combination of courage, willingness, readiness, and ability to take actions supporting justice and our institutional values while maintaining open-mindedness for self-monitoring, re-evaluation, and recrudescence.

Being and American Patriot is loyalty to democracy and belief that we will endure adversity, turbulance and assault, because our foundation is true, right , unerodible, and robust.

]]> By: Claudia, Houston, Tx http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786648 Claudia, Houston, Tx Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:50:01 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786648 Two of our so called governors view patroitism going against the grain and succeeding from the Union and leaving the military that hail from their States high and dry without a State in the union to return to. Two of our so called governors view patroitism going against the grain and succeeding from the Union and leaving the military that hail from their States high and dry without a State in the union to return to.

]]> By: karin dicker Los Angeles http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-786554 karin dicker Los Angeles Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:53:00 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-786554 I think it is VERY patriotic to not want wars of choice and the deaths of so many soldiers for nothing, and saying that. I deon't forget the injured either. I think it is VERY patriotic to want everyone to have healthcare and housing and to live in a country that doesn't torture or have blacksites. The republicans almost took away my wonderful feelings for this country but I went to the Hollywood Bowl tonight for a 4th of July concert. And i went to dc a month ago. Yay. I am 61...George Bush is the least patriotic man I have seen. A phoney. I think it is VERY patriotic to not want wars of choice and the deaths of so many soldiers for nothing, and saying that. I deon't forget the injured either. I think it is VERY patriotic to want everyone to have healthcare and housing and to live in a country that doesn't torture or have blacksites. The republicans almost took away my wonderful feelings for this country but I went to the Hollywood Bowl tonight for a 4th of July concert. And i went to dc a month ago. Yay. I am 61...George Bush is the least patriotic man I have seen. A phoney.

]]> By: Annie Kate http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-784395 Annie Kate Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:31:29 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-784395 Benjamin Franklin said of patriotism: Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. and.... Where liberty dwells, there is my country I think that describes at least one facet of patriotism very well. Benjamin Franklin said of patriotism:

Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

and....

Where liberty dwells, there is my country

I think that describes at least one facet of patriotism very well.

]]> By: Rose from Muscoy, Calif http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783992 Rose from Muscoy, Calif Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:01:33 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783992 Patriot to me, is someone who loves, and support and defend their beloved country, no matter what under the Constitutions of the United States. Patriot to me, is someone who loves, and support and defend their beloved country, no matter what under the Constitutions of the United States.

]]> By: Nick, Florida http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783925 Nick, Florida Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:32:39 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783925 Too often when writing about patriosm some years later we fail to use the right measurements. The yard stick of patriotism isn't simple and cannot be applied using today's standards or today's evolved opinion. Like art, patriotism is a difficult thing to judge and one does so often at his own peril. is John W. Booth much different from Thomas Jefferson? Both defended our country at great personal peril acting out against what they viewed as tyranny. Almost nothing separates the patriots on any two sides. Opinions evolve in favor of the winners; they always will. Too often when writing about patriosm some years later we fail to use the right measurements. The yard stick of patriotism isn't simple and cannot be applied using today's standards or today's evolved opinion. Like art, patriotism is a difficult thing to judge and one does so often at his own peril. is John W. Booth much different from Thomas Jefferson? Both defended our country at great personal peril acting out against what they viewed as tyranny. Almost nothing separates the patriots on any two sides. Opinions evolve in favor of the winners; they always will.

]]> By: Tina http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783871 Tina Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:20:08 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783871 I raised my flag on my front porch post today. Let freedom ring, War mongers. I raised my flag on my front porch post today. Let freedom ring, War mongers.

]]> By: earle,florida http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783829 earle,florida Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:11:48 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783829 "a perfectly round,and flattened footprint of repression,was England's gift to the early settler's; it postulated the inherent rationale for one's freedom, thoughts, beliefs,and moralistic virtues of free will,which no man should,or shall be deprived; mankind's well-grounded,and rounded-mind idenifies only with the will to live one's life,in a society of living-breathing-laws that change with the necessity of a progressive timetable; not to be tethered to,as a millstone around ones neck; but rather openly dispute it's very integrity,and right of independence as part of the integral make-up of the human-race, expressing freedom in every way, shape,and form" Happy 4th' July America,we earned it! "a perfectly round,and flattened footprint of repression,was England's gift to the early settler's; it postulated the inherent rationale for one's freedom, thoughts, beliefs,and moralistic virtues of free will,which no man should,or shall be deprived; mankind's well-grounded,and rounded-mind idenifies only with the will to live one's life,in a society of living-breathing-laws that change with the necessity of a progressive timetable; not to be tethered to,as a millstone around ones neck; but rather openly dispute it's very integrity,and right of independence as part of the integral make-up of the human-race, expressing freedom in every way, shape,and form" Happy 4th' July America,we earned it!

]]> By: meenas17 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783799 meenas17 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:16:35 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783799 Patriotism is love for the country. But it does not mean abject submission. The frailities are to be condemned. The shortcomings are to be rectified. The trespasses are to be cautioned. Love with intensified focus is patriotism. Patriotism is love for the country. But it does not mean abject submission. The frailities are to be condemned. The shortcomings are to be rectified. The trespasses are to be cautioned. Love with intensified focus is patriotism.

]]> By: Melissa http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783785 Melissa Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:37:36 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783785 I have a bumper sticker that says "I pledge allegiance, not blind obedience". It works for me. I have a bumper sticker that says "I pledge allegiance, not blind obedience". It works for me.

]]> By: Melissa http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/07/03/the-meaning-of-patriotism/comment-page-1/#comment-783780 Melissa Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:26:39 +0000 http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/?p=44754#comment-783780 I think people have forgotten that being patriotic doesn't mean being a willing slave to the Republican mindset. I think people have forgotten that being patriotic doesn't mean being a willing slave to the Republican mindset.

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