The basic definition of a patriot is one who loves and defends his or her country.
What belief and values designates an American patriot? Isn’t it that they love their country and honor the American flag and what it stands for?
A patriot believes in the American way of life and that liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness is for all.
A patriot realizes the value and worth of the United States and wants to see it achieve great things and prosper.
A patriot expresses his or her views because the First Amendment gives us that right.
A patriot knows that to debate the issues of the day is a good thing.
A patriot knows that there are at least two sides to a debate and to call the op- posing views unpatriotic is a fallacy and against the United States Constitution. An informed person would avail themselves to sources from both sides of the ideological aisle and form their opinions based on the facts and not just from a biased media that conforms to his or her own way of thinking.
Holding a guitar painted red, white, and blue in one hand and a shotgun in the other does not make one a patriot.
A patriot is still amazed by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. He or she reads it and understands it and knows that the foundations of this country were built on political philosophies and not on theology.
A patriot knows that we all have the same rights. These rights are for everyone, not just for a chosen few.
A patriot knows that we have the right to express our opinions and the right to practice any religion we choose. We also have the right to not believe in any organized religion and that there is a “wall of separation” between the church and the state.
The founding fathers created a country that is adaptable to change, and when changes are needed, they set the mechanisms for those changes to happen in a peaceable manner. A patriot knows that changes are inevitable in a changing world. We are a nation of innovators and those who are not afraid to think outside the box.
A patriot knows the history of this country, the good with the bad, and knows where this country has been and where it wants to go. He or she knows that this country was built by those that came before them, and through hard work and cooperation, this country can go down the path of being the light for many of those that want to enter this country and become citizens.
A patriot knows that this country was also built by those who came here seeking freedom and a better life and would greet new immigrants with open arms.
But no matter how bad things get, a patriot never wants to leave.
In comparison to many other countries, we have it good, and we are fortunate to live in a country where we have rights and freedoms that are many times taken for granted.
A patriot cherishes those rights and freedoms and will fight to retain those rights and freedoms for all citizens to enjoy.
We are a free and generous country, and a patriot likes it that way.