I disagree with some thoughts and premises, but I agree with most of your feelings... I think conservativism may partially be selfishness, but I think a lot of it is also pride, or misunderstanding or even just a general disinterest. I don't think that I can condemn all the conservatice people as subhuman... but I think that they have been conditioned by a society that craves money, power and position in a way that has made them into what they are. I don't think anyone makes a concious decision, "I'm going to focus on no one's well being but my own," I think that kind of general life-long mentality is something that is developed during a persons upbringing and developmental life - in the same way you and I were raised to respect and feel compassion for others, they were raised to play for number one. By saying this I don't mean to excuse any behavior, I just mean to explain why I can't condemn them as less than human. They are human. They were just taught what we consider to by moral-less values. I agree, however, that these people should not be in public office because I truely believe that they do not represent the people of our country or, equally importantly, the values and laws that our country was built upon.
I do not in any way think patriotism is bullshit. I'll use my family as an analogy... I'm incredibly proud of my family. I think we are a fantastic group of people who have original ideas, incredible creativity, and an almost unheard-of ability to stand being stuck in a small rental car for weeks on end without killing each other. I'm proud of the approach my parents took on educating my brothers and I and I'm proud of the decisions they made regarding careers - my dad having given up working in philadelphia, then lancaster so that he could spend more time with his family because, in his mind, that was more important than the money that could be made in more mainstream advertising areas. I could go on and on! BUT! That DOESN'T mean I think my family is better than yours! You're parents are amazing! You and paolo have turned into incredible adults (or... young adults :o) and I love you all and think your fantastic! To me, patriotism is the same thing. I consider myself a patriot. I'm proud of my country. I'm proud of what we stand for and what we've done for the world. Talking to one of my co-workers the other night who is originally from el salvador, he told me that the things that are possible in America would be nothing but dreams back in his home and this was the greatest place in the world. I'm proud of that. At the same tme, I think that our current governmental officials are hurting us and our world reputation... They have taken the word "patriot" and turned it into a dirty word for all of us who disagree with them, and I personally think that that's just not right. I'm a patriot because I love my country, not it's administration, and because I'm a patriot I will vote to change things for the better everytime the opportunity presents itsself.
As our current administration continues to embarrass and shame us, don't let them make you cynical. Don't let them make you lose your faith in humanity, and don't let them take your country from you. Be a patriot rosa brosa. Take the country back.
I do not in any way think patriotism is bullshit. I'll use my family as an analogy... I'm incredibly proud of my family. I think we are a fantastic group of people who have original ideas, incredible creativity, and an almost unheard-of ability to stand being stuck in a small rental car for weeks on end without killing each other. I'm proud of the approach my parents took on educating my brothers and I and I'm proud of the decisions they made regarding careers - my dad having given up working in philadelphia, then lancaster so that he could spend more time with his family because, in his mind, that was more important than the money that could be made in more mainstream advertising areas. I could go on and on! BUT! That DOESN'T mean I think my family is better than yours! You're parents are amazing! You and paolo have turned into incredible adults (or... young adults :o) and I love you all and think your fantastic! To me, patriotism is the same thing. I consider myself a patriot. I'm proud of my country. I'm proud of what we stand for and what we've done for the world. Talking to one of my co-workers the other night who is originally from el salvador, he told me that the things that are possible in America would be nothing but dreams back in his home and this was the greatest place in the world. I'm proud of that. At the same tme, I think that our current governmental officials are hurting us and our world reputation... They have taken the word "patriot" and turned it into a dirty word for all of us who disagree with them, and I personally think that that's just not right. I'm a patriot because I love my country, not it's administration, and because I'm a patriot I will vote to change things for the better everytime the opportunity presents itsself.
As our current administration continues to embarrass and shame us, don't let them make you cynical. Don't let them make you lose your faith in humanity, and don't let them take your country from you. Be a patriot rosa brosa. Take the country back.
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