Class Dismissed: Barack Obama on Patriotism
June 30, 2008
It seems like whenever Barack Obama is being unfairly attacked by his political opponents, the American people get treated to his qualities of leadership, discernment, and wisdom. Endless looped soundbites of Jeremiah Wright prompted his historic speech on “race in America”. Today the ridiculous commentary on lapel pins, the Star-Spangled Banner, and made-up rumors have led him to turn America into his personal classroom once again – this time on “patriotism”. The national discussion is long overdue. Yes, there is something wrong with the double-standard that forces Obama to make clarifying speeches on hot-button topics while John Mccain will never have to address “homosexuality” or “Islam in America” in any nuanced fashion. Even so, instead of tripping and falling, Obama’s leadership shines.
Unfortunately, in recent times, the issue and definition of patriotism has been hijacked by a group of conservative evangelicals, while many of the real patriots go unnoticed. That perverted definition prevented many politicians from speaking out against the war when it wasn’t popular to do so (not Obama). And “patriotic correctness” has 100 times the stifling power in speech than any so-called “political correctness” that people often complain about. Obama clears some of this up. Some of the following passages have been selected from today’s 28 minute speech.
– “most Americans understood that dissent does not make one unpatriotic…”
– “surely we can agree that no party or political philosophy has a monopoly on patriotism.”
– “patriotism can never be defined as loyalty to any particular leader, or government, or policy.
– “As Mark Twain…once wrote, ‘Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.’ That’s what patriotism is.”
– “when our laws, when our leaders or our government are out of alignment with those ideals, then the dissent of ordinary Americans may prove to be one of the truest expressions of patriotism.”
– “The young preacher from Georgia, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who led a movement to help America confront our tragic history of racial injustice and live up to the meaning of our creed, he was a patriot.”
– “The young soldier who first spoke about the prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, he is a patriot.”
– “Recognizing a wrong being committed in this country’s name, insisting that we deliver on the promise of our Constitution, these are the acts of patriots”
– “Patriotism must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice, to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause.”
– “Patriotism involves not only defending this country against external threat, but also working constantly to make America a better place for future generations.”
– “Just as patriotism involves each of us making a commitment to this nation that extends beyond our own individual immediate self- interest, so must that commitment extend beyond our own time here on Earth.”
“That’s what patriotism means to me. Thank you, Independence. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.”
See Full Video (from Jack and Jill Politics)
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12 Responses to “Class Dismissed: Barack Obama on Patriotism”
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Nice work MODI.
This always works for me:
“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
–James Baldwin
Sweet
Just sent a young cousin a copy of “The Fire Next time.”
When Baldwin got rolling, he was a real mutha.
Unfortunately, this “patriotism” attack garbage has been used by Republicans against Democrats for the last 25 years. Ever since Carter, Democrats have been forced to defend themselves on this issue. Hopefully, Obama will do a better job than his predecessors in deflecting it right back where it belongs.
You see evidence of the double standard when Wes Clark, himself a decorated general, makes the rather obvious observation that McCain’s being shot down and tortured is not, by itself, a qualification for the presidency, and he (Clark) gets raked over the coals, and even Obama distances himself from the remark.
mark, I thought that the Wes Clark thing was ridiculous. Everybody knew exactly what Clark was saying… even if Clark could have articulated it better. Just another round of “Patriot Games”…
Could be time for a rumble in Pahk-ee-stahn (as Candidate BHO is fond of saying).
The US needs to lock down the corridor. They’ve got Saudi on lock. They’ve got Iraq on lock. Iran is next - but Pakistan could go before they go — to tighten the noose. India is on lock. Nuclear Saudi, nuclear India and nuclear Pakistan. Game-set-match.
You know, this Obama fellow.
He might have something.
Seriously, he is so good at explaining exactly where we are as a society and where we need to go.
My Dad already gave me the McCain lecture. “He didn’t see no g-d-mn war. He was in prison for 9yrs! I saw war!! Plus he gave it up while he was there! How the hell is he a hero?!?” Or words to that effect.
I thought patriotism was wearing a T-shirt with a US Flag on it or some little flag earrings - that are are right next to the flag lapel pins….all in Walmart…all imported from China. Isn’t that the real patriotism? no?
Miranda, …only if you are also driving an American made car or ride a Harley…
And if you like Brett Favre. Don’t forget that.