Rob's Column (Forced Patriotism)

Previous Rob's Columns

1Sept06 Are you a N. or a American-N.

7Sept06 Are we at war with Islamic Fascists?

14Sept06 Political party differences

21Sept06 What we know now of the incompetent United Nations.

1Oct06 Is President Bush creating terrorists?

7Oct06 What about the gays?

14Oct06 Our children deserve the truth

21Oct0 6 Time to Decide

1Nov06 Prediction Time

14Nov06 Who really won the Election 2006?

21Nov06 You pick, as a neighbor, A Muslim or a Liberal?

1Dec06 The Plan for Iraq

14Dec06 Santa vs. Jesus

1Jan07 What will history say?

14Jan07 Illegal Aliens (Immigrants) The Mexican Invasion

1Feb07 Who's more STUPID? Americans or Muslims

5May07 Political Verbiage (Great starting point for new people)

20May07 Dear Mom and Dad

5Jun07 Your Next President

20Jun07 A Patriot or a Criminal, you decide

3July07 "The Celebration of Hypocrites"

18July07 Am I Angry?

10Aug07 LOVE (thoughts while on vacation)

1Sept07 Conscientious Objectors

15Sept07 "Bloody Hands"

1Oct07 "Phony Soldiers"

1Nov07 Who's Patriotic?

15Nov07 Crazy Times

Forced Patriotism

Patriotism is defined in Webster's dictionary as "Love of and devotion to one's country". Now think about that for a second, let it sink into your cranium of cognitive thought. Then ask yourself if such a statement could be forced upon you? Could it?

From the amber waves of grain to the Star Spangled Banner, Americans are the most patriotic amongst everyone in the world. Is this music and patriotic emblems of national pride just way to much? Many people have said that the Star Spangled Banner shouldn't be played before sporting events and that the display of the American flag in the stadiums is just another way of patriotism being forced down your throat. Seriously, can't we just be patriotic and not be reminded of it everywhere we go and especially when were gathered to watch a football game or some other sporting event?

America has a short but intense history of uniting against the many evils that it faces and uses patriotism to get the adrenaline running through the veins of the people's cause to do so. Are American children being forced to be patriotic because they are learning to sing the Star Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance before there heads of mush can catch a glimpse of the current rap or hip hop album? Better yet, should our children be taught more, like trips to a military air show on a military base, or some of the troops visiting the kids in our schools? Isn't this just a little overboard?

1st Amendment (freedom of speech/expression) or a display of desecrating patriotism. Many Americans say this is going overboard, and a old fashioned school-yard punch in the nose is definitely what is needed here.

Flag burning goes on everywhere in the world, it's sad, but true. If I was smarter back in my crumb snatcher days I would of started a company to manufacture American flags, with as many I've seen burned, I'd be a wealthy man by now.

Seriously though, isn't this just another reflection of a different patriotism?

Currently today some states fly the flag at half staff at the capitol when a fallen soldier comes from that state. This is a touchy subject because you got one view that this is what Memorial Day is for, then you got the other side saying if your a politician and never have served a day in the military you will get the flag lowered at half staff at the state capitol if you die, who's more important?

I will tell you that in the Military, you learn very quick (within hours) of what "old glory" means and it must be displayed and never touch the ground in honor and respect to our country and fallen for what the sacrificed for. With that in mind, I'll save my two cents for the end of this column.

Now you have that liberal channel of American destruction called NBC telling Freedom Watch that they can't advertise a commercial that says Thank You to our troops on their television channel. Read it Here.

Wow, now you can't even say Thank You to the troops because according to NBC it's controversial....don't worry folks, after we found out about this, NBC had decided to let the commercial play. You can see that commercial by clicking here.

As for me personally folks, I will share you my thoughts, because I really believe I have seen the best and worst in patriotism. I actually liked Webster's definition, it leaves it open ended to what you perceive to be patriotic. However, burning a American flag, is betrayal to the country and men that have protected you in battle. I wonder if the politicians would ever pass a law that states if you burn a American flag in America and get punched in the nose, you only pay a 3 dollar fine for being the person that did the punching. As for teaching our kids about patriotism through the Star Spangled banner, it's a wonderful thing folks, I remember my father taking my brother and I to Wurtsmith, AFB and watching the Air Show every summer. That instilled in me early on a patriotic sense that I can't begun to describe, besides the chubby I still get when one of the fighter jets fly's by at low altitude. We live in a land where we need to be united and not have to question someone's patriotism. The state capitols need to recognize that and recognize the ultimate sacrifice someone could give to our country. As President John F. Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". These men gave their lives.......how much more can you possibly do for your country? Fly your flags folks, lower them when needed, and don't forget Freedom isn't Free.


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