Update: McCain Selects Gov. Sarah Palin as Running Mate

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Okay, I can dig that. But that definition is a little too abstract for me. What about those who don't or can't serve in the military. How are they to prove their love or defend our country? Surely that would leave out hundreds of millions of Americans, wouldn't it? Another thing, since you cite the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, how does the institution of slavery factor into this and more recently, the Jim Crow era, as it relates to our founding fathers and their ideals of sacracfice and service?

I'm not trying to stir the pot, just trying to see exactly when did America start loving and defending other Americans - all Americans.

I believe that patriotism is a feeling that should be conveyed in words, or, at the very least, is not a feeling we should try to hide. I think people should recognize the great many things this country has to offer and be proud of them. Unfortunately, I agree with some of the sentiments expressed earlier in this thread regarding the left. Many on the left will snicker, jeer and sneer at open expressions of love for one's country. In many circles it is definitely lame to fly a flag outside your home. To me, that is constitutes sheer "brattiness" and a failure to appreciate just how good we Americans have things.

However, I also believe patriotism is expressed through action. Failing to recognize flaws, or recognizing and ignoring them, is unpatriotic. Sacrificing liberty for safety is both selfish and unpatriotic. And, oftentimes, those on the right fail to recognize and correct the flaws in our past and present and tend to sacrifice liberty for safety.