patriotic
Only three days in my life have i experienced an overwhelming sense of patriotism. THREE! Most other times I am embarrassed to call myself an American.
I know many people would criticize me for this, and I have to say upfront that I feel very privileged to have been raised in a free country, in a country where I almost always feel safe, in a country where the water is safe to drink, the food plenty and safe to eat. I'm embarrassed because we take every bit of it for granted.
I'm also embarrassed because we feel a sense of entitlement: freedom to do as we please, when we please, without regard to ecosystems or other people. I grew up in what should have been a reservation. I was reminded daily what our early government had done, and what our current government is continuing to do to our native tribes. Beyond what we have and haven't done at home, I'm embarrassed because our government has staged not one, but several coups in other countries in order to implement governments WE think are more appropriate. I'm embarrassed that we have chosen war over building schools, libraries and homes overseas.
I am angry at how our system has destroyed ambition and physical activity and thinking for yourself. I am angry at the lack of health care, the lack of care for our veterans and elderly.
My rant could go on. I realize no country is perfect, but I rarely find myself feeling giddy about my citizenship. Three times, only three times in my life have I felt honored to be a part of this country.
1. the flight home: August 1998
The summer after my freshman year of college, I traveled outside the country for the first time. Not only was it my first international trip, it was the first time I had flown by myself and the longest time I had ever been away from my family. It was an amazing trip, but perhaps one of the most amazing parts was the flight home. As we approached Portland, the sun was setting; the clouds hung low over the city, obscuring everything but the tips of three gigantic snow covered mountains: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood glowing pink in the light of the sunset. After landing I was picked up by my family in our own personal vehicle and we drove home without stopping. yup, straight home. I had this overwhelming feeling of privilege, I could drink the water, I could eat the food. I understood the language, the roads were clear and smooth and we could have gone wherever our hearts desired. I was proud to be part of it.
2. November 4th, 2008
On November 4th, 2008 we elected a president that would promise something more than war and fear. We elected a president the WORLD was proud of. I voted. I watched as the polls closed. I cried when he was elected, and I cried again when I saw the faces of the men and women and children from around the world, overwhelmed with joy and relief and wonder. I was proud of our country.
3. January 20th, 2009
Our new president is sworn in. His speech is not one of celebration, but of the grave realities of our country and our world today. He spoke of our challenges, and of the need for unity, he reminded us of how far we have come, and how we can move forward. I feel that three moments of overwhelming patriotic sentiment may well turn to a general, daily feeling of patriotism.
Congratulations to our new president, and congratulations to the world. Now we have to remember that he can't do it alone.
I know many people would criticize me for this, and I have to say upfront that I feel very privileged to have been raised in a free country, in a country where I almost always feel safe, in a country where the water is safe to drink, the food plenty and safe to eat. I'm embarrassed because we take every bit of it for granted.
I'm also embarrassed because we feel a sense of entitlement: freedom to do as we please, when we please, without regard to ecosystems or other people. I grew up in what should have been a reservation. I was reminded daily what our early government had done, and what our current government is continuing to do to our native tribes. Beyond what we have and haven't done at home, I'm embarrassed because our government has staged not one, but several coups in other countries in order to implement governments WE think are more appropriate. I'm embarrassed that we have chosen war over building schools, libraries and homes overseas.
I am angry at how our system has destroyed ambition and physical activity and thinking for yourself. I am angry at the lack of health care, the lack of care for our veterans and elderly.
My rant could go on. I realize no country is perfect, but I rarely find myself feeling giddy about my citizenship. Three times, only three times in my life have I felt honored to be a part of this country.
1. the flight home: August 1998
The summer after my freshman year of college, I traveled outside the country for the first time. Not only was it my first international trip, it was the first time I had flown by myself and the longest time I had ever been away from my family. It was an amazing trip, but perhaps one of the most amazing parts was the flight home. As we approached Portland, the sun was setting; the clouds hung low over the city, obscuring everything but the tips of three gigantic snow covered mountains: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood glowing pink in the light of the sunset. After landing I was picked up by my family in our own personal vehicle and we drove home without stopping. yup, straight home. I had this overwhelming feeling of privilege, I could drink the water, I could eat the food. I understood the language, the roads were clear and smooth and we could have gone wherever our hearts desired. I was proud to be part of it.
2. November 4th, 2008
On November 4th, 2008 we elected a president that would promise something more than war and fear. We elected a president the WORLD was proud of. I voted. I watched as the polls closed. I cried when he was elected, and I cried again when I saw the faces of the men and women and children from around the world, overwhelmed with joy and relief and wonder. I was proud of our country.
3. January 20th, 2009
Our new president is sworn in. His speech is not one of celebration, but of the grave realities of our country and our world today. He spoke of our challenges, and of the need for unity, he reminded us of how far we have come, and how we can move forward. I feel that three moments of overwhelming patriotic sentiment may well turn to a general, daily feeling of patriotism.
Congratulations to our new president, and congratulations to the world. Now we have to remember that he can't do it alone.
posted by humble bee at 5:34 PM
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