How Do You Define Patriotism?

The Passionate Love of Country That May Divide Us Is Also The Glue That Binds Americans Together

(CBS)  Just two days to go to Election Day ... a day for doing our patriotic duty by exercising our franchise, by voting for the candidates of our choice. We hear a lot of competing claims about patriotism during campaign years - which makes it our patriotic duty to try to sort them out. Our Cover Story is reported by Martha Teichner:

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The dictionary definition of patriotism is "love for or devotion to one's country." That's all simple ... deceptively simple.

"Patriotism: Believing in God first and country second," said one person.

"I think you need to support our troops. You need to support our leaders," said another.

"You can disagree but you need to do so in the right way," was another opinion.

"Love your country, and what it stands for," was another.

In reality, there may be no more loaded concept in the American political lexicon.

"You have never been not proud to be an American," said Gov. Sarah Palin. "You are proud to be an American."

Think about it: On Tuesday, voters will not only be choosing between candidates. Americans will be deciding who captures the flag (or flag lapel pin).

The election will be a referendum on patriotism, one of campaign '08's central and most contentious issues.

"It is worth considering the meaning of patriotism because the question of who is or is not a patriot all too often poisons our political debates in ways that divide us rather than bring us together," said Sen. Barack Obama.

Recent U.S. history has plenty of examples of such division.

"It has roots actually in the 1930s and the 1940s, and some of the debates over communism and domestic communist influence," said William Galston, now at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. He served as a policy advisor to Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Walter Mondale.

"It wasn't a question of one party or the other," Galston said. "It was President Truman, after all, who revived the idea of loyalty oaths and the legitimacy of imposing them" … a Democratic president.

Then there was Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy. His extremist views of loyalty and patriotism made his name synonymous with the political witch hunts of the 1950s.

But, according to Galston, the ideological chasm that defined the Vietnam era is still echoing in today's politics.

"We are still fighting the Vietnam War as a people, as a culture, absolutely," he said. "Some of the issues on the table are the direct lineal descendants and reflections of the controversies that broke out in the late 1960s over war and peace, over race, and over culture.

Like it or not, those debates are still with us."

Each side's arguments have hardened over time and become weapons in partisan battles. Consider the damage the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth did to Senator John Kerry's presidential ambitions in 2004 over the question of his patriotism.

"It was used against John Kerry when people tried to kind of suggest that John Kerry disrespected the American Military because he had been very, quite harshly critical of some of the things that the military had done in Vietnam," said Peter Beinart, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"Democrats and liberals tend to think about patriotism in terms of America's promise, in terms of America's ongoing struggle to become a better nation," Beinart said. "I think for conservatives by and large, patriotism has to do with reverence towards the past, the idea that ritual, flying the flag, putting [on] a flag lapel pin is a vehicle to deeper meaning, whereas I think liberals often tend to believe that ritual is a substitute for deeper meaning."

There is evidence supporting Beinart's view. According to a recent Gallup/USA Today poll, 36% of Republicans think wearing that flag pin indicates someone is patriotic, compared to 26% of Democrats. Saying the pledge of allegiance? Two out of three Republicans (67%) think that's patriotic. Not even half (48%) of Democrats do.

But partisanship aside, in a 33-country survey of national pride, conducted by the National Opinion Research Center, Americans ranked among the highest, which would explain that lump in the throat, that tear in the eye when "The Star Spangled Banner" is played, and when it's flown.

"I do not stand for the National Anthem at sporting events," said Steven Johnston. "I remain seated. And I have been doing this since college. And the reaction is hostile."

Johnston teaches political theory at the University of South Florida. He is outnumbered, but not alone, in believing that patriotism is actually a bad thing - harmful to democracy.

"Sooner or later, you get to the ultimate test, that the only way that you can definitively prove in any sense that you do in fact love your country is, are you willing to die for it? Are you willing to sacrifice life for it - both yours and others' as well?"

To Johnston, the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., only reinforces his position.

"Even though some people were willing to give their lives to the country in protesting the war, they would not be considered Vietnam Veterans," he said on a visit to the memorial. "They would not be eligible for inscription."

"The terribleness of patriotism is if you define it as love of country, just simply that, with the readiness to kill and die, 'My country, right or wrong,' millions have been sacrificed on the altar of that idol," said George Kateb, professor emeritus of politics at Princeton University.

Kateb rejects what he sees as the inevitable military component to patriotism.

"We wouldn't have enemies unless our enemies were also patriotic," he said. "I would prefer a world in which the general sense among everybody was, no, that's not how we try to work for the benefit of our particular society, not by a pumped up, trumped up, inflated feeling, constantly demonstrated often with bluster and meanness, 'I love my country.' Well, prove it … prove it by trying to make it better rather than making it a more efficient military machine."

Remember our Gallup poll? It found that 87% of Americans believe that serving in the military is patriotic.

But even more … 95% … say that voting is patriotic, indicating the public's definition of patriotism is broad.

On a visit to the National Museum of Patriotism, founder Nick Snider showed Teichner a medallion of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.

"Anyone who could not associate building a better America with what this woman has done, I can't help them no matter what I do," he said.

Someone who builds a better America: that's his definition of a patriot.

Four years ago Snider, a retired UPS executive, opened the multi-million dollar, not-for-profit, museum, which is in the process of moving to new quarters in downtown Atlanta.

Why did he feel the need for such a museum?

"That's pretty emotional issue to me. I think we truly have the greatest country in the world, but I see slippage," he said. "So I went home one day and I said to my wife, 'I'm going to do a museum,' and of course she put her head back, as all wives do, and rolled her eyes."

Building on his own collection of wartime, military sweetheart jewelry, Snider was not a man to be deterred.

"I think we'd be in serious trouble without patriotism," he said. "I think it's the DNA that makes America so unique. I consider it the glue that holds us together.

"The beautiful thing about patriotism is, it's everybody's!"

Even if, between now and Tuesday, Republicans and Democrats might try to convince the American public otherwise.

[hitoyou1]

Sarah Palin has done more good than anyone on this Borad. The COMMENTS show that. She is out tying to do something. That is more than anyone here.

[xlib]

Not voting in socialism.

[obbs1]

I am appauled by the lack of patriotism on the part of CBS, in part that they would let this South Florida guy on you CBS''s braodcast and say patriotism is bad for democracy. we all are intitled to our own opinion, beacause we fought and won our freedom (and continue to fight for our freedom). But CBS is intitled to their opinion too and I hope that they has a network would choose to satnd up and proclaim oh so gracefully that this is the best country in the world and worth being patriotic torwards. Thanks

[thcarson-2009]

I think punching people in the face who don''t stand during the national anthem is patriotic, unless of course they are in a wheelchair.

[tscc2]

It is love of country. Most people right or wrong will band together and follow an "us or them" strategy when corned from the outside world. I think most Americans think this same way. However, in the US many think speaking truth to power is what makes a true patriot. Think about it. That is what the founding of America is all about breaking from monarch rule. And this process runs through out the civil war, civil rights movement and continues today. Power corrupts and McCain is neck deep in the current established power structure. The hypocrisy and contradictions coming from the McCain campaign are to the point where you do not know what the truth is. The incarnations of Nixon continue. Going with McCain is just giving the country back to the Bush''s.

[gandaulf2000]

Patriotism? Isn''t that when you love your country so much you vote out the power mongers and prosecute the criminal politicians?

[waterdoctor4]

Please Martha, Samuel Johnson defined it right in 1775. Any doubt? Watch the next commercial break (until Wednesday).

[melaniel5-2009]

Obama has never loved America. He and Michelle were embarrassed by America. By refusing to wear an American Flag lapel pin or to cover his heart with his right hand when the American Flag passes by or when the National Anthem is played, refusing to at least lip sink the words-this is not an American or anyone with any Patriotic values. I will not be voting for socialism. My vote will be for democracy and for the future of America my vote will be for McCain/Palin!

[xlib]

obbs1-You''re surprised at cbs and the guy in Florida?? Where have you been? NO,no, patriotism is spreading the wealth, patriotism is blacklisting media that ask hard questions, patriotism is delving into the personal life of a citizen that has the AUDACITY to ask the messiah to explain his economic plan for the country. That''s the new patriotism.
I wonder how big the posters of the messiah will be? You know, the ones hung throughout the country like chavez, stalin and hitler??

[Wookiee-1138]

I agree with Mark Twain''s definition.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.

[rstamper3]

I am writing this from the midst of the Al Anbar Province in Iraq. I watch this show every sunday afternoon that mission allows. I am appalled that anyone might consider that we are serving here out of anything but patriotism to our country. We have left our families and our lives in order to best protect the interests of the greatest nation on earth.
To indicate that those whom are burning flags and protesting American politics deserve to be on that hallowed Wall in Washington is obsurd.
It is not my contention that everyone must believe in every decision of the government. However, to belittle those whom have sworn their lives and given their lives to PROTECT YOUR FREEDOM TO PROTEST is disturbing. Should we hail those who protested the revolution? Should we raise up those who protested the Union during the Civil War?
And no, patriotism is not going the way of the dinosaurs. I stand for the National Anthem, I salute the flag, I say the pledge of Aligance and I am proud of my nation.
Thank you

[pakaal]

Patriotism is indeed love of one''s country; those who wish to divide us using hate are hardly patriots in any sense of the word. This country has become great because it has been inclusive by nature. Those who wish now to define it solely by their own race or idealogy, are trying to destroy us. Don''t give in to hate. God Bless America!

[albertw40]

Your patriotism is shown in exercising your right to vote. And a truly democratic country doesn''t exclude qualified people from voting. Now the thing to watch out for is voter exclusion. Keep your eye on Philadelphia, among one place to watch. I saw a video of the old gal who runs the election board there. She told one person who complained about the almost certainty of unreasonably long lines that long lines don''t matter. People stand in line all night to buy Ipods. In other words, they want to exclude working people who have to vote and go on to work. Those are the poor, the middle class working people and the like. I saw an email on CNN today from an older lady (I didn''t catch the place) who had to drop out of an early voting line because the wait was to be three hours and she wasn''t physically able to do that. Here we are in what is supposedly the premier democracy in the world, and our example is going to be one of shutting qualified people out of voting. I understand this. In 2004 in my state (Missouri) they left voters standing in line when the polls closed. Many never got to vote

[billh971]

Real patriotism doesn''t hurt our democarcy. Real patriotism improves it!It believes all men are created equal. Not to have some people disemfranchised because they aren''t the same color or sexual preference you are. Real patriotism is to stand and say your peace! And you don''t worry if there is a sniper in a hiding in a book depository etc. Real patriotism to say that going to war with a nation that did not attack us is wrong. All voces should be heard. Our democracy is based on different peoples, different ideas, discussion, some concesus and change. It is not a religous dictatorship. The Republican party itself is about to split. I think the Rockefeeler section will form a new party. I as a free thinking independent am tired of all these Hollier than Thou bible thumpimg crazy people. Wake up! This is America! Religios, political , personal freedom. The pursuit of happiness! The times they are a changin!

[nookreader]

Patriotism = Supporting the greatest and most prosperous country and military that God has ever given to man, the United States of America, and not siding with evil, in this case Islamic fundamentalism, which is the religion of the anti-Christ
The USA is in a spiritual battle and Christians must stand up and be bold to protect our Sovereign nation from Islamic fundamentalism

Christ = Represents God''''s demonstrated love for all of mankind and His offer of forgiveness for our sins. Everything that is Perfect, Just, Holy, and Truth

Muhammed and allah = Everything that is deceiving, demented, evil and satanic

Posted by SocialismSux at 09:48 AM : Nov 02, 2008
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So according to you:
1)No one else in the world can be "patriotic" if they support their own country. They have to support the U.S. right?
2) Only Christians can be patriotic. No other religion counts.

You definitely didn''t get much from this article eh?

At least melaniel5 provides some proof about one comment in the article!
Patriotism is supporting your COUNTRY. NOT the politions in power. Questioning the direction that those in power are taking the country is at least as patriotic as those who follow those in power. Those who fought against the Viet Nam war were as patriotic as those who fought the war.

[stillhope1]

You liberals should feel good about yourselves in the event of an Obama Presidency for a couple of reasons:

Reason 1: Your candidate outspun the Conservative candidate which equated to more votes for your candidate outside of party lines (wherever that money came from will be investigated)

Reason 2: You will, I predict, sleep soundly knowing that people like me who work hard and make good money, will be paying more into the system which in turn, will net you more benefits due to your lack of initiative, work ethic and excuse making for your own failures.

Reason 3: Your liberal view is of "fairness". Fairness in knowing that your liberal saviors are millionaires, but yet, you will receive nothing of the sort. You will get your "welfare" check without a doubt (partly paid for by me, of course), but your 300, 600, or even 1200 dollar check will be gone within a couple of days. And then, you will be clamoring for more for the next 3.9 years if Obama is elected.

Hey, I can understand. If you''''re not going to do anything with your lives, why not take what you can get? It is a sad state for you to be in.

Charles Barkley said it best: "Blacks have been voting for Democrats for the last 50 years, and their still poor"......

Sleep tight liberals......

[misfit2614]

The ''anti-patriotic'' patriots in this article, who feel so much pride in their blind pacifism. Can''t seem to get the concept that if everyone felt that way. Then America wouldn''t exist. Bash the military all you want. They''re what kept us from being the Untited States of Germany or maybe Amerika.

[thcarson-2009]

At least melaniel5 provides some proof about one comment in the article!
Patriotism is supporting your COUNTRY. NOT the politions in power. Questioning the direction that those in power are taking the country is at least as patriotic as those who follow those in power. Those who fought against the Viet Nam war were as patriotic as those who fought the war.


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Posted by tom_and_tom

Yeah, spitting on my father when he was on a stretcher as he returned from Nam'', that was true patriotism. FU

[stillhope1]

And when Obama is elected, you will only have the liberal majority electorate to blame, right? WHATCH OUT, THERE''''S A TERRORIST BEHIND YOU!!!! Made ya look.


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Posted by onemoretim


Do you deny what I wrote? Can you challenge what I wrote?

[chalres-2009]

I''m not voting for Fascism.

[sher_bear21]

There is a HUGE difference between patriotism and nationalism, and we should be careful to distinguish between the two. True patriots understand that when their country is right, it is to be kept right; but when it is wrong, it is to be set right. Nationalists are intolerant of of anyone who is not a fellow countryman. Albert Einstein once said, "Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind." When I hear all those chants of "USA! USA!" at Republican rallies, I do not hear patriotism. They willfully ignore the problems within our country and how we have damaged our standing in the international community. They think that it was perfectly fine to go into Iraq with fake "intelligence," perfectly fine to spy on other Americans, and perfectly fine to pervert the Constitution to suit their own needs. That is NOT patriotism! They are, in fact, nationalists who hate others based on their religion, color and differing points of view. This is the greatest country in the world, but we have a lot of issues that need to be fixed after this eight-year nightmare. It''s time for TRUE patriots to stand up!

[davidbthelen]

We are all different. However we all can contribute to this great nation in our own way.
Some people are great with writing, producing new ideas, and/or educating. Some are great warriors, builders, and/or teachers. That is why when giving back to our nation; some could join the military, the Peace Corps and/or Americorps.
Some are liberals and conservatives. They may be great with medicine or law at the same time. They may be great team members with their specialties. We all learn differently, have all kinds of talents, and especially have ways to contribute to this great nation.
To be patriotic, we should look at our talents to contribute %u2013 and not our differences such as political views. We are all Americans no matter if we are Republican, Democrat or Independent. Let us celebrate our strengths to contribute to this great nation. And not concentrate on our differences.
To be patriotic, we should accept our differences. And yet celebrate our talents. We are all Americans %u2013 who can contribute to this great country in our own special ways.

[sparkbox]

NookReader ...Hopefully your God will bless Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and all the other countries whose religion you disagree with. How many died during the Christian Crusades? Believe ye or die! Religion is ***. God doesnt care who wins what football game or gets elected to the presidency.Oh nuts! I hope I''m not struck down for questioning evrything.

[mytoosense]

I agree with Mark Twain''''s definition.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.

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Posted by Landica

I like this one:

%u201CPatriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.%u201D
George Bernard Shaw

[intruder500-2009]

HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU! Question the deaths of so many thousands in WWI, WW II, and Korea! If it was not for these PATRIOTS, We would all be saluting the swastika or the hammer and sickle. Or have you all forgotten that too! As for Viet Nam, this was a war that was micro managed from the White House by politicians and at times was touted as such by Pres. Johnson, saying that you couldn''t bomb an outhouse without his authorization. If the generals had been allowed to fight the war, the outcome would have been very, VERY different. Seems that you wonderful folks have forgotten this too! Seperate the military from patriotism? Got a newsflash! YOU CANT! This country was built with a strong military! SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN ALOT OF THINGS!!! As for that gentleman, and I use that term very loosely, It is a wonder he has not been hospitalized, with severe injuries, for doing what he has done. Do not ever, ever, ever, question the deaths of all these men and women and try to seperate the military from patriotism, They are the very soul and the cement that keeps this country the very best in the world. And if you dont believe this? Why the hell are so many people trying to come to this country for it''s freedom, backed up to the hilt by a STRONG MILITARY! Sometimes it is not all about money!!!!!!

[marjorie24]

In 1996 my book "100 Years of Children''s Books in America" was published by Facts On File. The book is a study of American culture in the 20th century through children''s books published in each decade. It continues to be in print. Because it is a definition of what it means to be an American, how the country has developed in the last hundred years, it becomes a definition of patriotism. Would like to see Sunday Morning look at children''s books as a special segment showing the growth of the United States from the beginning of the 20th century until the present.

[sher_bear21]

I like this one:

%u201CPatriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.%u201D
George Bernard Shaw




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Posted by mytoosense

__________________________________________________

Here''s another POV:

"When a whole nation is roaring Patriotism at the top of its voice, I am fain to explore the cleanness of its hands and purity of its heart." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

[cyberdjs4]

A Vietnam vet co-worker of mine defines patriotism as always being at war with someone.
He is a conservative Bible-thumper with a Cold War mentality and I find him to be an embarrassment to this country in the 21st century.

Partiotism to me means:
Paying your taxes.
Voting.
Supporting education and your local school system.
Conservation and recycling.
Supporting the use of renewable energy and dumping foreign oil.
Fighting incurable illnesses.
Fixing New Orleans and other backyard disasters.

Sure, I''m a hippy but America is of no use to anybody if it is relying on China, India and the OPEC nations.

[intruder500-2009]

How Dare you! How Dare you!

[earthlived]

Patriotism = John McCain

Feeling the waning faith in your country is vindicated because you win a state primary = Obama

[rstamper3]

intruder500, Thank you from Iraq

[lindh4]

Go to any rural hick town football game on Friday night and you''ll see real patriotism. After they play the Spangled Banner sufficiently off-key they scream and yell for blood, followed by deputies escorting the refs out of the place when the home town loses.

Substitute "tribalism" and you get the true meaning of patriotism.

[missingamerica]

This article does a pretty good job of defining why I have come full circle to despise the Republicans.

They think that dressing up in the regalia of patriotism is the END of their obligation to America and the American people.

But fight in our wars, as our original patriots did? Not Republicans. They would rather start wars to enhance their access to or control over natural resources, and then sit back and reap profits as the blood of others flows.

Recall McCain and Palin speaking words to the effect that "Paying more taxes is not patriotic!"?

Today''s Republicans are of the same thin blood as those rich Boston, New York, and Virginia bankers and industrialists who dined in luxury while ignoring the pleas for money and supplies coming from George Washington as he and his Continental Army shivered and starved at Valley Forge in the cruel winter of 1777.

Today''s Republicans, of course, would say that we have but to cut all other government spending to pay off the debt of their war. That is why Bush and the Republicans ran the war "off the budget".

By putting the war on "layaway", as it were, they hoped to avoid having their core constituents - America''s corporations and wealthy elite AND themselves - pick up the tab for their war by pushing its cost into the future...

...thus cruelly and wickedly substituting the deaths and privation of their fellow Americans in the future for those of our soldiers in the now.

[mytoosense]

I fly the American flag in front of my house most days.

I plan to continue to do so as long as I feel free not to; tell me I have to fly the flag and I won''t because the freedom it represented would be lost.

The day our politition''s patriotism came under question based on whether they wore a Flag Pin was the day I vowed I would never wear one.

[melpol1]

Obama represents the true patriot. He is for a better America that is built on the values of peace not war.

[marjorie24]

By studying American culture through children''s books published in the 20th century decade by decade, the development of what it means to be an American becomes clear. I''ve always wanted to see a program focusing on this, especially on Sunday Morning. May I suggest my book "100 Years of Children''s Books in America" (Facts On File) as a starting place?

[honestabe8]

thcarson: what you describe is assault, not patriotism.

[sandy19731]

Go to any rural hick town football game on Friday night and you''''ll see real patriotism. After they play the Spangled Banner sufficiently off-key they scream and yell for blood, followed by deputies escorting the refs out of the place when the home town loses.

Substitute "tribalism" and you get the true meaning of patriotism.
Posted by lindh4 at 10:22 AM : Nov 02, 2008

Unfortunately - all too true

[longtree-2009]

patriotism. you enlist in the military be it national guard, reserves or regulars without accepting a bonus, cash incentive to do so. or, you serve the country in some capacity such as the peace corps. you give back to your community in some way by working for a non-profit, with or without pay, to make the community a better place for all american citizens. it is about the nation, not about you.

[thcarson-2009]

thcarson: what you describe is assault, not patriotism.


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Posted by honestabe8

I think it would be funny to see though.

[ecs1749-2009]

"Obama represents the true patriot."

You mean he can FINALLY feel good to be an American?

[louiville2]

Mark Twain:

The nation is divided, half patriots and half traitors, and no man can tell which from which.

[hroams]

According to the Republicans you can''t love your country and be declared patriotic unless you fit this criteria:

white
christian(born again)
republican
vote straight ticket republican

If you can''t produce proof that you meet those standards it doesn''t matter if you served 30 yrs in the military, and gave part of your body, if you are liberal you cannot be a "patriot".

[namvet676869]

Patriotism-Is defined in your heart,not in the press.
You may fool some,sometimes.But,you can''t fool all,all the time. Just ask Jane Fonda, Ironic you have her the same week as the Presidential election, when a candidate running paid deeply for her TRAITOR actions.She may live in a free country,but she will NEVER be forgiven,nor Forgotten. NAMVET 676869

[marshall65]

People often see nationalism as patriotism. It is expected to a degree-if one is born in a particular country, one is loyal to it. The United States is a country dedicated to and striving towards higher ideals, principles which so often are beyond our reach. A God given vision of what we can be. Loyalty to that dream which our founders laid out for the future is patriotism to me. When we move along a wrong fork in the road, become something less than what we should be, those are times when people can rightfully say they are ashamed, or lack pride. It is because we are not focused on what we can collectively achieve, despite our many differences. The lump in my throat when the flag is raised and the National Anthem plays is from the realization that if only for a few moments, the greatness in us comes from our unity of purpose and willingness to stand side by side, no matter our differences, as one.

[stillhope1]

It is very comical to me to hear liberals trying to explain what "Patriotism" means...

The Conservative:
Patriotism is putting your country first. Patriotism is recognizing anyone, and anything that could potentially harm the current fabric from which this great country was founded upon. Patriotism is not only putting the country first, but more importantly, having each individual giving up partisanship to achieve the greater good for the COUNTRY.

Liberals:
Patriotism is going against common sense and bowing down to those whom want to harm this country. Patriotism is not to recognize the fact that YOU work hard, but to recognize the fact that through your hard work, you will be able to make the lazy succeed via income redistribution.

Patriotism to the liberal mindset is that there are no problems in the world. The only problems are generated from THIS country. That is the liberals definition of Patriotism.

The liberals blame their own country for the world ill, but yet, they will not move out of the country to other countries that they so admire....


I wonder why that is? Can anyone tell me?

[itgranny]

lindh4: I''m getting pretty darned sick and tired of rural people getting put down. wise cracks by you and others like Joy Benhar on the View and John Stewart of the Daily Show are simply untrue and divide us just like racism or sexism.

Last week our high school football team played in the playoffs and lost. We had no yelling at the ref''s or at the other team. When the game was over, the parents and community calmly walked over to our kids and backed up the coaches talk about how they learned a lot and worked hard and did well.

I''m from rural minnesota and believe me, Sarah Palin''s "folksy minnesota accent" seems pretty strange here too. When driving through our small towns you see more Obama and Franken signs than you do McCain and Coleman.

We''re on the same side but won''t be for long if you keep knocking us.

DON''T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU!

[perk235]

Patriotism: Putting the country first. What''s best for the individual is what''s best for the country. Sounds like what some are calling socialism.

[hroams]

patriotism. you enlist in the military be it national guard, reserves or regulars without accepting a bonus, cash incentive to do so. or, you serve the country in some capacity such as the peace corps. you give back to your community in some way by working for a non-profit, with or without pay, to make the community a better place for all american citizens. it is about the nation, not about you.
Posted by longtree at 10:36 AM : Nov 02, 2008

I dont think that there are many Republicans that meet those standards.
Let''s SEE:
Bush-no
Cheney-no
Gates-no
Rummy-no
Rove-no
Limbaugh-no
Delay-no
Lott-no
Cornyn-no
Gonzales-no
Mulkasey-no
Hastert-no
Gingrich-no
Barr-no
Dole-Yes!!!!!!!!
Graham-no
Sessions-no
Hutchison-no
Paulson-no
Alito-no
Roberts-no
Scalia-no
McCain--yes!!!!!
Johnson(Sam)-yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kennedy-no(Justice)
Thomas-no(Justice)
THurmond-yes
Nixon-no
Reagan-yes( on a Burbank,Ca. movie lot for 2 yrs)

Boy its hard to find a Republican that actually did serve.