“Patriotism” and a short love letter to the greatest nation on earth

Do you consider yourself a patriot? If you answered yes, what did you mean when you said it? Do you still identify that way now and how would you define it? Is patriotism allegiance to the flag, the nation, 0r the land itself? Is it the emotion you feel stirring in your belly when sunlight catches that embroidered Red, White, and Blue just the right way? However you define patriotism, if you consider yourself one you take its subjective meaning seriously.

These days, the most outspoken, self identifying patriots tend to lean right or vote conservatively (although it is evident we are plentiful on both sides of the aisle). Just because America doesn’t feel as great as it used to does not mean it isn’t still Amazing. I believe that there are ideals rooted in the purest definition of patriotism; ideals that come from deep down inside and run deeper than the colors of the flag ever could. These ideals run deep because they are rooted in respect for the human condition, limits, and potential. To me, patriotism means you believe every person should have a peaceful place to pursue their own unique definition of happiness.

When we understand that when people can achieve their true potential all our lives change for the better. Every country on earth should benefit from free market capitalism, individual rights, appropriate separation of church and state, the freedom to move and speak freely, a fertile public education system, the freedom to bear arms and right to self defense, and a fruitful military-research complex.