What is Patriotism, To You?

by Alan L. Lundy

It's interesting to ask this question, especially in mixed political company. Some will answer, some will look stupid and others will try and hide their contempt for the subject by feigning disinterest. Those who scare me the most are the "blindly believe and follow" crowd. These are often liberals who are forced to defend the most unpatriotic president in recent history or one of the many veterans who were pawns of unconstitutional policy.

To the "blindly follow" crowd, patriotism seems to be based on who's in power. Bill Clinton stirs up the far left's emotions and they would love and believe in him, even if he were to confess to the Kennedy/King assassinations. He doesn't even try to inspire patriotism; it's a term he avoids at all cost. His handlers' only purpose for him is to ensure the communist plan of Globalization be permanently rooted in American minds, then he's outta here. The perfect Manchurian candidate, politically speaking. He sickens the real American!

Many long for the days of Ronald Reagan and feel that patriotism was lost the day he left office. God knows George Bush didn't inspire us and even a 90% approval rating following the Gulf War couldn't save him from the snare of the left. But a belief in the Ronald Reagans or George Bush's in our history doesn't constitute patriotism. It must be something more.

Webster defines patriotism as: a love for or devotion to one's country. Does this mean a patriot is one who loves the dirt, trees, mountains, lakes, rivers and streams of a particular piece of geography? In a sense I think it does but still, it must be something more. I had to do a lot of soul-searching in order to write on this subject because to me, it's got to be personal in order to command action. 

Patriotism is either a term that's floated out there to get attention or it's something one really feels, deep inside, passionately. Patriotism is something that creates personal action and drives one to do great things, not for self but for something which is right, something bigger than self. 

Patriotism requires one to be armed with the truth and be willing to use it, even if it hurts. Patriotism requires one to immerse oneself in history and expose the intentions of phony do-gooders who steal like a thief in the night. 

Patriotism is what got me involved in the Second Amendment Rights movement and it's what keeps me here, typing, spending money, e-mailing and boring my friends, relatives or anyone who opens the door on the subject, to tears with Patrick Henry type speeches every time we meet. I guess you could say I'm a fanatic (I guarantee my friends and family would agree with that one) but I'm sure there are many of you who will agree with me that when you see so many, doing so little, it requires more from you!

Fanaticism and Patriotism go hand in hand. I learned years ago, a fanatic is someone who feels and more importantly expresses, a passion for something. I also learned that while a mere fan is looked upon in a positive light (such as a baseball or a football fan), the addition of those last four letters (atic) give a connotation of psychosis. The truth is they both mean the same thing!

I also learned years ago, in the sales business, that in order to be successful you must believe in what you're selling. I had a regional sales director who told us, "if you don't believe in what you're doing, then get out and find something you can believe in".

I believe in the right to keep and bear arms and I believe in the vision and purpose of our founders for this country. Their writings expressed their thoughts, desires and wishes for me, even though we never had the chance to meet. They were not selfish, glory seeking individuals hoping history would be kind to them, such as a certain president we all know, who is traveling the world trying to peddle his wares and frantically searching for a last minute buyer. 

Those men in funny looking clothes and powdered wigs left us a legacy that demands respect and reverence. They were truly willing to sacrifice it all to give us the hope of liberty, justice and freedom. We stand on the threshold of losing these today. 

I refuse to bend on the right to keep and bear arms and demand no less from those who receive my money or my vote. My politics are now based solely on this one issue. I know in my heart, when it comes to other issues, opposing voices will be silenced if the Second Amendment fight is lost.

I declare my patriotism here and now; as politically unpopular as it is today, I am proud of it!

So, what is Patriotism? I have only answered for myself. You can either read Webster's definition and stop at the landscape or get off your behind, become involved and experience it. The choice is really up to you!