Patriotism is easy when we can take for granted the rights and freedoms for which those who came before us sacrificed so much. Just fire up the barbeque, have drinks with friends, light some fireworks, display the flag, enjoy a paid day off work.
At times during the course of our history, much more has been required. Others have pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to create and defend what is now in danger of being destroyed.
During my nearly 68 years on this earth I've never had to be truly patriotic, so I've never truly felt it. Patriotism is not an observance or celebration; it is a course of action that is necessary to defend and improve the great experiment in American democracy.
WE are the test subjects in that great experiment, and can change the results -- if enough of us get off our asses to call our elected representatives, engage with potential allies, take to the streets in protest, and do whatever it takes to save this country which has given us so much.
We can sit at home and feel sorry for ourselves or stand up, move forward, and hopefully experience what true patriotism feels like.
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