This particular blog might upset some people, so I'm warning you in advance. I hope that you will read through it thoroughly, and think about what I'm saying, and not simply attack me. Skipping to the last paragraph, in this case, is probably not wise, even if I am a trifle long-winded.
The dictionary defines patriotism as "devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty." But what really defines patriotism, in the end? The support of the government? Or the support of the essential beliefs upon which a country was founded?
Because honestly, whenever the war in Iraq comes up, I'm always deeply disturbed by comments that people make. That if you do not support the war in Iraq, you are attacking the soldiers. That saying that our government lied to us, that the war in Iraq is an irresponsible one, is somehow being unpatriotic, and is a failure to "support our troops."
I even read an extremely disturbing comment on a mum -- a man said he was going go raise his children to love their country no matter what, and that anything else made someone a traitor.
But, in the end, can't we support the soldiers, and respect that they are over there giving their lives for what they believe in, while, at the same time, not believing in that cause ourselves? Can't we say that we are patriotic because we believe in the fundamental precepts upon which this country is based, including freedom of speech and the freedom to disagree with the government without being branded a traitor? Isn't it still patriotism, in the end, to believe in the words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence while thinking that sometimes the government doesn't live up to those words? Fundamentally, isn't it our responsibility as true patriots to call the government out when they are NOT living up to those ideals?
Is it truly patriotism to always support the government, even when we believe they are wrong? And if we teach our children that they are traitors if they voice dissenting opinions, are we really living up to our role as Americans? If we want to go out and teach the world about freedom, as we say we are in Iraq, are we living up to that if we're calling people traitors at home when they choose to exercise a fundamental precept upon which this country is founded -- freedom of speech and freedom to disagree with the government -- and call the war in Iraq an unjust one?
And if patriotism truly means always supporting the government of your country, even if you internally disagree with what they're doing, is patriotism in that context necessarily a good thing? Because, if that's what being a patriot means, then I'm not sure I want to be a patriot.
By the way, my cousin is currently serving in Iraq, as are several friends of mine. I deeply respect them, and hope every day for their safe returns. That I protested the troop movement into Iraq has no impact on my caring for the troops themselves. And I am insulted and deeply hurt every time I am told that by disagreeing with the war, I am attacking the soldiers who are fighting it.
