by James Lynne

Created on: September 21, 2010

Patriotism, esteemed lightly by some, valued dearly by others, is measured by the price citizens are willing to pay for freedom.  Some pay little.  Some pay all.  Thomas Paine, in December of 1776, addressed the newly declared independent United States of America with these words, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. “ Patriotism has a price.

Talk is cheap in the United States.  One cannot turn on the TV, the radio, or log onto the internet without experiencing a barrage of “opinions” about what is right or wrong with the nation. We continue to hear from one faction or another that “American is going the wrong direction.”   Daily we are subjected to negative attacks on our elected officials from those who are not getting what they want out of government.  The nation is overrun by patriots who know what is best for the country, but who are paying nothing to obtain it.

Patriotism, at one time, tied to the national values of liberty and freedom for all, meant taking pride in the nation, supporting its leaders,  and offering one’s self in service to its continued success, for the benefit and welfare of the citizenry at large.  Patriotism in the United States is no longer about the valuing of freedom for all.  It is about the freedom to define the rights of others. 

Founded upon the principles of freedom from political and religious tyranny, liberty to pursue personal fulfillment, and opportunity to pursue economic success, the United States became a beacon to the oppressed masses of other countries and continents.  Yet two centuries, after Paine’s penning of his essay, The Crisis, the United States discovers itself in patriotic crisis. 

Instead of celebrating the rights and privileges of freedom for all citizens, the US finds itself in political turmoil from factions who would limit freedom for many.   US patriotism can never be better expressed than by the words of Emma Lazarus’ in her poem at the feet of the statue of liberty in New York Harbor:

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Lazarus’ words at the foot of the Statue of Liberty succinctly define the hopes and dreams of the American patriot. 

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