What is Patriotism in America?

*Picture taken at 2007 Monacan Pow-wow, my interpretation of Pure America.

CNN did an I-Report of what patriotism was. There were some mixed reviews.

Some people were hardcore America, others were very anti-USA. I understand both sides.

Honestly, 4th of July didn't feel the same for me this time. I wasn't too "patriotic" or proud this year. I do love my country, I'm far from hating my homeland. I loved what our founding fathers created, but I don't like what we have become. Here's my true and honest opinion of my country.

I heard on the news last night during a package about Bush naturalizing some citizens a man say that America is a great place, everyone is trying to get in and not trying to get out. This is very true. America is a place of opportunity. What does irritate me about our citizens do not realize that opportunity is earned. You do have to work for it, not sit there and wait for it to happen. You then see men and women who come into this country and they work so very hard, and they make something of themselves.

Luis Gonzales from Chile is a perfect example. He left his country while Pinochet was dictator, abusing his people and came to America. He worked hard and ended up opening his own, very successful store in this town. He also has become a very influential person in this community, teaching spanish, leading a gemstone group, and holding many social and learning activities in his store. Even more so, he votes. He votes here and he flies back to Chile to vote. He understands the importance of this role and takes it seriously. Luis was not born here, but he is one of the truest Americans I know. It seems that the people who come into this country appreciate it more than the majority of Americans that were born here.

The country itself feels as if it is falling apart. The economy is in shambles, we are still involved with the conflict in the Middle East, 7 years later, and it seems like almost everyone is struggling financially and mentally. One of the I-reporters stated that patriotism was pointless. He stated that his father fought in two wars, dying in one. He himself obeyed all laws and paid taxes, only to be betrayed and lied to by his government. Another called patriotism a propaganda ploy.

Well, I believe you can love your country, but hate what it is doing. Also, every country has its flaws. Nobody is perfect and most governments face some sort of corruption because power taints the human soul and mind, making them hungry for more, even if it means hurting their own people.

I struggle with America's policy of engaging in conflict, whatever that policy may be. If anyone knows what that is, enlighten me. Afghanistan made sense. Bin Laden sent his cronies to attack us, so we go in, hoping to stop him and the Taliban from future terrorist attacks. Iraq on the other hand is still quite hazy. I've heard so many different theories coming from the mouths of our government of why we are there: Weapons of mass destruction in which were never found, then it was all about Hussein and his cruelty to his people (which the people of Chile had just as bad a problem with Pinochet, and I don't remember us getting THAT involved...but I digress,) then it was about democracy, and now I just don't know. I do know that OUR MILITARY has done a good job and thanks to them, Iraq is SLOWLY getting better. Again, let me emphasize that our men and women in uniform is the reason anything is getting done over there. If you want patriotism, look to them, not our government sitting in their air conditioned offices, throwing commands around.

And American citizens do not do their research. I am even guilty of this, making comments and insinuations, only to make an ass of myself because I had nothing to back my arguments up with. I have gotten better. The best example of this was the whole "Petrayus Betray Us" crap. Okay, so he said what Americans didn't want to hear, but the man is doing his job. He has been put in a very rough situation and is doing what is in the best interest of our country and Iraq. Yes, this war sucks, but pulling out people now and not having these surges every now and then will only lead us going back after a few years when the country implodes on itself. Also, why end a mission now, after 4,113 men and women died for a cause that may not be ended because we are against the war? Are we going to let them die in vain? Are we going to tell the families and friends of these people that their loved one died for no reason? Its hard for me to say this, because I am very pro-peace and wanting this war to end, but I know we can't jump out of this now, we are in too deep. And Americans need to realize this and just support our troops as much as they can.

I've just thrown a lot at you and never really clarified the idea of patriotism. The definition of the word is: "devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty."

This varies from country to country. First, being in the military for the most part fits the definition of patriotism. But, patriotism for the ones who don't fight wars outside the country are ones that fight wars inside it. That could be through voting, volunteering, and advocation. I think our people are slightly submissive and need to regain their voices. We do have the freedom speech and peaceful demonstration. But before doing any of that, at least research the situation before opening your mouth. One person with knowledge is stronger than a dozen people acting only out of emotion. And that is patriotism.

Working for opportunity for change in one's life and their own country.