I never used to think of myself as patriotic, perhaps because I despised the behavior of so many who do identify as such. ESPECIALLY the flag-hugging and the standing teary-eyed with hand over heart at the anthem. All mindless stuff. But I too feel enormous grief and sadness at what is happening to the country, and like you said, Travis,…
I never used to think of myself as patriotic, perhaps because I despised the behavior of so many who do identify as such. ESPECIALLY the flag-hugging and the standing teary-eyed with hand over heart at the anthem. All mindless stuff. But I too feel enormous grief and sadness at what is happening to the country, and like you said, Travis, a person would not feel that way if he or she did not care.
For a few years now, I have participated in an American history reading group at my small public library in a small town in upstate NY. We have encountered many villains and much ugly behavior in our reading BUT ALSO many real heroes and much honorable and self-sacrificing behavior. That too has helped clarify my feelings about my country. All Americans need to learn their history as well as basic civics. I was very fortunate to have had an outstanding course in American government in 9th grade at a very good public school, and for some weird reason, I found it super interesting, and came away with knowledge that I have relied on my entire adult life. It has definitely helped me be a better, and more engaged citizen. Now, as I said, I am trying to remedy the gaps in my knowledge of US history.
BTW, some of the biggest litterers in my rural part of NY are the Trump supporters with their "I stand for the flag and kneel for the cross" stickers, flags, etc. I am constantly picking up their discarded beverage containers, Burger King packaging, etc. along my road. Not disparaging Christianity or Christ (I'm Catholic), just shallow, hypocritical Christians, or CINO's as some one else wrote.
I never used to think of myself as patriotic, perhaps because I despised the behavior of so many who do identify as such. ESPECIALLY the flag-hugging and the standing teary-eyed with hand over heart at the anthem. All mindless stuff. But I too feel enormous grief and sadness at what is happening to the country, and like you said, Travis, a person would not feel that way if he or she did not care.
For a few years now, I have participated in an American history reading group at my small public library in a small town in upstate NY. We have encountered many villains and much ugly behavior in our reading BUT ALSO many real heroes and much honorable and self-sacrificing behavior. That too has helped clarify my feelings about my country. All Americans need to learn their history as well as basic civics. I was very fortunate to have had an outstanding course in American government in 9th grade at a very good public school, and for some weird reason, I found it super interesting, and came away with knowledge that I have relied on my entire adult life. It has definitely helped me be a better, and more engaged citizen. Now, as I said, I am trying to remedy the gaps in my knowledge of US history.
BTW, some of the biggest litterers in my rural part of NY are the Trump supporters with their "I stand for the flag and kneel for the cross" stickers, flags, etc. I am constantly picking up their discarded beverage containers, Burger King packaging, etc. along my road. Not disparaging Christianity or Christ (I'm Catholic), just shallow, hypocritical Christians, or CINO's as some one else wrote.