A Definition of Patriot

My patriotism has been questioned because I have disagreed with some policies of decision makers in our government. Somehow, a certain group of people have decided that they are the “patriots” and those of us who don’t think like them are not. Consequently, I would like to put forth my own definition of a patriot. In this definition, I use pronouns “he” and “his” but it applies to women and men alike.

A patriot keeps his mind sharp. This is the information age, and only a clear, sharp mind can make a meaningful contribution. A patriot doesn’t sit in front of a TV for four or five hours a day because he knows that too much TV makes his intellect weak. A patriot doesn’t drink alcohol more than occasionally because he knows that alcohol makes one dull and dimwitted. A patriot studies, whether it is science or math or literature or history or whatever, because a patriot exercises his brain. A patriot doesn’t read big headlines with little information; he reads and digests the many long paragraphs in the better information resources.

A real patriot doesn’t do a lot of flag waving. He understands that the flag is the symbol of our nation, but that human beings are the reality of our nation. He understands that a single human life is far more precious than any symbol. A patriot doesn’t need to make public displays of his patriotism. Instead he knows what he stands for and acts accordingly with or without recognition. Anyone can publicly pledge allegiance to a flag, but a real patriot is the one who has the courage to do the right thing in the most difficult times.

A patriot doesn’t think American blood is more precious than the blood of any other human being on this planet. That kind of thinking is the thinking of a Nazi. A patriot believes in one of the founding principles of our nation that all men are created equal. He understands that although we must be strong, we must also be just and humane. All men are created equal.

A patriot would never try to use the government to force his religion on others. He believes what he needs to believe, but he knows that the government should never be used to institute a religion. A patriot would never try to use the public schools to force his religion on other people's kids. A patriot would never use religion as an excuse to deny someone else their rights. A patriot does not use the name of God to push his political agenda, and he does not allow himself to be manipulated by those who do.

Finally, a patriot has integrity. Chronic liars need not apply. Thieves don’t qualify. Someone with integrity is someone who lives in reality. Someone who lives in reality doesn’t deceive. Someone who doesn’t deceive is difficult to deceive. Our nation needs more people who are difficult to deceive.

Well, that’s my definition of a patriot. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of disagreement, but it works for me.