Will liberals, conservatives, and other state their actions that allow them to call themselves patriotic?

Question

(non neo-cons)

Answer 1

I support what's best for America... no matter who is pushing the idea... and I'm against those that do things that I don't believe would be good for America...

that means I don't like some things Clinton did (I don't think NAFTA was good, for example), but I also don't like things Bush has done...

what's good for America, the American people and America's future... place that above all else...

and that can take many different roles... in fact, it could be good for America to have good international relations... sometimes what's good for America long term, may not look like the best thing now...

you can fly your flag, have the sticker on your truck.. or whatever...

but do you stand up and speak out if something is un-popular (even with friends and family) if you belive something is wrong... even against the president if need be?

that in my mind is ultimate patriotism...and it knows no real political party or mindset... but one's expeiriences can mean different people think different things are "best" for America... but that's what's so great about America... we can all talk about it freely...

and that doesn't mean you HAVE to disagree with the president... you just agree when you think it's best for America...

Answer 2

I always make it a point , when I see someone in the military to let them know they are appreciated.
If I get a chance to ask them about things I do.

I regret never having enlisted myself. I was pretty rebellious right out of highschool and used the recruiters a bit. Had an army recruiter come jump start my car and give me gas money once. He really tried to recruit me but I had authority issues . heh.

I believe that as a whole people who are serving in the military made a choice, and while some may not, most believe in what they are doing. This has been what I have found every time I have talked to someone in the military.

As a whole I trust their judgement and I let them know that I support them in their endeavor. I do not speaking negatively about what they are doing I know that is negative on morale.

I try and explain to people of other countries , should the circumstance present itself, about the disposition of the average person in the USA as I see it and perhaps give them a larger view of controversial issues that may have them wary or wondering about the USA.

I am sure I would identify many others as better patriots than myself .. but I try.

Answer 3

Patriotism is love of country -- that is, it isn't an action, per se. One can call one's self patriotic is they love their country.

(Of course people can say whatever they want, even if untrue.)

But you wanted actions.

I vote in what I consider to be the best interests of the country.

Some of my work involved education, much of my motivation for which was improving the country.

I come to this site, and some of the time here I defend (in words) the Constitution and the principles that are the greatest thing about this country.

But there are no requirements to calling one's self a patriot.

One needn't, for example, serve in the military or in public office, in order to be "allowed" to call themselves a patriot.

I'm none of the above list of affiliations (I guess a lot of people would call me a 'liberal' but I consider myself further left than that -- 'progressive' is a common term close to what I am politically).

Answer 4

In the Persian Gulf War of 1991 most Americans felt it patriotic to display a yellow ribbon in support of the war. A few refused and protested and in turn were ostracized by their friends, family and coworkers. Today, we know that our government lied about many aspects of that war including the cause of Gulf War syndrome which has adversely affected the lives of tens of thousands of our soldiers and killed many more in Iraq. Was the war necessary?

Today, on an almost daily basis, people, mostly children are dying in Iraq. Is it patriotic to let that happen? Is it patriotic to blame a dictator whom we put into power in the first place and supported for many years without taking responsibility? I don’t think so. Patriotism is saying "no" to the patriots who manipulate us with the lump in our throats and the institutionalized numbness to death toll figures and statistics.

"The United States has much to offer the third world war. "

Ronald Reagan


Patriotism is the action that rocks the boat. Rosa Parks was a patriotic woman. Patriotism is not the lump in the throat that develops when the flag goes by and the jets fly overhead when the national anthem is being played. Patriotism is not, "America - love it or leave it." Rather, it is, "America - change it or lose it." Emma Goldman wrote,

We Americans claim to be a peace-loving people. We hate bloodshed; we are opposed to violence. Yet we go into spasms of joy over the possibility of projecting dynamite bombs from flying machines upon helpless citizens. We are ready to hang, electrocute, or lynch anyone, who, from economic necessity, will risk his own life in the attempt upon that of some industrial magnate. Yet our hearts swell with pride at the thought that America is becoming the most powerful nation on earth, and that it will eventually plant her iron foot on the necks of all other nations.

Answer 5

Thanks! ;o)

My personal support pales in comparison to my family's. We have had family fighting in American wars for more than 200 years. 2 of my brothers went ROTC - one is still in the Guard and *might* be going to Iraq. 2 cousins have served in Iraq; one Army and one Marine. My uncle served in Viet Nam. Lost a few Great-Uncles in WWII.

I am patriotic because I don't know any other way to be. I fly my flag proudly, I am always proud to hear the Pledge of Allegiance (it really means something to me). I get tears in my eyes when I hear the National Anthem, and I thank military personnel for their sacrifices when I see them. I live in a *major* military town, so that's quite often. If we see any military fund raisers (wives doing bake sales, etc) we support them. Our community is, for the most part, extremely proud of our military.

Not only do I vote, but I take the time to read up on the issues and the candidates so that I am an *informed* voter. I volunteer in my community every summer, and helped organize a horse show to raise money for Katrina.

I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf for over 200 years. I love my country, flaws and all. Are we perfect? Hell, no - but I honestly can't imagine ever living anywhere else. I love to travel, and there are lots of places I'd like to see, but I will *always* be a proud American.

Answer 6

I am willing to question whether the actions of our leaders are best for the nation as a whole. I advocate and support freedom of speech, including lobbying for various aspects of such, as free speech is the backbone of free society, a central tenet of the American way.

I also take part in many international activities where my presence may be one of very few from the United States, and so I take the repsonsibility of acting in such a manner that reflects well upon my country, both in demeanor and ability.

Answer 7

Well I love the United States. Does that make me patriotic?

Answer 8

1. I served 12 years in the USAF defending the interests of this country.

2. I support the Constitution, as written, and assist in the election of those who would do the same --- with money and time.

3. I support those who place their lives on the line as did I to insure that this country survives, whether in the military or as first responders, with money, prayers, and gifts as I can afford.

4. I support those who work hard, take responsibility for their actions, and strive to make their lives (and their family's lives) better by assisting them with employment.

5. I help those who need help, and encourage others to do the same.

Answer 9

I love this country and its freedoms. That's why I get concerned when people in power want to ignore the constitution, who want to rewrite history to suit their needs, who want to force everyone to be Christian, who can only spew out hatred for a political party or race or ethnic group that have different opinions than their own because they heard it on the radio.

And, if one day I feel that our government has been taken over by power-hungry people who want to destroy those freedoms by misuse and abuse, I will burn that flag. It will have lost its deep meaning and purpose. Yes, I'm patriotic, and sometimes very saddened by it.

Answer 10

I care about my country, I think citizenship is a responsibility and the price is constant vigilance to see that the course of the ship of state maintains a good middle course, steers clear of extremism, malfeasance and remains in service of it's citizens. I think Men and Women of good will should talk about problems and work to solve them. not claim anyone who sees a problem and does not look away is un patriotic.