It has become de rigueur for politicians to wear American flag lapel pins to show their patriotism. For too many, their behavior and actions belie patriotism in favor of partisanship or personal gain.
Patriotism is not wrapping oneself in the American flag.
It is not showing off with patriotic paraphernalia and clothing.
It is not about fireworks and celebrations.
It is not displaying bumper stickers proclaiming your “Americanism.”
It is not boasting that America is the greatest country in the world.
It is not displaying one’s guns and ridiculing the idea of gun control.
It is not parading around in camouflage with a Glock strapped to your waist.
It is not being xenophobic and bashing immigrants.
It is not just advocating small government or free trade.
It’s not about one’s right to privacy and American individualism.
It’s not just about you; it’s about all of us.
It is not jingoism or warlike foreign policy.
It’s not expressed by anger or hatred.
It is not racist or disrespectful of religious or ethnic differences.
It is not simply grilling hamburgers and hotdogs on independence day.
Patriotism is personal and private. It is an idea aptly expressed by Ian Frazier, author and humorist, who wrote that “America is a leap of imagination.” It is for all of us to interpret and engage in our everyday lives. It is a beneficent and democratic idea. It is about respecting ideas other than you own. Above all else, it is about doing the right thing and making the right choices even when it is not to your advantage to do so.
I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July