The True Meaning of Patriotism | The Freeman | Ideas On Liberty »
Posted By populist 4 months, 3 weeks ago in Political OpinionPatriotism these days is like Christmas—lots of people caught up in a festive atmosphere replete with lights and spectacles. We hear reminders about “the true meaning” of Christmas—and we may even mutter a few guilt-ridden words to that effect ourselves—but each of us spends more time and thought in parties, gift-giving, and the other paraphernalia of a secularized holiday than we do deepening our devotion to the true meaning.
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populist
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frctm54 months, 3 weeks ago
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To me there are two distinct versions of patriotism. The positive one is where we celebrate the principles of equality and freedom that this country was founded upon. The negative version is the belief that being born in this country makes you by right of birth superior to anyone else. It doesn't.
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There are those who cling to the symbols of America like the flag or the military but care little for the mission of this country nor its furtherance. If your only path to self esteem and self worth is through that artifice and accident of citizenship and where you were born, I suggest you start doing some sit ups or multiplication tables. There is nothing about being born in America that gives one superior status. We might be fortunate to be born here, but this doesn't make us better than other peoples in other nations. Greatness rests on our achievements both personal or collective. We can never rest on our laurels nor lay claim to the legacy of those who achieved great things in the past. America is a process, not a finished product. We are only as successful as the current generation is and how well that generation has held up and defended the principles that we as a people deem sacred.
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