Let's talk about patriotism

I have been feeling recently that this is becoming a dirty word. Patriotism. devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty; willingness to sacrifice for it.

I had my interview and exam today to become a citizen of this great nation. I passed, but more of that in a moment. Here are some of the questions I was asked. I answered each without hesitation.

Would I be prepared to bear arms to defend this country? Yes.

Would I be prepared to serve the armed forces in a non combatant role? Yes.

Would I be prepared to serve the civilian authorities in this country? Yes.

But these series of questions (and there were many more) got me thinking about patriotism and I found myself gradually realising that I am in fact more patriotic than many who were born here. I have mentioned before that my home is the only one in my community that proudly flies the Stars and Stripes atop a 20 ft flag pole. As the years pass I find myself to be increasingly alone among my friends who gets emotional on the anniversary of 9/11.

I find this a strange state of affairs indeed. I worry, for example, that the Pastor (for 20 years) of a man who could easily become our President is happy to say that African Americans should not say "God Bless America" but "God damn America." This is the same man who says 9/11 was OUR fault, siting World War II. "We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye." I guess he doesn't think the picture on the left here is something we should be proud of either.

Now I would be just as guilty as others I have had a problem with on these boards if it wasn't for what Obama has said about his Preacher.

"I don't think my church is actually particularly controversial." He said Rev. Jeremiah Wright "is like an old uncle who says things I don't always agree with." And yet Obama credits Wright with coming up with the title of his own book - "The Audacity of Hope". Now there is a report that Wright has joined the Obama campaign. I'm sure that one will disappear very quickly. 

To me the three most important words in the Constitution are "WE THE PEOPLE". I also think that the Constitution should be at the center of everything we do. I have been shocked recently to discover I do not have massive support for this viewpont.

OK - I know this is rambling, but I am excited and on this day you simply have to put up with me!

I passed my test with flying colors; received a handshake and "congratulations" from the Immigration officer and now I have to wait for between three and five weeks for my swearing in ceremony. Once I have that date then i will have the party date!

I am proud for myself. I am proud for my family and I am proud to be an "almost-American" today too!

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(Copyright © 2008 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.)

Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market.  You can reach me on 407 876 8200.  Also visit my web site at http://www.simonconway.net/ or http://www.move2orlando.net/

COMING SOON! Tune in to Simon on The Home Team Radio Show at our new home on 660 WORL and simulcasting on am1520 WHIM. The show debuts at 3pm on Saturday March 15.