Another Independence Day recently passed and there were all the usual celebrations and television pundits talking about patriotism. Or rather they were all talking about the lack of patriotism to be specific. If you listened to the liberal media, there’s a lack of patriotism because of the current president and Congress. If you listened to the conservative media voices, then it’s due to the immigration crisis, athletes kneeling during the national anthem and liberal bias. And of course proving this lack of patriotism was the poll numbers. All of it made for very depressing reading, but it also made me think about whether it was true or not. Did I feel a lack of patriotism this 4th of July?
Patriotism is too subjective for a definitive answer which means that any feelings of a lack of it are strictly in the eyes of the beholder. So while I can’t answer on anyone’s behalf, I can answer the question regarding my own feelings. And I can say definitively that, no, my patriotic beliefs and feelings have not wavered regardless of the political climate and social divisiveness. I see all of that as signs of what makes this country great. We can be as cranky with each other as we want to be and there’s nothing to prevent it. Not all countries can say the same thing. I’m not particularly fond of the leadership of the country and really question many of the decisions being made. But that lack of faith is in the individuals in the job, not the country as a whole. I trust in the Constitution and people that it will sort itself out.
My favorite short story is “The Man Without a Country,” by Edward Everett Hale. It moved me enough that I made it the focus of my literature project for my English class in my junior year of high school. Had I known that Hale had only written the one short story in his entire life, I might have changed my choice. If you haven’t read the story, I highly recommend it. Brief synopsis – A man feels he is wrongly convicted of a crime and at the time of sentencing, he states that he wishes he had never heard of the United States and that he never hear about it for the rest of his life. The judge grants him his wish and he is sentenced to live out the rest of his life on a boat at sea having no access to news or radio that mentions the United States. Any individual that comes on board the boat is forbidden from mentioning anything about events or individuals that involve America. At the end of his life, the crew enters his quarters and finds a shrine dedicated to his “former” country. Bits of paper, pictures and notes of random gossip that he heard – any little bit of information that he was able to collect over the years. It is the epitome of “be careful what you wish for.” I first read the story when I became infatuated with the short story genre at the age of 12 years old. I’m not entirely sure why it struck me so hard and has stayed with me all these years. But it has. And for myself, it is the definition of patriotism that I choose to live by. I can’t imagine nor have any wish to live in any other country. I may not like every policy or action that takes place, but I’m grateful for the privilege to express that discontent.
Patriotism isn’t a single action or word. The flag does not define patriotism. It’s one of the symbols, but it’s not the only symbol that exists. There are any number of symbols that represent pride in the country. Fireworks, parades, the military uniform are symbols of patriotism. Athletes kneeling during the anthem is not a sign of disrespect but a symbol of protest. Burning the flag is another symbol of protest. Neither of these actions means that the individual participating in the action are any less patriotic than those who don’t. When you have a fundamental disagreement with your country and feel so compelled as to demonstrate that disagreement, then it only makes sense that you will choose to do so using one of the symbols that represents your country. Patriotism comes in many forms – negative and positive. To truly celebrate our freedom, I have to support all those forms whether I agree with them or not.
It’s a mistake to think that patriotism is directly connected to feelings of discontent. If you don’t like the direction that the country is headed then do something about it – vote, protest in some way or even run for office. Faith in the Constitution and the foundation of this country should remain and bring us strength for the tough times – whichever way your political leanings may take you. That’s the true definition of patriotism.
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Lesson learned – Never lose your important documents and let your driver’s license expire at the same time. To renew my drivers license, I needed my birth certificate, social security card and current car registration document. Guess which one I actually had on hand. Exactly! The car registration. Gave up looking for my birth certificate and ordered another copy. While that was coming in, I searched for the social security card. New copy of birth certificate arrives but still no social security card. I did find my original birth certificate though. I’m guessing the social security card will show up once I get the replacement. Except I need a valid license to get the replacement. Definitive proof that the world runs on a hamster wheel. Luckily for me, the state of Texas has other documents that I can use to establish my identity. I just have to provide twice as many of them. So yes, the deforestation problem is my fault for not taking better care of my documents. Trust me, I learned my lesson.
Cartoon of the week – Super Monsters on Netflix. Okay it’s for preschoolers, but considering I’m apparently not a grown-up it seems appropriate. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve watched Season 1. Miniature versions of all the famous monsters is fun to watch, even if there is that whole moral of the story/learning stuff included. I relate to their schedule. School/work after dark…my dream schedule. “Sun down, monsters up!”
World Cup continues. Only four teams remain. And as far as the soccer gods are concerned, I’m cheering for all of them. No jinx!
