----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Bob: I think that this 'I love America more than YOU love America' junk has got to go. It does no good. We're all in this together, and we'd better learn to tolerate the different ways in which our fellow citizens choose to express their love of (and concern for) their country. I see no conflict between being a loyal, indeed patriotic, American and insisting that prayer to any particular deity be kept out of the public schools, to respect our Constitution. Remember, our enemies insist that the State-sponsored brand of religion that is taught in schools and elsewhere. I see no conflict between being a loyal, indeed patriotic, American and not wanting to hear 'God Bless America' every five minutes. For a number of us, the memory of that song is of a sad period in American history where the country was torn apart by a government sending our children to fight a war which the government refused to win. I see no conflict between being a loyal, indeed patriotic, American and not having journalists wearing red, white, and blue and sitting in front of the flag while doing their jobs. A free and objective press is also part of what makes America great. Preserving that is an act of patriotism. Remember, our enemies have only State-sponsored media. I see no conflict between being a loyal, indeed patriotic, American and not wanting to see endless displays of nationalism. Some people's patriotism is quieter, more thoughtful, and indeed (dare I say it?) more prayerful than that. Respect for each other's sensibilities is part and parcel of what makes America great. I would submit that we can show our unity as a nation without painting everything in red, white, and blue. Some things, yes. Just not everything. Indeed, we *need* those elements of society who continue to rally for peace. They are what keep us (and I say us, because this go-round I disagree with them) to keep us from our own tendency to excess. They, too, are part of what keeps America great. (The other day I was driving down the freeway when my car was clobbered by red, white, and blue debris from some half-assed flag arrangement that gave up the ghost in the Volvo in front of me. It's only a matter of time until this patriotic zeal gets someone killed, not in combat, but in some sort of lame-brain display.) I'm disappointed that some individuals are using this sorrowful time to dredge up their particular divisive brand of patriotism and to attempt to once again shove this Archie Bunker-esqe 'America: Love it or Leave It' stuff down the throats of their fellow citizens. If you let the terrorists turn us into a society which is intolerant of different views and sensibilities, then you have surrendered. Indeed, you are working towards the objectives of the terrorists, who would love to see a society where dissent is wiped out. Greg ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
