patriotism

When I was 12 our class had to memorize a poem called "Patriotism", by Sir Walter Scott.  It was a lengthy poem, but we recited it each morning for a month until we all knew it by heart.  (In fact, I can still recite it from memory.)  The thing is, not once did we ever discuss the poem.  We never talked about the poem itself or even the concept of patriotism.  Nobody asked us if we agreed or disagreed with the poem.  Nobody asked how we felt about patriotism.  I suspect that nobody much cared.  Patriotism was just something one took for granted.  If you were an American than you were patriotic.  End of discussion. 

In stark contrast, jump ahead twenty-six years to the present.  Since it was Independence Day weekend, the theme of this Sunday's service at church was patriotism.  Jack, who is 12, was asked to share with the congregation his feelings about patriotism.  Not read a poem about patriotism or sing a song about patrotism, but simply to share his thoughts.  He was one of three individuals who did this, and it was actually a very cool service.

Here is what he said:

When Reverend Josh asked me to write something about patriotism for the service, quite frankly I was a little surprised.  I never really considered myself a patriot.  But then I started thinking underneath it all maybe I am patriotic.  As many people know, I have strong opinions on matters of government and our country.  Although I am not a fan of labels, you could say I'm a Liberal.

My definition of patriotism goes along with my opinions.  I don't think that patriotism means doing whatever your country says is right, especially if that means to go to war and kill.  I think this goes for any war, not just the notorious ones like Iraq and Vietnam.  As Americans, as human beings, we should do what we think is morally right.  That's what patriotism really means to me:  doing what I feel morally compelled to do and being willing to do so even if it contradicts government policy.  It is a part of the Unitarian Universalist principles and it is one of the beliefs that this country was founded on.  The founding fathers wanted the people of America to be happy, free, and able to believe what they want.

I think that in times when our government is less than perfect and so many people are dying in wars, that we sometimes shape our values to fit our state of national security.  I don't think that patriotism is wearing our nation's colors on the fourth of July, nor is it waving a flag around and setting off firecrackers.  I think that patriotism is respecting others beliefs, saying believing and writing what we want, and being able to make change.

We should feel grateful for the rights that we have as Americans.  As Americans we should have pride, but we should also be humble.  We should not believe that as Americans we are morally or socially superior to the rest of the world.  Instead of singing God Bless America, why not sing God Bless the Entire World, No Exceptions?

Comments

[Katie]

I'm voting for Jack for President in the 2040 elections. He's 12 right, so that will put him at 44, just old enough I think. Then Chloe can take over the oval office in 2048 after Jack does his 8 years changing the world. Do you think it's too early to order the buttons, "Jack for President" now, or should I wait? Can I get your kids' autographs now, before they are celebrities? Your kids just never cease to amaze me!!!!