Happy Veteran’s Day!

Patriotism is not uncritical support. If you love something you take time to learn about it, understand it, and hopefully help make it better.

People who are critical of the United States are all to often labeled unpatriotic. This type of ad hominem attack is designed to negate any criticisms of the status quo. There are people so wedded to political ideology and the myth of American exceptionalism that they attack anything that challenges their worldview. Breaking news: One can support the troops, love America, and be critical of the leadership and policy decisions.

I don't begrudge anyone for their love of country, but I'm leery of those who are closed to the idea that America can be made a more just and fairer country. The preamble gives every citizen the right to work towards the 6 goals necessary to help perfect the Union.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Patriotism isn't just honoring the sacrifices of the military on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Veteran's Day. Patriotism has to involve questioning who we are and what we are doing. We are obligated to make sure our country is on a trajectory that puts us in line with the promises made in our founding documents. We owe it to the men and women who serve to make sure their willingness to sacrifice isn’t in vain. 

Peace to everyone who has put the ideas of truth, justice, fidelity, and freedom above their personal comfort and safety!