Something that is really just pissing me off lately is the ease which certain sections of society question peoples patriotism. Actually, it has pissed me off for quite awhile now. It's an issue that has become worse over the last few years.
The thing is the patriotism isn't being questioned over treasonous statements, treasonous acts or actual anti-American statements and actions. Mine and others patriotism is being questioned by some because we disagree with their politics. Our patriotism is being questioned because some of us don't think Donald Trump is a king or savior or Jesus. We're being called un-American because we think our president is a narcissistic race baiting unread ignorant assclown. We are being called treasonous because whether we agree with the method or not we support NFL players' constitutional right to free speech and peacefully protest.
Here is my question. WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO QUESTION MY PATRIOTISM?! Huh? I'm waiting on the answer!
It's time to educate! So, all of you "real Americans" sit yo ass down and read! It won't hurt 'cha. You'll be a'right.
Oh, wait, are you still with me or did I piss you off? Are you all in your feelings? Do you feel I'm being condescending? Well, guess what, Stars and Stripes, that's how I feel too. Except I feel insulted because the crap I'm being given is dripping with disingenuousness.
I love my country! I love my country although it hasn't always loved me. In fact, throughout the majority of its history it hasn't loved my people. It's a fact. Quit clutching your QVC pearls that I would say such a thing. Am I wrong? Yeah, that's what I thought. I'll proceed.
Despite all its flaws and all its pretentiousness I love my country. No other place on this earth I'd rather be than right here in the good 'ol US of A. Fact is this is the greatest country on earth. It's the greatest country to ever exist. My loyalty to it is undying. However, that does not mean my love for it has to make me blind. That does not mean I have a servile view. In fact, the founding fathers wanted the complete opposite. They didn't want a country of sheep because that is the very thing they were escaping from in England. They wanted freedom of expression and believed healthy dissent was necessary for a democracy.
But, we have a substantial portion of society now who seem to believe it is they who decide what patriotism is. They believe any opposition to their ideology or chosen person is anti-American. They believe any criticism of America (they disagree with) is un-American.
No, actually, all of that is bullshit. We have a multi party political system in this country because democracy encourages different opinions. If I criticize things occurring in our country it's not because I hate it. It's because I love it and want it to be better. You know just like when you criticize it. I mean is it really lost on you that saying "make America great again" inherently implies it's not great now, which is a criticism? I mean really?!
My disliking the current occupant of the White House doesn't make me unpatriotic just like I'm sure you'll agree disliking the previous occupant made you unpatriotic. I'm also quite sure you'll agree criticizing the current president (regardless of frequency) doesn't make myself and others unpatriotic just like it didn't make you unpatriotic for criticizing the previous president (regardless of frequency, right? Unless, you somehow believe that you are unequivocally right and those of my ilk are unequivocally wrong. Thus, you have a monopoly on patriotism and love of America. But, I'm positive you don't think such a thing, correct?
Debate and differing opinions are part of what democracy and a healthy republic are built on. So, what I am trying to figure out is why I am un-American for debating. Dissent was encouraged by our founding fathers and its protection was built into the framework of our Constitution. So, why is it when certain ones of us dissent we're called anti-American?
What kills me is this idea of certain people deciding what is patriotism and who are real Americans. Who made you kings and queens? Who made Donald Trump king? Did I miss something? NFL players decide to take a knee during the playing of the national anthem to protest the unjust treatment of disenfranchised people in a country where burning its flag is deemed constitutional; yet, Trump and Trumpsters are given the supreme authority to vilify players as traitors, disrespectful, ungrateful and un-American. Huh? Somebody help me out here. When did a peaceful act of protest-an act that was only began because a military veteran requested it be done because it was respectful when the original act of sitting was deemed disrespectful- become grounds for being called a traitor or even being deported as someone suggested?
Perhaps, the issue here (or one of them) is that some are confusing patriotism with nationalism. The two are, in fact, different. How can I explain it. Patriotism is like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett with their wealth. They don't necessarily feel the need to flaunt their wealth because everyone knows they're rich. And, they're secure with themselves so they see no need in ostentatiousness. Now, in contrast, nationalism is like income tax thots during the months of January to April every year. They aren't so much interested in being monetarily sound as they are in looking wealthy. It's the mentality of "it's not about the substance as much as the style". In other words people believe they're more patriotic than others because they have 18 flags inside and outside their house, they posses 27 flag themed shirts, they tear up every time they hear Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American, they wear six gaudy...I mean GAWWWWWDY flag themed baseball caps, they have a pocket version of the Constitution which like their Bible sits on a shelf never opened collecting dust, they have an American flag bumper sticker posted on their vehicle and they're more than happy to tell you 26 times a day how patriotic they are and how unless you're just like them you are not. Oh, and lest I forget their #MAGA hat and matching throw blanket for those cold nights when watching Netflix that they're boycotting because Obama signed a deal with them. But, when it comes to supporting the right to peaceful dissent or free speech they have ideological differences with, supporting the American tenant of differing opinions or upholding the democratic principle of freedom of independent thought and right to keep a check on the current administration they're not so hot on. Well, it's subjective. Oppose Obama? You're a true patriot. Oppose Trump? You should be deported.
I will ask the question again. WHO ARE YOU TO QUESTION MY PATRIOTISM? I dare anybody to find one quote from my social media accounts that are anti-American or American hating. I defy one person to say they've ever heard me saying anything anti-American. Criticizing Trump, his policies, his supporters sycophant servile loyalty, racism, sexism, xenophobia or homophobia isn't unpatriotic. If you are idiotic enough to think it is, it isn't my patriotism you should be questioning. It's yours!
I love my country! I want the best for it! I want it to fulfill its promise and potential! We don't have to agree on what ways are best to do that. But, don't you dare ever question my patriotism because I am not tacky enough with it for you or because I don't succumb to your views. I have never questioned someone's patriotism because we disagree politically and I'd appreciate the same in return.
