Helping Step-Daughter: "Does Patriotism Still Matter?"

Self | 10/12/2010 | Self

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

Hi Everyone,

My 12 year old Step-Daughter is doing an essay - "Does Patriotism Still Matter?" Of course it does!

We would like our FReeper feedbackso she can compile it and write her essay.

So, let's go FReepers...

Let's list why Patriotism Still Matters!

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

Thanks much! :-)

[goodnesswins]

Only if you are FOR FREEDOM.

[mountainlion]

No, not for the unpatriotic left/liberal/progressive. It is a way of life for the rest of U.S.

[combat_boots]

Do you value gratitude for the family and place of your birth?

Do you even realize that the writing of this essay is itself not permitted in unfree countries?

Do you know the punishment for speaking out in dictatorships?

[hampdenkid]

Bless your little step-daughter’s heart (and bless you for being such a great step-dad).

Were I you, I would tell her to use JFK’s great quote from his Inaugural Addresss:

“Few generations in the history of the world have been called upon to protect freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility. I welcome it.”

[xuberalles]

Absolutely. If a person doesn't show reverence or pride for their country, then they tend to become apathetic when it comes to its welfare, it's survival. Liberals, who typically are very unpatriotic, have no qualms tearing down the foundation this country was built upon. Why? Because they never truly respected or appreciated the rights and opportunities provided within. Yet, only when everything sacred to us is degraded or destroyed, will they truly realize how lucky they were to have lived in the United States Of America.

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

Good ones so far.

My 1st reply to her was: It’s the glue that holds the Country together and like a mighty Oak Tree with a firm foundation.

Keep posting...

[combat_boots]

Maybe this is a way for you to help her understand what a ‘given’ is. It’s math. Here, it’s a presupposition.

To deny the value of patriotism in an American school argues for denying the antecedent, as the schooling itself rests on the ability to learn and achieve. The American worldview of exceptionalism, freedom and republicanism is unique in its sweep of world history. People come here and often die in the process still. They don’t do that for ‘free’ or no reason. Our ideology bases its reason for being on a Divine thread that surpasses what was the divine right of kings, the force of tyranny, and the death of cultural anarchy.

Another way to look at this issue is patriotism compared to what? By what standard? According to whose definition of....an unknown?

[gorush]

Patriotism matters only if the culture says it matters. I’m not very optimistic.

[B4Ranch]

Tell her to read the Amendments and see which ones she wants to give up because Obama wants to give all of them the the UN.

[KC Burke]

A teacher asking this question is likely postulating a lowered importance of Nation-States.

In today’s world, National Governments matter even more than in the days of the Cold War when block alignments often substituted for nation-state’s policies. Today with more independent nations and trans-national groups being less effective rather than more effective, it is important for citizens to be involved with, and then supportive of, their Nation. We now live in an age of Non-State Actors — Al-Qeada, Hezbolla, Hamas, and other non-Arab counterparts like Drug Cartels. Trans-national groups have been very ineffective at taking action against such players, only Nations have protected the world.

[GladesGuru]

America is the only place on earth where the individual can be considered a real citizen. The rest are subjects.

Also, America is the only real opportunity to destroy Islam, a necessity that Moslims WILL force upon us because of their Koranic beliefs.

I sincerely doubt your daughter will like a burqa.

[freedumb2003]

Here is my take:

The United States is the most amazing entity to ever exist in human history. A combination of high ideals and an understanding of the power of capital markets (relatively new at the time of her formation), she was the first country in recorded history to be created with the welfare of the GOVERNED not the OVERLORDS to have primacy.

Patriotism is not to be taken lightly. It requires an understanding of our founding principles and our governing documents: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill Of Rights (all of which I saw a few weeks ago in DC and I openly wept at seeing the originals).

The American Experience of immigrants is also unique — both in history and currently. No other country in the world establishes a new citizen on an even footing with the native born. Our vitality comes from the experiences of the source culture. Our only request: Accept the USA as your home, adapt your culture to ours (not the converse) and FOLLOW THE LAW.

Patriotism isn’t “My country right or wrong.” It is a deep abiding understanding of what we have built and how our country can do good in the world (as we have since our inception) and how each of us, as individuals, can contribute to that collective good.

All of what I have written is lost on liberals, who have are liberals because of their complete inability to analyze beyond surface levels. Liberalism is easy, since it requires only feelings. Conservatism is hard, since it requires knowledge.

[combat_boots]

We are told by media and certain officials or public figures that we should be one world. Our next generations are listening.

It is up to us to teach them what patriotism and America is, not what it was as if it has been Camelot. They are listening, and our cynicism must be heavily flavored with the fire of free men that, once tasted, does not die except when surrendered.

[sten]

i am a patriot to the US Constitution and the country that lives by it

that does not mean i stand by this administration or those that seek to fundamentally change the country counter to the Constitution.

i actively oppose those people with ever fiber of my being

[gorush]

I couldn’t agree more, I just despair of our numbers.

[combat_boots]

Am just trying to encourage a fellow FReeper. Simply posting here is an act of free specch, rushie. And courage.

They WANT us to lose heart. Stand your ground.

[CodeToad]

Give her a hypothetical scenario: A Muslim comes to her school and finds her wearing her normal school clothes. He then beats her with a stick and makes her cover up head to toe because that is what is done in his country. Her response would no doubt be that such a thing cannot happen in this country. Then say, “See, you are for your country, and that makes you patriotic. Countries matter, to help separate what we desire for ourselves versus what others demand we do for them. Our founding fathers and mothers created this country so we could be free from those that wish to beat us with sticks.”

[30Moves]

Look at the patriotism of our enemies.

If we don’t have patriotism to united us, what does?

[mware]

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” Mark Twain

Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.” James Bryce

A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.” George William Curtis