Love of Country

On this Memorial Day, recall and honor the supreme sacrifice that has been made by so many to protect and defend our liberties. Most sacred among these rights must be our right to Free Speech; this is, or used to be, the very heart of our society.

In 2004, you are a "patriot" if you believe that everything the US does is right and good. Those who stand up and say we are wrong, and that we should be better, are "traitors" who "hate America". What a sickening reversal of our founding fathers' intentions. What a disservice to all who have sacrificed their lives, that we may live Free.

The truth is that the critics are the truer Patriots. Both groups may love their country, but the FoxNews "patriots" love America with the innocence of a loyal puppy, who loves its master even if it is beaten. Critics love America more maturely; they will not stand idly by while the US falters, because they believe America is supposed to stand for principles like Freedom, Liberty and self-determination. When our government acts contrary to these ideals, it is a patriot's duty not
only to point it out, but to work to correct it.

That's the patriotism we should be teaching our children.