Over the last 8 years or so there has been a blurring of the definition of “American”. With a change of Administration imminent (whether the next one be Democratic or Republican) it is important that we all come to a consensus on what is American, or more to the point un-American, so we may finally agree on exactly what it is that we all seem to take pride in being.
Some suggestions:
- War” and “Troops” are different things. We all have 4 different options. You can support one, the other, neither or both. The two options that involve NOT supporting our troops are un-American. The two that involve supporting them are both acceptable as “American”.
- Faith, of any variety, can be the greatest part of someone’s life. Religious extremism, of any variety, endangers lives and freedom.
- Separation of church and state will be considered “American” until such time that it is removed from our Constitution.
- Social and religious tolerance are American values. Henceforth, intolerance will no longer be tolerated.
- Wanting our leaders or even candidates dead is un-American. Disagreeing with them is natural.
- Paying higher taxes in times of war is not un-American — it’s our heritage. Causing our grandchildren to become the indentured servants who will build the next great Chinese railroad is un-American.
- Socialist principles, when properly applied in capitalist countries, have been proven an effective means of providing a “safety-net” for the masses — unemployment insurance, social security, education, etc. [in more advanced countries even health care]. When improperly applied they provide a “safety net” to the “financial elite” who don’t have to worry about all that other stuff anyway. Taking from the bottom 99% to give to the top 1% may not be un-American, but it’s sure hard to make a winning argument for…
- Anyone who believes that the people of Washington D.C. and New York City are somehow un-American, anti-American or even ‘less American than they are’ should commandeer a plane and take a crack at it themselves.
- Anyone who has ever suggested that American citizens who disagree with or criticize our government [while exercising their right to free speech] should “find another country to live in” must be prepared for their turn to “put-up or shut-up”.
- DON’T PANIC. It will only convince the rest of the world that we finally realize we’ve been as stupid as they thought we were all along.
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain
