Tuesday, 09 September 2008

• Patriotism is not a Republican value

  One of the things that has bothered me the most during this campaign (and well, really ALL campaigns) is the rush to paint patriotism as the area of the Republican party. As though, while maybe the rest of us are patriotic, we're not AS patriotic as our Republican brothers and sisters. You heard this subtext repeated again and again during the Republican National Convention - John McCain is a true patriot, he served his country. Sarah Palin is a true patriot, her son is serving his country.

  There are several things wrong with this, and I've finally gotten to the point where my brain cannot contain this issue any longer.

  1 - We ALL serve our country. Whether you are serving in the armed forces or raising your kids, working in politics or busing tables, we all play a role in what makes this country great. Beyond paying taxes, we are living America. So cut the crap about how military service dwarfs all other types of service. I'd argue that believing that we shouldn't capriciously send my family members into harm's way is a service to my country as well.

  2 - Republicans are not the only Americans wearing the uniform. My grandfather, a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps, wore the uniform for 30 years, fought in 2 wars, and contributed to the training of future officers. He is also a life-long, bleed blue Democrat. Do not denigrate his service and sacrifice by trying to paint it red. It's bullshit.

  There are so many ways that Americans are patriotic every single day. I hate this kind of divisive bullshit that tries to co-opt patriotism as the right of one party. Guess what, I love my country every bit as much as my Republican neighbors. I am just as concerned with the future of our country, with the security of American interests, with the lives of American men and women serving overseas, as my Republican neighbors.

  I think we'd all do well to try to live by these words from James Bryce:

  "Our country is not the only thing to which we owe allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong."

  There is nothing righteous about wrapping yourself in the flag and then dividing our union.

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