The
True Patriots
by David Prentiss, PhD
I had meant my first contribution to this website to be a column with some reflections on the Station Nightclub tragedy, from the point of view of a moral philosopher. I still plan to offer such a piece in the near future. However, recent events in the Middle East, and here at home, have compelled me to first take up another issue, which I address here.
As the controversial military campaign against the Iraqi regime begins, Americans find themselves called upon to support the troops, to stand up for their country, and to be patriotic. Traditionally, these things are considered especially important during difficult times, especially times of war. Indeed, those who are perceived as reluctant to do these things are often subject to criticism, verbal abuse, and sometimes even violence - often in the name of a certain conception of patriotism.
I agree that these things are important. At the same time, I think it's vital to clarify what it means to do them. In particular, we must remember that one may strongly support military personnel, openly defend what his country and its people stand for, and express a deep love and devotion to his country and its people - while adamantly opposing a particular policy or action of the government in power at the time. All of that, it seems to me, is fully consistent with genuine patriotism and its spirit.
Let us remember that public servants, including military leaders, members of Congress, judges, and the President of the United States, are sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Let us also remember that the Constitution affirms "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." (Amendment I, ratified by three-fourths of the states, 1791)
We should have no patience with those who shirk their responsibilities to truly defend the Constitution or with those who would deny its protections to their fellow citizens and who would compound the offense by cloaking such actions in a misguided, faux version of patriotism.
I'm not about to stop using good words that have a French origin.
The merits of this war are a topic I will address later, though I will state clearly that I am personally opposed - strongly - to this course of action and convinced that better options were available. My point today is that we owe it to ourselves and to every fellow citizen to declare that the true patriots are not the people who yell the loudest, wave the flag the most vigorously, and least critically accept the policies of a given administration. The true patriots are those who defend what this country is supposed to stand for, even when defending what this country is supposed to stand for means allowing those with a different point of view to express themselves, or risking ridicule by those who don't like it when someone disagrees with them, or both.
If we want to spread the blessings of liberty around the world, we must begin by ensuring that we allow ourselves and all of our fellow Americans to enjoy the blessings of liberty here and elsewhere.
May we all know the blessings of liberty, of true security, and of peace.
--------
Dr.
David Prentiss teaches Philosophy at The University of Rhode Island
and Rhode Island College. Dr. Prentiss earned his PhD at Brown University.
In addition to his other interests and activities, he is the founder of
Good Thinking Works, a
training, consulting, and problem-solving firm in Providence.
Copyright © 2003 David Prentiss. All rights reserved.
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