Is the above a controversial statement? Is it blind obedience to government or authority? Is it representative of nativism or bigotry? It seems like there are those who believe that patriotism, or pride in one’s country, is a bad thing. These people point out the problems in America’s past that mar our country's record like slavery, racism, or the lack of rights afforded to various groups of people throughout the course of our history. I would argue, however, that these injustices are not what Americans are celebrating when they are proud of their country. In fact, I would argue that most Americans of all political persuasions are extremely patriotic.
Being patriotic means being proud of the ideals that America was founded upon, ideals which Americans have fought for ever since. These ideals are what America, and therefore pride in America is based upon. The idea that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" is a novel one that is unique and affords the smallest minority, the individual, the greatest amount of freedom and ensures the most rights. In my mind, the flag of the United States represents these ideals. The pledge of allegiance expresses the essence of American patriotism: A dedication and commitment to the ideals of unity, equality, liberty, and justice for all.
Many Democrats would argue that Republicans are racist. The majority of Republicans are not inherently racist or clinging to an outdated dogma of oppression or supremacy. Let's discuss the slogan "Make America Great Again." What, besides being a racist slogan, could MAGA mean? America had a reputation in the past as "The Land of Opportunity." Here in America, people could come and have opportunities in education and economic advancement and stability that just weren't available anywhere else. The concept of the American Dream is a "national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers." (Wikipedia)
To Make America Great Again could mean that many Americans are finding that the opportunity for prosperity and success seems more limited than it used to be. Many Americans are finding it harder to afford an education. Others are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase a home, the very symbol of the American Dream with its white picket fence. MAGA Americans appear to be upset with the rampant economic inequality that is diminishing the middle class. They appear to want freedom from the oppression of an overbearing, bloated governmental bureaucracy. MAGA with this definition is extremely patriotic. Republicans seem committed to the concept that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Make America Great Again means to Restore America to The Greatness it was, or the Land of Opportunity.
Ironically, Democrats have essentially the same slogan: Restore the Soul of America. Democrats appear to be equally committed to the rights of the individual. They believe that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." They want to secure equal opportunity and equal citizenship for all people, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. They want social programs to support the most vulnerable among us.
They appear to want equal application of the law, regardless of position or status. They want us to spend money on social programs to give people in poverty greater options and reduce criminality. These are admirable goals. I think few Americans would disagree with these goals. Most people want to be able to be successful and they want others to be as prosperous as possible too. In addition to restoring America to its status as a Land of Opportunity, Democrats seem committed to reducing economic inequality and expanding the middle class. They appear to be campaigning against corruption in government and corporations. They're fighting for everyone to have an equal opportunity for success.
Why then, if the people have identical goals, are politics so embittered and so polarized? Why are the parties and media fear-mongering and villainizing one another? We have forgotten who we are as a nation. We’ve forgotten what the soul of America is. We’ve forgotten what makes America great. The thing that unites all Americans across the ideological spectrum is patriotism. Patriotism is the commitment to creating and continuing to mold a country that strives to ensure the God-given, non-negotiable rights of life, liberty, happiness, and due process for all.
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