Patriotism...devoted love, support and defense of one's country; national loyalty. This is the definition found in my Random House College Dictionary I keep by my computer.
While this definition suits my feelings and actions very well, I am wondering after a thread was locked concerning the American flag if there is some underlying attitude regarding our country that many of us are unaware of or has a more appropriate or different meaning than the one quoted above. Many accept our patriotism without hesitation or reservation. It would seem it is the one thing all could agree on without regard to party affiliation or our personal beliefs concerning the direction our country should be headed.
Surprisingly, here in our own little world of SoWal this does not appear to be so. What I am asking has nothing to do with objections to government policies or our political differences. It has to do with how do you really feel about your country and do you support it even though you feel it can always be made better? I know what my feelings are and how they have been developed. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the greatest nation on earth! I also realize that there can be improvements and valid changes at every level of its existence.
But after the past few days, I sense a feeling that some do not hold the same respect for the United States that I feel and do.
Please tell me I am wrong and why. Once again, this has nothing to do with Republican, Democrat, left or right, it has to do with how you feel about your attitude toward your country. Do you hold with the definition as presented above or is there something I am missing? To me nothing is more precious than the lifestyle I now enjoy thanks to being able to live in the greatest nation on earth.
Replies
61
SoWal Expert
Oh, so only those who meet your standard are allowed to voice their interpretation of patriotism? Pul-leeeze. Who are you to say she hasn't made a difference in the world? (And please don't infer that I am making a positive endorsement of her just because I say she has as much right to be opinionated as the next person. :roll
And yes Mermy- Alphacrab stated his opinion on including Anne Coulter. He was not rude or disrespectful to a poster. There are no rule sthat say he can't call her a dumba$$ (which I know you think she is;-)).
Banned
My Analogy:
Patriotism is like being a parent, proud of when your offspring (i.e., your country) does something great and unselfish or inspiring for the world (the neighborhood)...
And not proud of that child (i.e.,your country) and speaking out when they do wrong, and when the child hurts people, damages property, or gets an arrogant attitude.
Crab, for me it's more like I am the offspring, with a conscience, doing the deeds. I identify with the country, like it's me. When my country does good, it is its own reward, but when it's bad, it's lots of this
SoWal Expert
im not attacking him. im simply stating a fact. are you actually saying that bob isnt an extremist?im not a sugarcoater, i say it how it is
Yes, you attacked him.
Bob is not part of this discussion, so quit trying to pick a fight.
I think we get that you are not a sugarcoater.
Well, so much for another attempt at a civilized intelligent discussion. Getting off the train before it slams into the wall.
SoWal Insider
im not attacking him. im simply stating a fact. are you actually saying that bob isnt an extremist?
You are stating your opinion and it is no more correct about another than anyones else's opinion. If he is an extremist, then so are you, and that's not a fact, it is my opinion after reading your post, yelling at people for the same behavior you display and accuse others of having.
Edited
Banned
The dogma is barking.
Banned
You are stating your opinion and it is no more correct about another than anyones else's opinion. If he is an extremist, then so are you, and that's not a fact, it is my opinion after reading your post, yelling at people for the same behavior you display and accuse others of having.
if your going to tell me he's not an extremist than you dont read his posts too often. WAKE UP!
SoWal Insider
if your going to tell me he's not an extremist than you dont read his posts too often. WAKE UP!
I read both of your postings and you yelling at me in the end is Exactly what I'm taking about.......:roll:
Edited
picky
And yes Mermy- Alphacrab stated his opinion on including Anne Coulter. He was not rude or disrespectful to a poster. There are no rule sthat say he can't call her a dumba$$ (which I know you think she is;-)).
I think you miss the point I was trying to make. Alpha Crab's phrasing suggested Ann Coulter had no business being on that list (which I cut and pasted off a random quotations website; no deliberate choice of mine). Sez who? Him? Sure, it's his opinion, but it's obviously not kkddbb's opinion.
I thought this post was about discussing different interpretations of patriotism. Different. To me that means Ann Coulter belongs on the list--if only to demonstrate drastically opposing points of view! To say so dismissively "What the hell is she doing there?" indicates a mind that's closed to any understanding of what other people believe.
A. Leonard's post to kkddbb could just as easily be spoken to Alpha Crab, if we're going to point fingers at posters who put down those who don't share their idealology.
Beach Fanatic
Oh, so only those who meet your standard are allowed to voice their interpretation of patriotism? Pul-leeeze. Who are you to say she hasn't made a difference in the world? (And please don't infer that I am making a positive endorsement of her just because I say she has as much right to be opinionated as the next person. :roll
First off I have not called her any names that the press hasn't already. I read her book Godless, and she is actually a good writer.
All I am saying is if anyone (of any persuasion politically) goes down that random list, she tends to "pop" out--like in a high school multiple choice test....you know, "Which of the following people have no relation to the others-- A.B.C.D. or E."
I think she has made a difference--I understand she is fantasy fodder for all pre-pubescent, Conservative teenage boys, or anyone else who was into those early Robert Palmer videos.
Edited
SoWal Insider
I think you miss the point I was trying to make. Alpha Crab's phrasing suggested Ann Coulter had no business being on that list (which I cut and pasted off a random quotations website; no deliberate choice of mine). Sez who? Him? Sure, it's his opinion, but it's obviously not kkddbb's opinion.
I thought this post was about discussing different interpretations of patriotism. Different. To me that means Ann Coulter belongs on the list--if only to demonstrate drastically opposing points of view! To say so dismissively "What the hell is she doing there?" indicates a mind that's closed to any understanding of what other people believe.
A. Leonard's post to kkddbb could just as easily be spoken to Alpha Crab, if we're going to point fingers at posters who put down those who don't share their idealology.
My post is to point out that a belief about another poster is an opinion and holds no more water than anyone's else's opinion that was directed at another poster, not at a public figure when said poster said their opinion was a fact, which no one's opinion is 100 percent factual. I disagree that they are the same.
I am simply tired of seeing people attack each other and then point a finger. This is the first time I have posted on this after reading miles of it. I don't think I deserve to be dragged into another disagreement over what one person said over a public figure.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Alphacrab, something is going wrong when you are quoting others posts in yours. When you press "reply with quote" button, check to make sure you include the beginning
and the endingmarks before typing your new thoughts, I think that will fix it.
SoWal Insider
Doesn't patriotism equate to a display of pride in one's homeland?
Edited
Beach FanaticAuthor
Once again, the discussion, which for a while was a very good one, has deteriorated into something far removed from the original intent and premise. Why am I not surprised. I admit, that at times I am goaded into and guilty of the name calling and attacks but my personality can only assimilate so much crap and then, unfortunately, it must react in kind.
Thanks to all of you who understood what I was asking and responded accordingly.
Thanks to all of you who understood what I was asking and responded accordingly.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Doesn't patriotism equate to a display of pride in one's homeland?IMO, yes.
Banned
I read both of your postings and you yelling at me in the end is Exactly what I'm taking about.......:roll:
Beach Fanatic
Alphacrab, something is going wrong when you are quoting others posts in yours. When you press "reply with quote" button, check to make sure you include the beginning "" and the ending "" marks before typing your new thoughts, I think that will fix it.Thanks. I thought people were trying to put words in my mouth.
Banned
Doesn't patriotism equate to a display of pride in one's homeland?
You use the word "display" here. I could interpret you as saying that one must very actively demonstrate patriotism for all to see. Accordingly, in order to be properly patriotic one should engage in festivities, the more the better. One should display flags, the more the better. I'm not positive this is what you're saying, so please clarify.
Banned
Could you expound on that?
Beach Fanatic
This post being doomed to the same fate as the flag one.
Over/Under 8 hours??
Any takers???
Over/Under 8 hours??
Any takers???
SoWal Insider
You use the word "display" here. I could interpret you as saying that one must very actively demonstrate patriotism for all to see. Accordingly, in order to be properly patriotic one should engage in festivities, the more the better. One should display flags, the more the better. I'm not positive this is what you're saying, so please clarify.
You can have patriotic feelings (feelings of pride) as well. Websters simply defines it as a "love of and/or devotion to one's country." To communicate your patriotism, to be patriotic, would require a display of your feelings in some way?
picky
This post being doomed to the same fate as the flag one.
Over/Under 8 hours??
Any takers???
It wouldn't if people would take the time to listen to what others are saying. A lot of thoughts and ideas are falling on deaf ears. Selectively deaf ears, as in "I hear only what I want to hear."
Admin
Alphacrab, something is going wrong when you are quoting others posts in yours. When you press "reply with quote" button, check to make sure you include the beginning [ quote ] and the ending [ quote ] marks before typing your new thoughts, I think that will fix it.
This is correct - this usually starts going haywire when a bold character is used in the quote tags inadvertently. Easy to correct if you are paying attention people.
As for locking threads:
Threads are locked when they are off the tracks. Locking threads means the entire community must moderate each other.
Warnings and bannings means all the work is done by just a few, and the problems simply repeat themselves as old problems are replaced by new ones.
If you are a member of this forum, and you post only in the political forum and do not add anything to our community except disrespect, divisiveness, and hatred, you will be banned.
Beach Fanatic
When my son had his Eagle Scout banquet, we invited a local POW to speak on what he thought patriotism was.
He said this:
Patriotism is not littering, not doing drugs, upholding the law, taking care of your neighbor, doing your best.
That's love of country - yet I know far too many who will ride down the road with a flag on their car all the while throwing a coke can out the window.
G
He said this:
Patriotism is not littering, not doing drugs, upholding the law, taking care of your neighbor, doing your best.
That's love of country - yet I know far too many who will ride down the road with a flag on their car all the while throwing a coke can out the window.
G
SoWal Expert
My post is to point out that a belief about another poster is an opinion and holds no more water than anyone's else's opinion that was directed at another poster, not at a public figure when said poster said their opinion was a fact, which no one's opinion is 100 percent factual. I disagree that they are the same.
I am simply tired of seeing people attack each other and then point a finger. This is the first time I have posted on this after reading miles of it. I don't think I deserve to be dragged into another disagrement over what one person said over a public figure.
And that is the difference- Alphacrab commented on a public figure, kkddbb commented about another poster.
SoWal Insider
When my son had his Eagle Scout banquet, we invited a local POW to speak on what he thought patriotism was.
He said this:
Patriotism is not littering, not doing drugs, upholding the law, taking care of your neighbor, doing your best.
That's love of country - yet I know far too many who will ride down the road with a flag on their car all the while throwing a coke can out the window.
G
No recreational drugs?
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