As an American, what does it mean to be patriotic? What does it mean to be a good American? After the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, people are asking themselves how they should respond in support of our nation. These are my views...
Support the Values America was founded on
Our country has been the champion for freedom and human rights since it began. “We hold certain Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The words of our founding fathers still ring loud and true today. Support these words for “all people”. Take action if necessary to maintain these values.
“The home of the brave.” Do NOT be afraid! Do not let anybody make you feel afraid. Not even your own government. If you allow this to happen, you let them imprison you and take your freedom from you!
Be informed and vote
America was founded on democracy. What gives America the greatest strength is having all our citizens, from all walks of life and cultures, become informed on the issues that face our nation and then voting to make sure they are heard. Let us leave behind the apathy that has plagued our nation in recent decades and get back to what our founding fathers died for, to allow all our citizens to have representation in the laws that govern our country. If you don’t like the way our government is doing its job, it is your patriotic duty to tell them or vote them out of office. (Click here for government contact info)
Protect our civil liberties
As Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying: “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Don’t give into the fear and allow our government to take away ANY of our liberties. To refresh yourself on some of our basic liberties, check out the Bill of Rights. Stay informed on what the government is doing, and exercise your freedom of speech to disagree with our government. It is NOT unpatriotic to provide constructive criticism on policies that you disagree with. It is the PATRIOTIC thing to do and your duty as a citizen. If anybody ever tells you your views are unpatriotic, ask them if exercising your freedom of speech is unpatriotic.
Sustainable future
It is becoming quite evident that our world is coming under pressure to maintain this delicate balance in nature that has been established over millions of years. In just the last 100 years, we have significantly disrupted this balance, which is demonstrated by global warming, rain forest depletion, diseased and dying coral reefs, and mass species extinction. We have to learn to live in harmony with our environment and to chart a course for a sustainable future. The future of mankind depends on it. See this site on Sustainable Living to see what you can do to help.
Eliminate America’s dependence on the Middle East
Because of America’s dependence on the Middle East for oil, our nation is forced to recognize this area as one of vital interest to our security. Our country is forced to make decisions that are not necessarily in the best interest of America and the world, but necessary for economic and strategic reasons..
So how do we eliminate our dependence on Middle Eastern oil? I believe we should NOT destroy our national treasures like the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to produce more oil domestically, but, reduce our use of oil in 4 ways. 1) Reduce our use of gasoline by Congressionally mandating increasing the fuel economy in our vehicles. 2) Establish a Manhattan Project-like research and development effort to find alternative energy sources to gasoline. 3) Provide tax credits to those purchasing vehicles fueled by alternative energies. 4) Conserve gas - use mass transit, ride-share, ride a bike, or telecommute. It is the patriotic thing to do. (Click here for more info)
Be willing to die for a cause that is noble and honorable
Everybody must determine what they are willing to die for. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” Our country was established because our founding fathers were willing to die to establish this great country of ours. What cause is noble and honorable enough to die for? Perhaps, protecting these patriotic virtues. Or, defending your family and friends from harm. This is something that is very personal and not to be taken lightly. You will learn a lot about yourself deciding on this.
What the Sept. 11 terrorists did was NOT noble or honorable. There can NEVER be anything noble or honorable in the killing of innocent women and children. They hid behind religion to justify their evil deeds. But, the Muslim religion regards murdering innocent people, a grievous sin.
Show compassion and consideration to all people
“We hold certain Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Interestingly enough, these words are not just meant for Americans, they are meant for “all people”. The hard part is reconciling how we deal with people from other cultures and countries. America has not always lived up to the best intentions that these words stand for. For instance, we should NEVER put our own economic interests above the basic rights and liberties of ANY people. We need to identify our shortcomings, learn from our mistakes, and make the necessary changes to support these truths for all people. At the very least, we need to deal with all countries with the same respect that we demand of them. What is extremely unpatriotic are the hate crimes against other Americans, legal aliens, and the citizens of other countries because of a difference in their culture, religion, skin color, or some other easily identifying characteristic. Lets all work towards a future where the dream that patriot Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of will come true for all the people of the world.
John Collins - October, 2001 (Revised April, 2003)