Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Patriot


9/11 can now be deemed "Patriot Day."

The point of this post is not to in any way be associated with 9/11 except for the name. The term 'patriot' in general has become an issue with politicians on who is more 'patriotic.' Personally I think it's a silly argument. In addition, understand that I am not bashing the men and women who have died for the U.S. I do appreciate what they have done. I am only fighting against the 'patriot' terms.

While I am discovering what a "patriot" is, I am finding more and more that I don't always want to be considered a patriot. I am grateful to be American.

Patriot

it can be...
a Jeep vehicle
the losers of super bowl XLII
a missile
or Mel Gibson and company

Mark Twain thinks it is
“the person who can holler the loudest without knowing what he is hollering about.”

Voltaire (a French Writer) noted:
“It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind.”

One definition that I read for patriot was:
"One who loves his country, and zealously supports its authority and interests"

I completely understand why Americans want to be considered patriots. It's antonym is traitor. This continues my belief that "we the people" love the U.S. over the rest of our lives. This idea of Patriotism is a religion. To support the U.S. authority and interests zealously, passionately, fervently, and obsessively, I would give up my Christian interests.

I know that the idea of not being a patriot seems untactful, but really all you're going to call me is unpatriotic. That's fine.

Listen, when my country is not holding the standards of my God I can be unpatriotic.

I cannot see the patriot being able to serve his country and his God. Again, I am not bashing our troops. I am not even trying to bash the United States and I think that there are Patriots in the U.S. that fervently support the ideals of the U.S. However, Christians may I say.... How dare you back your country before your God!