Do You Know What TRUE Patriotism Means ?

Question

Do you believe a tree is a car ? LOL Of course not . But I posted that because some feel they have the right to re-define Patriotism to suit their own personal agendas . Trees are not cars . And no rational person redefines the definition of 'tree' or 'car' .
I just gotta say that there seems to have been a re-write of history fomented by our liberal teachers and liberal college professors . There are a huge number of young people walkin around in our country that 'think' that . . . "dissent is the highest form of patriotism" or that dissent is even a measuring stick for patriotism .
First of all , to dispel the lie, Thomas Jefferson NEVER EVER said "dissent is the highest form of patriotism", although you'll see him quoted routinely . A simple google or wiki or snopes search will prove what I'm saying . And with that lie, it becomes easy to further fool people into thinking that 'dissent' is somehow a measuring-stick for patriotism . It is NOT .

In fact, Patriotism implies positive thought, not negative - Wiki -- Patriotism denotes positive and supportive attitudes to a 'fatherland' (Latin patria < Greek patris, πατρίς), by individuals and groups. The 'fatherland' (or 'motherland') can be a region or a city, but patriotism usually applies to a nation and/or a nation-state. Patriotism covers such attitudes as: pride in its achievements and culture, the desire to preserve its character and the basis of the culture, and identification with other members of the nation.

Answer 1

mind posting links?

because I can't find that bit of information on Wiki or on Snopes..

or anywhere else for that matter.



Edit:

thanks for the links, that is pretty interesting..

and I'm trying to figure out why I got thumbs down for asking for links.. I guess the TD fairies are at it again..

anyway..



My view:

according to your sources you are correct, he never said that.

But in regards to your definition, dissent and patriotism are not contradictions in terms.

-As an American, I feel very good (positive) about my country, my history, and my right to NOT like the current administration.

-I like the fact that I can protest things in the government that I don't feel are right, without fear of imprisonment (patriot act aside)

-I like the fact that I have the right to disagree with everyone here.



**I think it is more patriotic to use the rights that American men and women have died to protect, than to stay quiet because it goes against the government.**



Our ability to speak out, and to be heard, is what keeps the Stalins and Hitlers away from our White House. It is our duty as Americans to speak out and make our choices known.



Patriotism is standing up for ourselves and our country, against anyone, or anything, that would try to bring us to our knees.

Answer 2

Patriotism is pride in your country. It's supporting the country during hard times and easy times. Patriotism is not blind faith. Patriotism is working to fix imperfections and better the nation for everyone it. Being a Patriot in America may well cause separation at times because American culture is based on freedom--freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of religion. All of these individual freedoms are bound to cause disagreement and dissent at times over what is best for the nation. True Patriots will see that this dissent is helpful in resolving issues as long as all of us understand that we might be wrong sometimes and are willing to work through the dissent and compromise.

Answer 3

Many liberals are uncomfortable with the idea of patriotism or the alleged arrogance they see in "picking sides." They instead seem themselves as citizens of the world and above the concept of nationalism. This explains thelove affair many have with the UN.



This attitude of elitism seems to be present with respect to several issues. They know better - regarding international relations, the economy, abortion, gay rights, etc. It is their burden to have to suffer the indignity of a democratic system that lets so many "superstitious, NASCAR-watching rednecks" question their superior intellect. Hence the use of the courts.



What do they think patriotism is? Again, if they were honest they'd say it's a harmful "nationalism" and hubris that they seek to curb or subvert.



But for purposes of debate, they try to twist it into something else - "dissent." But they only use it in the context of when they think they are right. Have they ever described the opponents of civil rights laws - many of whom were Democrats, by the way - as "patriotic" for dissenting from desegregation? Of course not.



Language is pliable for their purposes, so the tired old slogan is given a false paternity and trotted out to try to fool people, once again.

Answer 4

Patriotism is different for everyone and Jefferson's perspective is just that: a perspective. While I do hate wrongly attributed quotes, Jefferson was not exactly supportive of British rule over the colonies.



I think patriotism means a lot of things and it's not as simple as that definition suggests. For, as Jefferson said, "Every constitution then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of nineteen years. If it is to be enforced longer, it is an act of force, and not of right." Strange that we use his documents as a basis for static law in the US.



Again it's the perspective of one person. Make up your own mind.

Answer 5

I believe patriotism to be partaking in any act which will ensure the success of a nation.



In some cases this may be an act of civil disobedience, it may be dissent, it may be protest. At the same time, this act may be support of a candidate, taking part in the democratic process or getting involved with a cause or program that seeks to enrich the lives of your brethren.



Patriotism does not have to be a sense of pride in for you nation in the moment. If could manifest itself in hope for the future, or a simple rememberence of what at one point made this country great.



Patriotism is a highly subjective topic. It manifests itself in various way depending upon circumstance.

Answer 6

I find it interesting that so many people that claim be true patriots, while saying others are not do not understand the very freedoms that actual patriots take pride in, fight and die for.



The right of free speech, the right to petition your government, the right to assemble and be heard are not freedoms we don't need and only exist to keep liberals happy.



And on the free speech issue - Freedom of speech is so the Government cannot silence you. But it is perfectly OK for the people to ignore you by not buying what you are selling in the marketplace of ideas.



Was I the only one paying attention in Civics class?

Answer 7

Make sure you remind your fellow republicans of the meaning of patriotism when a democrat wins the white house this up coming election, OK? My guess, we won't be seeing much patriotism from republicans especially if Senator Clinton wins the election. I think we'll be seeing lots of dissent.

Answer 8

Your definition is correct. Patriotism is being supportive, positive and optimistic for one's country. It does not require rationale thinking, just allegiance, and it can be for better or for worse. A true patriot would always defend their country, or take its side without questioning their intentions.

Answer 9

Here is something that Jefferson did say:



"A little revolution now and then is a good thing; the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

Answer 10

Patriotism is not dissent, nor, OTOH, is it unquestioning conformity. It's simply love of country. Not love of what you hope to change your country into, nor love of what your country once was.

Answer 11

Well then, if patriotism means having blind faith, and simply towing the party line not having and critical thought about policies or national actions...



Then I hate patriotism.

Answer 12

The real patriotism is to demand a Congress to start impeachment procedures of George Bush and Dick Cheney.

Answer 13

It doesn't matter. Leftie Libs will always say that because our Constitution guarantees free speech, they can say whatever they want about anyone or anything they want. Period. However, if a Rep says whatever they want about anyone or anything, then we are vilified and labeled.



Again, Double Standard.

Answer 14

Free speech. But I suppose you are into the ironic "Patriot Act", which actually strips us of our Patriotic rights.

Answer 15

Yeah, everyone knows that patriotism is a lapel pin and a yellow magnet on the back of your car.

Answer 16

yes i do. and the speech that follows the question is myopic in defining it.

Answer 17

you really shouldn't get your information from Wikipedia. it's a BS website.