As I sit here watching political commentary for the presidential election in November, I cannot help but notice that somehow every candidate makes it clear they are patriotic.
I must ask myself where this concept would possibly fit in when it comes to lowering taxes, reducing the size of our government, building a stronger military or even serving the American people.
I keep coming back to the image of "patriotic politicians." If you are willing to stand there and tell me that you are patriotic, prove it to me -¡- a voter.
Explain to the American people, Mr. Kucinich, how you claim to be patriotic when you say both that we shouldn't attempt to hunt and that we should stop those who are set on killing Americans.
Senator Obama, explain to the voters how patriotic it is to refuse to wear an American-flag lapel pin, claiming that they are too patriotic.
Patriotism is not an action or just a feeling. It's a belief, a sense of pride and honor.
Patriotism is a feeling of love and devotion to one's own homeland.
Yes, wearing a pin is an outward sign of that belief, as is standing up, putting a hand over your heart and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. However, the question that remains is if it is too much of a "sacrifice" to wear a lapel pin or recite the pledge. Would someone please tell me how it is any different than asking American military personnel to lay their lives down for us.
Anyone in the military is required to salute not only higher-ranking officers but also our flag, a flag for which too many men have died so that you can choose to remain free. Can we at least attempt to be like them in some way?
What about the union mill worker who served in Vietnam? Is he still patriotic even though he no longer serves his country militarily? And then, there is you reader. Are you patriotic? Are you willing to prove to your roommate that you are patriotic? Your best friend? This campus?
Now, don't misunderstand my position. I am proud to have politicians as well as ordinary citizens stand up and say that they are patriotic because 98 percent of the time I believe them.
I don't want the term "patriotism" to turn into a buzzword for politicians during an election year. If they are willing to use the term, they should be just as willing to show the American people how they are patriotic.
Is there any one person to blame for the disproportional use of the word patriotism? No. The people to blame are sitting all around you. That includes you as well as me. None of us have taken the time to step back and truly validate the way we use the word or take the belief to heart. We are all responsible and should therefore act like it.
Is patriotism a political tool? Unfortunately, that is what it has turned into. Should it remain that way? No. Prove to people what the term patriotism is. Go out and use the rights that thousands of men have died to preserve.
But most of all, prove you are patriotic without disgracing the belief, the sense of pride, the feeling of honor and the American tradition.
Robert Burgess is a freshman political science major and writes 'The Right Word' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Robert at rkburgess@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
