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Some time ago, shortly after the events of September 11, one sect of American society decided that the definition of Patriotism had evolved into a new, shallow version of supporting your country. This blind patriotism is characterized by plastering yourself with the American flag, driving a massive vehicle that screams "I am dependant on foreign oil," and then complaining about any and all foreign entities.

It seems that, when it comes to patriotism today, what you say is more important than what you do. Supporting the troops has gone from doing what is in the best interests of them and the nation to putting a magnet on the back of your SUV. Upholding the Constitution and the freedoms upon which this country was founded have faded from patriotic discourse in exchange for flag lapel pins and illegal torture practices.

We saw a law that dubbed itself the PATRIOT Act and the public seemed to be so caught up in the times and the name that the contents of the law were all but completely ignored until it was too late. Before the Revolutionary War, Patrick Henry declared the now famous "give me liberty, or give me death." Today, liberty has been put on the backburner in exchange for any possible feigned impression of safety.

Somehow, this country has become a society in which Barack Obama's wardrobe is by some means seen as more important than his ability to lead. Meanwhile, the Bush administration has spent the last six years attacking the Constitution, but by doing so with flag lapel pins, remain immune.

They sing the national anthem, belt out the Pledge of Allegiance, and waive their flags, but their actions speak far louder than their words. When they say that their most important mission is to prevent the mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion, but they out a counter-proliferations spy for their own petty political revenge, their true message is clear. They do not care about their country - they care about their own petty interests and view anyone who stands in their way as "fair game."

True patriotism is found in the way people lead their lives, not in how much they gloat about loving their country. Defending the Constitution and the rights this country was founded upon, fighting against real dangers like environmental disaster rather than manufactured threats like waves of Muslim extremists crossing through the Mexican border - these are characteristics of true patriots.

Learn more about this author, Art Vandelay.
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