by Jim Markley

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 15, 2009

Patriotism is unto itself neither divisive or unifying. As with all things, what we must strive for is balance. While a complete lack of patriotism or "love of country" is a negative, too much of the same devolves into jingoism which is dangerous for all who live in our interconnected world.

I love this country and would do anything for her and the ideals with which we were founded on. That does not blind me to the fact that we are not always "right" simply by birth. such arrogance has lately clouded our foreign policy and weakened our leadership role throughout the world. Confidence that grows to a national belief in superiority, as a birthright, is not patriotism but a strange sort of overblown nationalism.

Part of being a patriotic American is honoring those who came before. The struggles, truimphs and yes, failures of our iconic leaders are part and parsel to the American experience. We grow by learning and trying not to make the same mistakes as those before us. Admitting mistakes and learning from them are a pathway for growth, individually and as a nation.

Pondering the historical turning points in our past not only allows us to point out mistakes, but also for quite reflection upon the amazing feats of self-sacrifice that dots our history. There have been a great many truly heroic Americans, both famed and forgotten, who have lived the ideal. Honoring these heroes seems a worthwhile endeavor. They have lived and died so that we may enjoy the freedoms of this great nation.

The danger of jingoism or national racism, is powerful. We can be plunged into war, religious persecution or irrational isolationism by an attitude of superiority which allows us to decide what is best for the rest of the world. We do better by "keeping our own side of the street clean" and allowing others to decide for themselves.

While I believe patriotism is a good thing, I think it must be tempered with self-awareness. A nation aware of their own limitations seems less likely to make unrealistic demands of others. Believing we are the best of nations does not require others to follow our lead to be deemed worthy. A confident and secure America does not have to have the entire world reformed in our image. We can content ourselves to be willing to help, lend a hand to the needy, without an expectation of gain, either monetarily or in prestige. Literally being the best we can be, in affairs both foreign and domestic. Such confident interaction and assistance in world affairs truly allows us to be proudly patriotic American citizens.

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