The Death of Patriotism

In 2006 America, most patriotic Americans are waving flags, setting off fireworks, throwing a family barbecue, and generally enjoying the freedoms that are the birthright of Americans everywhere.
 
 

Founding Father Thomas Jefferson warned future generations that, "the tree of liberty must watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants, from time to time."

American freedom was purchased with the blood of patriots.

And, from time to time, despots and tyrants have threatened American freedom. American patriots stood in the breach, defending that freedom with their own blood.

Patriotism means love and devotion to one's own homeland. It is derived from the Latin patria, meaning, "the land of one's fathers."

But in 2006, being a 'patriot' is like having 'family values'. It is a word that can mean whatever one wants it to. Politicians eager to score points against the administration find no conflict in calling the US government corrupt and dishonest.

If true, it means the world's most powerful country was overthrown in a coup d'etat by a small cadre of rich and powerful men. It means America, as we know it, is no more. It is a very serious charge. But it is regularly thrown about by elected officials of the US government who know full well they are giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

Disloyalty to the government by its elected officials is so common that someone even coined an acronym for it - ACE -- short for Aid and Comfort to the Enemy.

A couple of weeks ago, a prominent American entertainer made headlines with her comments to a British tabloid. Natalie Maines, a singer with the Dixie Chicks, equated patriotism with pandering. "A lot of pandering started going on, and you'd see soldiers and the American flag in every video. It became a sickening display of ultra-patriotism."

Maines went on, asking, Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country... I don't see why people care about patriotism."

Instead of being horrified at the thought of someone so blessed by America expressing such ingratitude, Maines' comments spawned a national debate about what being a patriot is all about. In the final analysis, it isn't about much.

Some disloyal US official leaked operational details about a secret US warfighting program to the New York Times. The administration reported 'implored' the Times not to reveal it. The editors at the New York Times rejected the administration's plea and ran the story anyway.

The administration -- which is, by the way, the United States government, admitted the leak caused serious damage to our warfighting ability. That is the textbook definition of treason. Had the New York Times revealed the plans for the D-Day invasion in 1944, the editors would have been imprisoned as spies.

In 2006, the government can say 'that's classified' and the New York Times can say, 'no its not." And that's the end of it.

In 2006 America, putting one's party ahead of one's country is what passes for patriotism. The last time that happened in America, it prompted Abraham Lincoln to repeat the Biblical truth that a 'house divided against itself cannot stand."

It seems that America's liberal establishment is determined to prove Lincoln right.

Hal Lindsey

hallindseyoracle.com