Patriotism equals support
Patriotism is rallying around your country’s most noble ideals and qualities, with others, during times of adversity.
The fact that so many in our self-
absorbed culture bemoan patriotism,
especially at the University, deeply disturbs me. This is surely a sign of how
incredibly spoiled Americans have
become, appreciating neither our liberties nor the blood that was spilled to preserve them.
Patriotism is not chauvinistically sweeping the sins of our country under the rug.
In the United States, we are freer than any other country to critically examine our misadventures of the past and learn from them with genuine remorse.
Dismissing patriotism has proved to be a fatal mistake in the past. Even worse, failing to stand up for our country, as imperfect as it is, is tantamount to forgetting the victims of Sept. 11.
The greatest threat to our country’s viability is not terrorism, but the rejection of patriotism.
Chris Turek
Sweet Home, Ore.