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Letters, 7/4: Defining patriotism

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Friday, Jul 04, 2008 - 12:35:56 am CDT

Patriotism is an emotionally packed subject and it should be. This is especially true during war and other national crises. During war, some define patriotism only in terms of supporting that war — if you don’t support the war you are seen as unpatriotic.

During the early stages of this war, upward of 70 percent supported it, and now only a minority do. Does this mean that people have become less patriotic? Surely not. It just means that patriotism must be more fully and carefully defined. It must go beyond mere lock-step with wherever a government takes us at the moment.

To get us onto a rational level of discussion, I turned to my dictionary, which defined patriotism as “love and loyalty to one’s own country.” Thus, a patriot upholds the values of the founding documents — the freedoms and rights expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. This certainly necessitates citizen participation. It means being informed and active in public life.

Love for country certainly means a love for the people, caring about the well-being of others, that they have opportunities for meaningful work at a living wage.

It is patriotic to care about quality education for all people, rich or poor, rural and inner city. This implies a willingness to adequately fund such education, and for some it means volunteer work.

It is patriotic to work for good health for all, which begins with safe water and pure air. It would include safety assurances of our food. And then access to quality health care for people regardless of income.

It means seeking just treatment of all before the law. A person’s color, ethnic origins, sex or economic status should not be a hindrance to just treatment. All must be able to feel secure. That can include being a part of a neighborhood watch program or a civil rights organization. It means ensuring that everyone’s voice and vote is heard, standing up for the rights of the weak and neglected. It means seeking public safety while ensuring personal freedoms.

There is undoubtedly much more to loving one’s own people, and we need to consider where this leads us.

The challenge of patriotism is the challenge of love to the people, the land and the ideals of freedom and justice for all. It is putting this into practice in our daily lives.

Jay E. Schmidt, Lincoln

Banner of freedom

For 232 years the flag of the United States has been the banner of hope and freedom for generations of Americans. The flag is a symbol of a country that has grown from a small group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 states.

Men and women have followed the flag into battle with unwavering courage. Thousands lost their lives, and thousands more shed their blood for the U.S. flag so the rest of us could continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The flag is not just a piece of cloth fluttering in the breeze. It represents the soul and life of our country. It is a symbol of liberty, decency, loyalty and freedom for everyone.

Yet, today, there are many who show very little respect for Old Glory.

While people are viewing a parade, many do not stand and salute the flag as it passes by. The flag has been spat upon, trampled, burned in disgrace and even used as a piece of clothing!

On this Independence Day, proudly display this Red, White and Blue. Teach the children about the flag and the respect it deserves.

Helen R. Kottas, Crete

A solemn reminder

Gosh, it’s only the First of July!  All around me — north and south — fireworks are flashing, bombs are bursting in air, and dads are watching their offspring celebrate.  It doesn’t get any better’n than that!

Our little experiment — a government of, by and for the people — seems to have made a difference! Knowing more than a bit about it, I’m astonished that it has endured — and deeply grateful that it has. Again, it doesn’t get any better’n than that!

For every “starburst” that explodes, every “rocket” that thrills, every “Cat-5” that stuns, every “whistler” that shrieks, there are at least 35 veterans who die, a thousand who suffer from traumatic brain injury, another thousand who wander homeless, and countless others who are anxious and aimless.

Enough! The Fourth of July is an auspicious and momentous celebration, but it is also the solemn reminder of our nation’s overriding commitment to peace and prosperity for us and our children, and for those who yearn for freedom wherever they live.

’Twixt the first and the fourth, think again of the promise and the possibility. And ponder the burden that such promise demands from each of us. Only then can you light the fuse on the fireworks.

Daniel J. Davis Sr., Lincoln

Made in China

So there I was Sunday, waiting in the checkout line at the Walgreens when one of those small “impulse buy” merchandise displays caught my attention.

There, just in time for July 4 and on the eve of the Olympics, was a basket of American flag-embroidered red, white and blue wristbands, something that anyone could wear to signify their pride in home and country.

And there on each patriotic wristband was a large sticker boldly proclaiming “Made In China.”

I picked up one of the wristbands and held it out to the young store manager standing a few feet away. “I’m not sure you’re going to sell many of these,” I told her with a somewhat straight face.

“Why’s that?” she asked.

“You don’t see anything wrong with patriotic gear made in China?”

She now looked at me as if I were clueless. “Everything’s made in China!” she stated matter-of-factly.

“Of course,” I said turning toward the door. “Including patriotism, too, I see.”

Troy D. Larsen, Lincoln


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CS wrote on July 4, 2008 1:05 am:
" Incidentally, only active duty service members are required to salute the flag. Everyone else should remove their hats, if worn,and place their hand over their heart. "

 Dan wrote on July 4, 2008 2:11 am:
" Good point about China, Troy. The only problem is, with all the money we owe them, some day soon, the made in China sticker may be all to real. They may very well end up owning us! "

 Bubba wrote on July 4, 2008 7:04 am:
" Made in China.... It used to be made in the USA. Take a walk thru Wal-mart or Old Navy and see how many items you can buy that are made in the USA. Look at how many foreign made cars are on the streets. etc....
At least today we can celebrate our Independence day with fireworks and then go back to work to make more morning to buy all the foreign things we need. Don't blame me, I buy made in the USA whenever possible. "

 Bob wrote on July 4, 2008 7:16 am:
" Bubba, you realize of course, that many of those "American" cars were built in Mexico and many of those "foreign" cars were built in Illinois. "

 import cars wrote on July 4, 2008 7:51 am:
" you might want to research about some import cars. alabama has a mercedes benz manufacuring plant and i think toyota has a plant in the midwest. and the beloved american Hemi engine is made in mexico. you really have to look at where it comes from not just the name of the company.
i to used to think i should only buy american. when taking economic classes in college i found out that it is better to not discriminate like that. if another country makes better cars then we should buy those and our country to put it's resources into making something that we make very well. we are moving closer and closer to a global economy and we really don't have a choice
if you only buy american these companies don't have to worry about much if any competition. this makes thes companies fat and lazy, they don't improve there processes and don't research any new technology which leads to prices increasing and being behind the times with our products. i'm not saying don't buy american if i see two products that are equal i will buy the american one. and lets not forget childrens toys i will only buy american for the rest of my life. but if a foreign car is more reliable last longer and get way better gas milage i'm not going to let the fact that the car has a toyota tag on it stop me from making a wise decision. "

 love the patriotism wrote on July 4, 2008 7:54 am:
" Great letters today. This is my favorite holiday. To Troy Larsen: I don't buy the "made in china" thing either. Maybe I am selfish, but when the dog food was tainted, it felt like terrorism at home (what a bipartisan cross section of Americans - type target!). I stuck with my American brand, but wondered if they purchased any part of the dog food from China.
I buy as American as I can, only to learn that "made in America" doesn't mean that the whole product was produced or made from our materials. Nevertheless, we need to buy American to the best of our abilities.
Have a great fourth everyone. "

 the flag is great wrote on July 4, 2008 8:02 am:
" the flag is a great symbol of every sacrifice americans have made for me and my family. the one thing that it includes is the freedom to do all the things that you talked about people doing to the flag. it makes me sick when people burn the flag in protests and things like that but this country protects your right to do these things. i do think that there area way better ways to protest than do burn trample and spit on the flag. unfortunatly i think the flag could be loosing its meaning as no one does the pledge of allegance(spelling?) anymore. "

 to Bubba wrote on July 4, 2008 8:34 am:
" Fireworks are also made in China. "

 Bill in Lincoln wrote on July 4, 2008 8:58 am:
" ...right on Troy. Your letter hit me right between the eyes. Everything is made in China...even our little flags. It disgusts me and I do look for that when I purchase. Made in China is everywhere while everyone complains about the need for Democracy to convert from Communism. Don't be like them...but give them all of the work! Can't reverse it now in regards to financial feasibility cuz we've kicked the American worker to the curb! "

 Manager wrote on July 4, 2008 9:01 am:
" So there I was Sunday, 30 minutes before my shift was over, and some guy started harassing me about some 4th of July merchandise made in China. Well, of course it's made in China. Almost all of that stuff is made in Asia somewhere. Even if you could find that product made in the US, it's usually marketed as being made by "artisans" or "fine craftspeople" and it costs 5 times as much. No one buys that stuff, at least not at the drugstore. I couldn't count the number of times I've heard someone say "I can get that cheaper at Walmart". So get this- the guy is all over me about patriotism and stuff made in China, and he's wearing "name-brand" clothes made in Indonesia or Guatemala or Vietnam, and those little running shoes with the "swish" that definitely aren't made in the US, and all the other stuff he's actually BUYING is totally made in China. He looks at me like I should have an explanation for all of this foreign made stuff right on the spot, gets all huffy about patriotism and stomps out the door and gets into his foreign-made car and drives away! Guy is totally clueless. I suppose he thought he satisfied some inner need to express his patriotism by implying that other people weren't patriotic enough. Oh well. It was a bummer but I guess satisfying customers is our job. "

 Retired enlisted wrote on July 4, 2008 9:18 am:
" I took an oath to defend the country against all enemies foreign and domestic. Thats why I choose to protest this war in Iraq. It was the first war that america started with the first strike. It only benefits the rich , just like vietnam "

 Big Chief wrote on July 4, 2008 11:08 am:
" Recent attempts to require "country of origin" labeling on all food products have not been able to make it through Congress. I would like to see it on ALL products. If it is required for ALL manufacturers of foreign products that would not incur any increase in costs to manufacturers in the USA. However I would guess that a product with a "Made In the USA' stamp would be a very effective marketing tool. "

 Integrity wrote on July 4, 2008 11:15 am:
" is the key to any form of respect. Education is next. I always put my hand over my heart. That use to be taught in elementary school. Now you have your "unpatriotic" people who want to stop the pledge of allegiance in schools, so how are kids going to learn? At home and we all know that is not going to happen. We have kids dressing like bums now so the respect for the flag is at the bottom of the parenting guide. I also wonder if the Flags that wave over our great City are made in America or China? Being a patriot is guarding over ones country. Our troops, past and present, do a task that is not easy and the troops that make it back, never forget. But we do, look at the way Americans treat each other, robbing each other, shooting each other. I have been through a lot of hardships in the last 5 years, but it will never compare to what our troops endure. I appreciate the fact they die for my right to be safe. What is really ironic here, is that they put their lives on the line everyday on foreign soil and here at home, we aren't even safe from the American next door. Until Americans realize we need to stick together and be the government, life as it is now will not change for the better. Just as people illegally shoot off fireworks and break the law because it doesn't pertain to them, and forget the whole intent of what July 4th stands for, maybe send them overseas in one of Uncle Sams Uniforms and see if they discover that guarding the welfare of your neighbor branches out to guarding the welfare of these United States. "

 Edgar Pearlstein wrote on July 4, 2008 11:18 am:
" "My country, right or wrong", without qualifications, is a patriotism slogan more appropriate for an authoritarian country than for a democratic one. "

 Uncle Sam wrote on July 4, 2008 1:50 pm:
" It's unpatriotic to shop at Wal-mart. "

 TWP wrote on July 4, 2008 2:18 pm:
" Manager: nice job.
Bubba: You need to make a lot "more morning" to buy American, because the foreign products can be sold for a lot less because they don't have labor unions driving up the cost of manufacturing. It might be patriotic to try to buy American, but it sure is hard on the pocketbook.
Bill in Lincoln: "We" kicked the American worker to the curb because we refused to pay inflated prices to pay their inflated wages. When unskilled laborers at automobile plants are making $30 per hour, the well eventually runs dry. I think many workers (led by irresponsible union leaders) have kicked themselves to the curb. "

 ST wrote on July 4, 2008 2:51 pm:
" Mark Twain defined Patriotism as "Supporting your Country at all times, and supporting your Government when they deserve it" "

 Sue F. wrote on July 4, 2008 3:27 pm:
" If people do not make a decent wage they cannot afford to buy the products that others are producing. If we paid all worker a living wage, kept the jobs here and maybe cut the CEO's multi-million dollar saleries just a small percentage we would all be better off. "

 Don wrote on July 4, 2008 4:28 pm:
" Politicians seem to redefine patriotism whenever it suits their political purposes. In my mind they are some of the most unpatriotic people, as they do what they want and don't listen to the people. "

 hot rod wrote on July 5, 2008 4:28 am:
" i got the flag tattooed on me so i'm definitely more patriotic than anyone. "

 Matt P. wrote on July 5, 2008 1:48 pm:
" Troy, if you think "patriotism" is defined by a plastic flag sold in Walgreens than you truly have no clue! Patriotism is not defined by the flag or any other object. We merely use a symbol to represent that patriotism or sense of national unity. You can take all the flags in the country away and still be patriotic. In fact, the very essence of American patriotism existed BEFORE the current American flag or its predecessors even existed. Patriotism is a state of mind...it is not printed on plastic. Furthermore, the idea that someone who has a bumper stick, a lapel pin, or a ribbon professing their patriotism is somehow more patriotic than some who doesn't is absurd! How shallow and superficial do you think true American patriotism is? Your post bleeds of ignorance and a lack of understanding concerning global economic policies. The idea that printing an American flag in China is somehow non-patriotic is absolutely ridiculous. And the idea that "patriotism" is up for sale simply because the flag was printed in a foreign country simply shows your superficial version of patriotism. "

 andy wrote on July 5, 2008 3:59 pm:
" "Yet, today, there are many who show very little respect for Old Glory."
And, Helen, why whould they show any respect at all for it? Old Glory is the symbol used when our military bombs innocent civilians in some far away land. Its the backdrop our president uses to lie to us into war.
It is the symbol of oppression to people whom we slaughter(Vietnam, Mexico, Phillipines, Japan, Central America) in the name of the almighty dollar. It is the symbol our government agents wrap themselves in when they violate the Constitution. It was the symbol used when U.S. citizens were thrown into concentration camps for the crime of being children of Japanese immigrants. It is the symbol used when our government tortures people in secret. It is the symbol of our arrogance. The symbol of our ignorance about how the rest of the world views us. We are the bad guys. We are the ones who attack without being attacked. We are the nation to use atomic weapons on civilian targets. We are the nation that provides little third world dictators the tools to oppress their own people. Our flag was a symbol of freedom in the distant past. It hasn't been so for many decades. Stop bowing down to a symbol and idealogy that no longer stands for what you fantasize about. Just because WE live here, does not make US right! Our actions, our governments actions, in front of Old Glory, are the measure of morality.

Governments use love of country and love of symbols to hide the truth. The truth is that our United States of American Federal Government does things that you and I would never think that Americans were capable of doing. And they do it all with Old Glory waving on high. Please, place your respect with those things/people that deserve it.

P.s. can you name the last war we fought in which our liberty was in jeopardy? "

 Fireworks dont make you patriotic wrote on July 5, 2008 4:25 pm:
" Earlier in the week, a lot of people seemed to think patriotism was defined by who could light off the most fireworks, criticising those who complained about loud fireworks going off late at night before the fourth. They babble about how these people are somehow less patriotic than anyone else for whining about truly patriotic, inconsiderate people that do this only a few nights a year (because it proves how American they are), so people should not be upset about it waking up their kids, upsetting their pets, or waking up those that work the next day. This just shows how narrow minded some 'Americans' have become. "

 You dont speak for me ANDY wrote on July 5, 2008 4:38 pm:
" Yea. How about World War II Andy. Remember Pearl Harbor? If your so embarrased about your country and government, maybe you should apply for citizenship in a country where you can enjoy such freedoms you are entitled to here, and one you won't be so ashamed of to live in. Good luck. Bye. "

 Matt P. wrote on July 5, 2008 5:54 pm:
" Andy. The flag was also the symbol that millions of Jew saw as a liberating force when we defeated the German forces. If it were not for the U.S. forces you would be speaking German (assuming your family wasn't exterminated). To somehow suggest that all we do is oppress is just absurd and irresponsible. Have we made mistakes...yes. But far away the U.S. is the land of freedom and the country the world turns to when it needs help. Your very selective recalling of facts makes me want to vomit. For every 1 negative thing you posted I could post a hundred things the U.S. has done that would be view positively throughout the world. "

 andy wrote on July 6, 2008 7:39 am:
" okay, matt, I never said that everything our gov. has done was bad. And your example of the Jews is not a good one. The US did not enter WW2 to liberate and save Jewish lives in Europe. As for speaking German, three things; one- Germany never did and never could have seriously threatened the US, they could not even invade Great Britain across a couple of miles of water, two-the US did not defeat Germany, the Allies did. and three-there is no evidence that our entering a European conflict did anything to enhance our liberty here at home. It could be argued that ourinvolvement paved the way for Communist domination of eastern europe and a fifty year cold war that sucked us dry both economicaly and morally.
Pearl Harbor was a military attack on a military target. When did the Japanese ever annihilate two American cities? You justify the entire war for revenge over less than three thousand military deaths? Juxtapose that with the destruction of many times that of women, children, etc. at Nagasaki and Hiroshima, neither of which were needed to end the war.
Also, we were also an Imperial power in the south pacific. Matt, can you make up for the "mistake" of killing one million Filipinos civilians? Can you make up for the genocide of hundreds of thousands of American Indians?
My point was that flag worship, while patriotic, is not honest. Glossing over the atrocities and oppressions commited by our gov. by saying we do good things too is dangerous. Saying that "mistakes were made" instead of acknowledging the truth leads to more of the same in the future, as is happening now. Nationalism is dangerous. Blindly saying that our flag stands for freedom and liberty around the world is ignorant. There are many places where it does not.
I am not embarassed for living in America. I am, however, apalled at what our government has done in our name in the past, and in the present. As we celebrate independance from government oppression, let us not forget that we too have been oppressors ourselves. "

 Jack C wrote on July 6, 2008 12:10 pm:
" Everything is made in China because we sell them materials for little or nothing and they send them back cheap. the only problems seems to be we have run up a national debt for 7 or more trillion on buying junk this way. All thanks to George W. At the same time he cut taxes which means there is no money to pay this debt. With the war costing more than 3 trillion I am happy to say our grand children will experience a depression most of their lives no matter which party takes over in January. the Republicans have given us irreparable damage to our economy. Made in china, of course. "

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