Patriot Games

Obama and McCain have both written pieces today on the meaning of patiotism. Both are well written, but while words are important, actions are more so. McCain volunteered to serve his country in a very unpopular war. He was held as a prisoner for 5 years, but when released continued to serve in the Navy for many more years before entering politics. He fits the classic definition of a patriot, one who has sacrificed, put his life at risk, not for personal gain but for his sense of obligation to his country. Obama chose a different path. There were no wars calling out for his service, and though he could have joined the military and served in peace time, he chose not to. That may make him less qualified to be president, but it does not define him as unpatriotic. Many very patriotic people never serve in the military. There are other ways to serve ones country, and working in ones community to ensure public safety, justice and opportunity is just as valid as serving in the military. Police, Fire, EMS personnel all serve their country, as do social workers and health care workers (though at less personal risk). No, patiotism is not defined only by military service, or community service, but rather by a belief that this country is worthy of service, by pride in the recognition that this country has played a unique role in history, and by a respect for it's traditions, values, and fellow countrymen. A patriot is not someone like Bill Ayres who sets off bombs to kill his fellow citizens and decades later only regrets not bombing more, or Rev. Wright who blames this country for all the world's evils and calls from the pulpit for God's damnation of it. Obama claims to have been raised in Indonesia by his Marxist mother to love this country, but he certainly makes a habit of hanging out with those who clearly do not. That might not be a reason to question his patriotism, but it is reason to question his judgment, and coupled with his lack of experience, more than reason enough for me to not vote for him.