Is Patriotism important?

[Dputiger]

I don't know if people from other countries read in these forums to, but I'm assuming they do. So I just thought I'd ask the question--how many people here think its important to be patriotic--and what does it mean to be patriotic anyway?

[Wiz]

Patriotism in the US is pretty much gone. A good portion of americans think only of themselves and their next paycheck so that they can buy the newest household gadget.

We are too caught up in the fact that we are number one, and everyone should bow to us, and it will fail soon...

[Toadman]

Patriotism sometimes means putting the country's needs ahead of our own needs and agendas for the good of the populace. Duty to country is extinct outside the U.S. military. With special interests lobbying through the media and politics, we really are diluted and lack a unifying common spirit anymore. Complacency, a booming economy, lack of foreign conflicts, and historical revisionism on why we are who we are some of the causes. For a fresh injection of US Patriotism, I suggest visiting a military airshow near you.

[blubomber]

I dont know about anyone else, but when i hear and/or sing our national anthem, i still get goose bumps and a tear in my eye at the end. Maybe everyone needs to sit down sometime and read the preamble to the constitution. And how about our Flag? Do you have a flag, and if so, have you ever let it touch the ground? If it has touched the ground, do you still use it?

[AnakiMana]

I just turned 21 last week and haven't been very patriotic until lately. But things have changed since I started learning about our nation's history. Our government was founded by true men of God who were all willing to sign their lives away so that the generations following could be FREE from the tyranny of England. They knowingly sacrificed their lives so we could be free. And they formed a republic so that the people could have control over the government instead of a monarchy, where the government has control over the people.

No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.
-- Abraham Lincoln, 1854

I hope nobody minds that I mention God (the God of the Bible) -- but God is an integral part of this country; you can't seperate the two. Anyway, our country has always been blessed because of our foundation. But now our government is sinking because our leaders have lost the original focus & the fundamentals this country were founded on. Things are slipping very quickly now and I think we're headed toward some great hardships. Of course, it's not too late to make a difference! I hope to God that people start caring again and refocus. I hope that all believers out there will pray for our country every stinkin' day! This is just my opinion, but I think people have become way too selfish. More people than ever are seeking only pleasure for themselves and not taking care of themselves and their responsibilities. Too many are becoming self-indulgent and thereby losing interest in their God, their spouse, their family, their country, and even their job. And why is it so easy to be self-indulgent? That's easy... the media wants us to believe that it's okay. They slowly & subtly change our minds and beliefs by exposing us to it nonstop. For instance, TV shows inform us daily that frivolous sex is grrrreat. Shows children that smoking is cool and teaches that being abusive is normal & expected. It's no wonder the divorce rate is so high! We're being brainwashed into thinking that ourself is the most important thing in the world!

Sorry for going off on a tangent. Couldn't help myself! So, um, I'd have to say "yes". Patriotism is indeed important.

AnakiMana

[oblivion]

Look what I just read on the subject.....what do you think?

http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/anarchist...atriotism.html

I hope nobody minds that I mention God (the God of the Bible) -- but God is an integral part of this country; you can't seperate the two.

Is not it funny that we have the most violent civilized country,both in sheer numbers,and per capita.........and yet we are one of the most "god fearing" countrys on the planet..........go figure.

[fvay]

i think every one ought to be patriotic to his or her country. if you are not. you wont be able to respect another one

[mgordon99]

patriotism \Pa"tri*ot*ism\, n. [Cf. F. patriotisme.] Love of country; devotion to the welfare of one's country; the virtues and actions of a patriot; the passion which inspires one to serve one's country. --Berkley.

Our government was founded by true men of God who were all willing to sign their lives away so that the generations following could be FREE from the tyranny of England.

Yes, and I might add, religious tyranny. The tyranny of imposing one religious point of view on the people. Are you saying this is the answer now?

[ILC]

AnakiMana.....I will be the first to thank you for hitting the point. Very excellently said and I agree with you totally.

Oblivion, wrong buddy, we USED to be the most god fearing country in the world. Now we are the most devil loving country in the world. Do reasearch, our crime rate has NEVER even been close as total or per CAPITA until lately about a little under the past 100 hundred years, then its very slowly gone up and now its rediculous.

Mgordon99 I disagree with you saying its reliigous tyranny, religious tyranny is you being presecuted for not going to the church of the king. Here people could choose whcih denomintaion they believed in.

I find it hilarious how people say this country was never based on God. I mean come on, when the country was first started, the congress only started and ended every congressional meeting with a prayer, our money says "In God we trust" , the pledge of allengence, our forefathers attended church every sunday, go inside the capital, in the room where the dome is and look at the original pictures and whoa what is that! A picture of our forefathers holding a bible that is opened up to the New Testament! Oh yea have i mentioned the declaration of independence talks about God too? Oh but what am i talking about, this country never had anything to do with God!

Anywho I think patriotism is very important. You want to be moved, and goto DC and goto the nam memorial, and all the other war memorials, around the lincoln monument, then when you think your ok with that, cross the potomic and head into Arlington. Those are truly inspiring and patriotic sites.

ILC

[This message has been edited by ILC (edited 06-16-2000).]

[mgordon99]

What about countries that are based on Budda? Are they wrong? Do you think the founding fathers would have tolerated all of the different religions we have today in the US? My guess is no, the "sinners" would have been burned at the stake, or hung.

And look what the great, "God-fearing" forefathers did to the Native Americans. Where were their great biblical principals then?

[AnakiMana]

What about countries that are based on Budda? Are they wrong?

Are they wrong about what? Anybody can found a country. What exactly are you asking?

Do you think the founding fathers would have tolerated all of the different religions we have today in the US? My guess is no, the "sinners" would have been burned at the stake, or hung.

I don't think they would have accepted the other religions because they strongly believed in God. But they probably would have tolerated them because that's what God teaches. People were created with free-will. Meaning they can choose to worship who they want to. If God made people worship Him, what would be the point? However, God judges everyone. Please try to find a Bible passage where God teaches us to kill those who disagree!

And look what the great, "God-fearing" forefathers did to the Native Americans. Where were their great biblical principals then?

Um, first of all who are you referring to? The signers of the constitution? Might I also point out that even those who have a relationship with God are not perfect. People get emotional and get into fights... just because you have a great teacher in school doesn't mean you automatically get a 100%, does it? Anyway, please back up your argument more specifically so we know what you're talking about!

AnakiMana

[AnakiMana]

Oblivion:

Look what I just read on the subject.....what do you think? http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/anarchist...atriotism.html

I disagree with the viewpoint expressed there. I think of patriotism as the loyalty and/or dedication to one's country. Heck, you could probably be patriotic to some other country! I think patriotism has much to do with the beliefs the country was founded on. Wouldn't it be hard to be patriotic if you loathed the founding of your country? Mental and/or physical support of the country is important, I think.

Yes, and I might add, religious tyranny. The tyranny of imposing one religious point of view on the people. Are you saying this is the answer now? --MGordon99

ILC is correct on this point. First of all, let's define "tyranny".

According to the Webster's Dictionary:
Tyranny: arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority

Let me assure you, nobody is being persecuted by our government for believing in a religion. People are persecuted all the time based on religions, but not by our government. At least I hope not! Anyway, nobody is imposing their religous view points on you. We are stating facts of history and telling what God says thru the Bible. Nobody can force you to believe anything. Think of gravity. You can't see it, feel it, touch it, etc. But it's there. But nobody can force you to believe it exists....

AnakiMana

[This message has been edited by AnakiMana (edited 06-17-2000).]

[BBA]

AnakiMana....I think people are today persecuted by our government if they DO BELIEVE in religion. It's a shame I think.

That guy who wrote about that article Oblivion came up with is a complete POS, who would be the first to beg for protection if a terrorist group took over his neighborhood.

People don't understand that patriatism is about caring for the quality of life for your family!

Thats all it is about.

The US gov't was created by these people with the purpose of preserving these qualities. Not for the purpose of promoting some starving artist putting elephant dung on a religious symbol and calling it 'INSIGHT'

What a loser!

[mgordon99]

But they probably would have tolerated them because that's what God teaches.

God teaches tolerance? Hmm..... like the alleged Salem witches that were "tolerated"?
And or course the African Americans were just "tolerated", weren't they?

The fact is that your "God" doesn't tolerate anything or anyone who has a different point of view.

Might I also point out that even those who have a relationship with God are not perfect.

Yes I would agree, anyone who beleives in an invisible man in the sky, and "talks" to him is far from perfect.

[BBA]

mgordon99...I'm not really the religious type, but I can tell you those african's that are now american citizens are safer here than in afica. That just is irrelevent?

People who believe in god do not necessarily have a problem, it is what makes them feel safe and comfortable. I don't think you can really criticise anyone for being "far from perfect" as you quoted.

Besides, God never told people to kill anyone, people like Hitler and other evil people with less than honorable agenda's are to blame there.

I personally feel no need to bash religion...to each his own!