StreetScooby 5 #26 June 24, 2008 Quote I find that a pretty large commitment for a non-citizen and I think that's great. I agree.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #27 June 24, 2008 Quote It seems to me that Americans are subdued about being Americans these days. Exactly. This presidential election actually frightens me, and prompted this question on my part. My observation, for some time now, has been my country is losing its identity. While I'm all for multiculturalism, it must have its limits.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #28 June 24, 2008 I give you alot of credit for even starting this thread. You had to know there's be plenty of folks on here who would want to tear you down for being patriotic. Born in 1958. I was raised to believe this is the greatest country on the planet. I still do. I don't think I'm better than someone in anther country, just more lucky to live in the US. And yes, I do believe my country is better than anyone else's. My country has done some amazing things in my lifetime. It's not perfect, and it's done some things I'm not proud of too. I don't have blind faith like I did when I was a young boy. But I still beleive. I still put my hand over my heart when I sing the national anthem. I'm proud to hear it played at the Olympics. I remember the sacrafices many have made, and continue to make for me. Many times I'm frustrated with the US as it is today. I see us becoming a nanny state more and more. I see us burdened with special interests, lawyers, and the laws they pass that pertain to only a few but affect us all. But I still beleive. Problem today is its not PC to be patriotic. It's become a dirty word, and uncool thing. But whenever some country has a problem they look to us to help. Whether it's money or some other form of aid. I worry about the future of my country. So many people are so concerned that we've lost our standing in the world. I think it's more important to be concerned with our standing within our own borders. I'm sure you think your country is the greatest on the planet too. You should. You live and die there. You raise your family there, work hard, and pay your taxes. I'd be disappointed if you didn't beleive that.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #29 June 24, 2008 Quote You had to know there's be plenty of folks on here who would want to tear you down for being patriotic. That was, and still is, my expectation. I am patriotic, and proud of it. Quote I was raised to believe this is the greatest country on the planet. I still do. Likewise. Quote It's not perfect, and it's done some things I'm not proud of too. I don't have blind faith like I did when I was a young boy. But I still beleive. Agreed. Quote I still put my hand over my heart when I sing the national anthem. Yep. And I expect everyone around me to do the same, especially our political leaders. Quote I remember the sacrafices many have made, and continue to make for me. I think the same, everytime I see our flag. And I say an internal thank you to the men and women serving our country. I also verbally thank them when I see them. Quote Problem today is its not PC to be patriotic. It's become a dirty word, and uncool thing. Agreed, and this drives me nuts. Actually, it pisses me off. Quote But whenever some country has a problem they look to us to help. And they will continue to do so, as long as the aircraft carriers work. I want them to work for a long time to come, because bottom line, the world is not a place where everyone plays well together. No, we can't all get along, and it's not our call. Quote I worry about the future of my country. Big time. It's another reason that prompted me to ask this question. Quote I think it's more important to be concerned with our standing within our own borders. Agreed. While I'm not an isolationist (it's simply not feasible), we do need to get our shit together within our borders, and all pull together to keep America strong. Hopefully, by focusing on being Americans. I'm a hawk on national security issues. We are the good guys, though mistakes have been made (usually seen in hind sight). I'm a middle of the road Republican elsewhere. At this point in time, "middle of the road Republican" has become an oxymoron here. Quote I'm sure you think your country is the greatest on the planet too. Yes I do, and apparently so do alot of other people. That's why so many want to come and raise their families here. I'm all for that, as long as they realize they are in America and they're focus is being American.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darius11 12 #30 June 24, 2008 QuoteI still put my hand over my heart when I sing the national anthem. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yep. And I expect everyone around me to do the same, especially our political leaders. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Reply To -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I remember the sacrafices many have made, and continue to make for me. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think the same, everytime I see our flag. And I say an internal thank you to the men and women serving our country. I also verbally thank them when I see them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Reply To -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Problem today is its not PC to be patriotic. It's become a dirty word, and uncool thing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agreed, and this drives me nuts. Actually, it pisses me off. I think the people who are responsible for this are the ones who claim to be patriots and are sure of what being a patriot means. Being a patriot has nothing to do with waving the flag, yellow ribbons, or where your hand is during the national anthem but about caring for the people of this country. Patriotism is not blind faith or at least should not be. Times change, the demands of the nation will change. There is no better definition of a patriot other then one who will scarifies for the good of the country, and the good of the country usually means the good of its people. Over the last few years patriotism has become like a fanatic religion which like many religions lead many down the wrong path to war. Whenever patriotism becomes blind to truths then I believe it is no longer caring about the country and its people. It becomes an article of faith, which is susceptible to all the things that happen when something becomes more symbolism then actual action or knowledge based on facts.I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." - Kurt Cobain Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #31 June 24, 2008 As always,Darius, a thoughtful post. Quote Being a patriot has nothing to do with waving the flag, yellow ribbons, or where your hand is during the national anthem but about caring for the people of this country. Patriotism is not blind faith or at least should not be. Times change, the demands of the nation will change. There is no better definition of a patriot other then one who will scarifies for the good of the country, and the good of the country usually means the good of its people. Agreed. Quote Over the last few years patriotism has become like a fanatic religion which like many religions lead many down the wrong path to war. Fanatics are not known for their perspective. I find myself quickly dismissing such people, from software coding to religion. But, you can have strongly held beliefs and still have perspective. I would love to see this question, what does it mean to be American, raised and debated in higher circles. I think it might bring some much needed perspective to my country and the direction our leaders should take us in.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #32 June 24, 2008 QuoteMy thoughts are that if you had posted the same thread before Iraq this thread would have had wings. It seems to me that Americans are subdued about being Americans these days. There's a segment that seems intent on self loathing, but I think that may be more a personal problem. Those who don't like the direction that leadership has taken the country in recent years hopes to see a change come January. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
downwardspiral 0 #33 June 24, 2008 Personally I do not admit this much but I am a serious patriot. I grew up a military brat and then joined the military myself when I was 18. I absolutely love this country and all that its stands for. So much so I get choked up when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. Why do I not admit it much? Because I don't need to prove to anyone what truly lies in my heart. I don't need to wear a pin or put a yellow thingy on my car or have a flag hanging on the front of my house. I don't need to put my hand over my heart during the national anthem or pledge allegiance to the flag. I am simply proud and very fortunate to be an American.www.FourWheelerHB.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #34 June 24, 2008 Thank you for the response.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
