I’m never going to enjoy a Toby Keith song about America, or demand that my neighbors "love or leave" this country. It’s unlikely that I will ever refer to an American media outlet as traitorous, or demand that we build a fenced wall between the United States and Mexico. I don’t believe that, this, or any country has been chosen by a higher power to lead the world, and I don’t believe that the United Nations is a global plot to strip the U.S. of its sovereignty. I do, however, love the United States.
I love America for what it aspires to be, and what is has the potential to become. The foundation of what this nation celebrates today, the Declaration of Independence, was more than a statement of revolution; it was a statement that governments exist to secure rights of their citizens. That aspiration has been a inspiration for countless people, revolutionaries and dreamers, and a model for governments around the world for over 200 years.
I love America for its incredible diversity, for its commitment to the idea that our unmatched military might should be used for good, not dominance, its belief that every man and woman should have the opportunity to achieve his/her dreams, and its incredible optimism. I love America for its sense of community, its belief in civil rights and equality, and its capacity to be united.
And yet, we fall so short of some of those aspirations. Our government, like any human institution, makes mistakes, and sometimes even deliberately does wrong. With all of our power and all of our wealth, we sometimes fail to do what is in the best interest of the world, or even our own citizens. As someone who loves his country, I cannot be silent when I believe we are on the wrong course. I cannot acquiesce when the government oversteps its power.
Liberal criticism of our nation’s policies is often mistaken or mischaracterized by the Right as hatred of America, or a desire to leave. Nothing could be further from the truth. We criticize the government because we believe it can be better, do more, infringe less. Blind devotion to one’s country is not patriotism; it is nothing more than subservience that Jefferson would have despised. As Edward R. Murrow said: "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it."
Today’s celebration of our independence isn’t limited to one side of the political spectrum. Patriotism isn’t about whose flag is flown higher or whose politics are better; it’s about working together to make our nation what Jefferson and the other founders hoped it could be, an inspiration for the rest of the world:
"The flames kindled on the Fourth of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them."
Have a happy fourth!
Tagged as:
Civil Liberties
Don is an English/Debate teacher and debate handbook author who lives in Helena, MT, and who can't imagine living anywhere other than this glorious state.
Much of his writing happens late at night and he is unlikely to respond to your comments during the day.
{ 77 comments }
Next Comments →
Wow. Well said Don. Thanks.
Nicely put. Well done!
Might be my favorite ID post so far.
Well said, Don. You should send it to NEWSWEEK. Thanks.
I Really like THIS CARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! commercial loan interest
Wow! Thank you! I permanently needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my blog?
This actually answered my drawback, thanks!
Anyway, I have bookmarked your blog so will verify out your years to come offerings. Thanks
We have concede your limpidity broadened my views we will straightaway seize your rss nourish to keep recent on any very likely publications may release.
watching online movies is actually my regular past time this month, i actually appreciate it::
We appreciate you taking the time to speak about this, I find myself fervently about it so i enjoy understanding this topic. Please, whilst you gain data, please improve this blog with a lot more information. I found it extremely useful.
hi all my best world !!!
Coucou vous quel est votre avis de mon nouveau site sur l’ immobilier ?
My wife and i ended up being quite lucky that Edward could carry out his investigation while using the ideas he came across while using the web site. It is now and again perplexing to simply choose to be giving out strategies which often a number of people have been selling. We really realize we have got you to be grateful to for this. These illustrations you’ve made, the easy website navigation, the relationships your site help to create – it’s mostly wonderful, and it is making our son and our family reason why the theme is brilliant, and that is highly indispensable. Thanks for the whole thing!
I simply had to thank you so much all over again. I’m not certain what I would’ve sorted out in the absence of the type of advice contributed by you directly on that topic. It had become an absolute fearsome issue for me personally, however , finding out the very specialized approach you solved the issue took me to weep over fulfillment. I am happier for this work and then trust you comprehend what an amazing job you are always accomplishing educating people today all through your web blog. Most likely you have never encountered any of us.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
professional dog trainings are pricey specially if you ever hire those dog trainers that are able to teach your dogs a great deal of tricks
If you need help computer security, enters pcsecurity
Bonjour vous que pensez-vous de mon nouveau blog sur l’ immobilier ?
First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Many thanks!
I believe this really takes me back, prefer your blog design too. Will it be DPW? ok, good job!
Great morning, may be here’s towards situation merely well, i%u2019ve become executing study concerning your webpage which%u2019s why it is extremely obviously pro. I include been getting a fresh unique writings with your lover with attempting return glance good, each time in addition to feel a solution i%u2019ve damage it. Recommendations on how burdensome was considered the to actually site? Properly any man much as an example me lacking an occurence achieve that, ahead that complete folks boost web should possess linked with chewing entirely up receiving that can done plus?
After research a couple of of the blog posts in your web site now, and I really like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site listing and will probably be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my website online as properly and let me know what you think.
Howdy, We hopped over for your website online via StumbleUpon. Not anymore one important thing IпїЅпїЅd usually learn, nevertheless liked your thoughts none the less. Thanks making something price reading.
Of course, what a great site and instructive posts, I surely will bookmark your site.Best Regards!
There’s noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in features also.
I am glad for commenting to make you be aware of what a really good encounter my friend’s child found browsing your web page. She noticed a lot of issues, with the inclusion of how it is like to possess an ideal helping mindset to have the mediocre ones clearly know precisely several multifaceted subject matter. You really exceeded our desires. Many thanks for churning out such interesting, trusted, educational and also unique tips about your topic to Tanya.
Would you be taken with exchanging links?
I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)
I love your post review, much more me develop my experience on my own blog. I i do hope you improve your review, I’ll follow your update. See you on the subsequent.
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Many thanks!
Excellent web page you might have right here but I was asking yourself in the event you realized of any communication boards that cover a similar matters talked about in this post? I would definitely really like for being a part of group where I can get feed-back from other experienced individuals that share the identical interest. Should you have any tips, please allow me know. Appreciate it!
It’s great webpage, I was looking for something like this
Coucou tout le monde que pensez-vous de mon nouveau site sur l’ immobilier ?
Can I just say exactly what a relief to discover somebody that actually knows what theyre referring to on the net. You actually learn how to bring a worry to light and make it important. More and more people need to see this and see why side from the story. I cant believe youre not more popular as you definitely contain the gift.
I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I enjoyed it!
Top of the line post , I really hope how to make my weblog this topical !
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were very beneficial extremely helpful
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
very good post, i actually love this web site, carry on it
Great Job
Can you pleasee include more points on this matter?? Also your website is very informative. Cheers!!!
It’s difficult to get professional people on this subject, but you appear to be you know what you’re sharing! Thanks
I¡¦ve recently started a website, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
I’d need to check with you here. Which is not one thing I often do! I enjoy reading a submit that can make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I used to be very pleased to search out this internet-site.I needed to thanks on your time for this glorious read!! I definitely enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
An attention-grabbing discussion is worth comment. I think that you must write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but usually individuals are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Next Comments →
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }