Monday, April 14, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Will John McCain Apologize Again in 2033?
In 1983, John McCain voted against a bill to honor Martin Luther King with a federal holiday. Twenty-five years later he apologized. In 2008, John McCain ran for president trying to continue the war in Iraq. Maybe he'll apologize again in 2033.
Friday, April 4, 2008
My Hero
Martin Luther King Jr. is perhaps the greatest patriot in the history of this country.
Everyone must listen to this wonderful speech:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b80Bsw0UG-U
He spoke the truth in order to lead America to its destiny. While the government hurt America, MLK tried to help it.
It is sad that if "Iraq" is put in place of "Vietnam," you realize NOTHING has changed in this country.
Everyone must listen to this wonderful speech:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b80Bsw0UG-U
He spoke the truth in order to lead America to its destiny. While the government hurt America, MLK tried to help it.
It is sad that if "Iraq" is put in place of "Vietnam," you realize NOTHING has changed in this country.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Take Back The Flag!
Take Back The Flag!
I agree wholeheartedly with comments by people such as Obama on the flag pin issue. It is false patriotism. Obama said to ABC News, "Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq War, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest.
"Instead," he said, "I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism."
Here's my take on patriotic symbols. Progressives and liberals rightfully prove their patriotism through their views and desires for our country. It's very obvious that it is Unpatriotic to stay in Iraq, not have universal health care, etc. Patriotism is a love for the country. America=Americans. We are lucky that the American Creed and the vision of our Enlightened founders allowed for the country to have a governement that, in the words or Lincoln, is "government of the people, by the people, for the people." I love American history because it shows that America was the product of the Enlightenment. A revolutionary war was waged against a government that taxed people without letting them be represented. (Seems quite petty to what our government does these days).
Anyway...to get to my point...I believe that all of the patriotic symbols, from the flag to the national anthem, are symbols of freedom and justice. Why are American's proud of the country? I believe it is because of what America stands for. It is undeniable that the government has acted against the intent of America. However, the flag and other symbols are symbols of everything right with our national values. It isn't that far off that America just might be the greatest nation in the world. There is the possibility, thanks to our great tradition from the Declaration of Independence to the Civil Rights Movement, that we will live up to our history and tradition.
I view American history as a battle between those who suppress the original American values, and those who believe that the American Revolution is ongoing. The great founding documents set up a challenge for Americans of future generations. There was a consensus on what America should stand for and Americans today take great patriotic pride in that. It is quite impressive that American patriotism can be rooted in actual ideas and principles and not dangerous ethnic pride. Sure there are those who have become absurdly nationalistic as if we were in the Balkans or in WWII Europe. However, "progressives" and "liberals" who understand what America is really all about should take back the flag. Wave it proudly! Don't let the flag become representative of backwards Republican nationalism. Symbols have a way of getting messages spread, so embrace it. Let it have substance and a meaning behind, because in reality, there is. During war protests, every marcher should wave the flag. When the government acts in ways that are against the Constitution and that hurt its citizens, don't burn the flag, wave it. Show the country who the true patriots are.
"I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the People, by the People, for the People; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; A democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of Freedom, Equality, Justice, and Humanity for which American Patriots sacrificed their Lives and Fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to Love it; to Support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to Respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies."
I agree wholeheartedly with comments by people such as Obama on the flag pin issue. It is false patriotism. Obama said to ABC News, "Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq War, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest.
"Instead," he said, "I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism."
Here's my take on patriotic symbols. Progressives and liberals rightfully prove their patriotism through their views and desires for our country. It's very obvious that it is Unpatriotic to stay in Iraq, not have universal health care, etc. Patriotism is a love for the country. America=Americans. We are lucky that the American Creed and the vision of our Enlightened founders allowed for the country to have a governement that, in the words or Lincoln, is "government of the people, by the people, for the people." I love American history because it shows that America was the product of the Enlightenment. A revolutionary war was waged against a government that taxed people without letting them be represented. (Seems quite petty to what our government does these days).
Anyway...to get to my point...I believe that all of the patriotic symbols, from the flag to the national anthem, are symbols of freedom and justice. Why are American's proud of the country? I believe it is because of what America stands for. It is undeniable that the government has acted against the intent of America. However, the flag and other symbols are symbols of everything right with our national values. It isn't that far off that America just might be the greatest nation in the world. There is the possibility, thanks to our great tradition from the Declaration of Independence to the Civil Rights Movement, that we will live up to our history and tradition.
I view American history as a battle between those who suppress the original American values, and those who believe that the American Revolution is ongoing. The great founding documents set up a challenge for Americans of future generations. There was a consensus on what America should stand for and Americans today take great patriotic pride in that. It is quite impressive that American patriotism can be rooted in actual ideas and principles and not dangerous ethnic pride. Sure there are those who have become absurdly nationalistic as if we were in the Balkans or in WWII Europe. However, "progressives" and "liberals" who understand what America is really all about should take back the flag. Wave it proudly! Don't let the flag become representative of backwards Republican nationalism. Symbols have a way of getting messages spread, so embrace it. Let it have substance and a meaning behind, because in reality, there is. During war protests, every marcher should wave the flag. When the government acts in ways that are against the Constitution and that hurt its citizens, don't burn the flag, wave it. Show the country who the true patriots are.
"I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the People, by the People, for the People; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; A democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of Freedom, Equality, Justice, and Humanity for which American Patriots sacrificed their Lives and Fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to Love it; to Support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to Respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies."
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