Patriotism is seemingly everywhere these days. We closely associate the U.S. flag with patriotism. Does this mean that everywhere the flag is waved today that we find patriots? We often read words that appeal to the patriotism in all of us. Does that mean this appeal is always accurate, or truthful?
There are patriots on both sides of the political spectrum. If my words tried to convince you that only one political party has patriots that care about our country, this would not be true and might be an effort to mislead you. Even though I did not agree with him politically in most cases, I honor former Secretary of State Colin Powell as a patriot because of the significant military and civilian service he gave to his country. Anyone who does not do so, does not honor veterans or their sacrifices.
As a veteran, I still honor the oath I took to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and would remind you there is no person or party mentioned in that oath. As they exited the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government do we have? “A republic,” he replied, “if you can keep it.” As a patriot, I will not betray my oath to support the overthrow of our democratic republic and replace it with an authoritarian empire. In the terms of the revolution and the founding of our country, such an action would brand me a loyalist and not a patriot.
At my age, it is not very likely but if I were to wave the U.S. flag, I would certainly not use the staff of that flag to beat a policeman who is enforcing the laws of our country. A true patriot, and one who honors the oath, would not take or support such action.
Darrell Anderson,
Battle Ground
