Letters to the Editor
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The part of this post that I liked best
was when you refered to Pat Robertson as an "America hater". This is one of several popular phrases that we should be turning around and redirecting back from whence they came. Fighting for Freedom, Patriotism and Anti-American are also phrases that are thrown around by RWA's, demeaning their actual meaning in the process.
As I wrote here:
http://phd9.blogspot.com/2008/03/taking-back-patriotism.html
Taking back Patriotism!
"Patriotism" is a word that has suffered severe abuse of late. While it used to mean love of one's country, it is rapidly being twisted to mean love of the military and blind acceptance of the staus quo.
I happen to consider myself patriotic. I love my Country deeply. I particularly love the fact that I am free to point out when I think my Country is acting in an immoral manner and needs to change course.
People who don't understand this and instead use "patriotism" as a code word to enforce conformity sadden me.
Sorry, that's just the way I feel.
Along the same lines, I always like to point out that the oaths of office for Military personel and public officials cite "The Constitution of The United States" as the object of their loyalty. Therefore the people most deserving of the 'America-hater' or 'traitor' epithets that wingers are so fond of throwing around are the wingers themselves. They like to say that Freedom isn't Free. I like to say that Freedom will atrophy if not exercised regularly.