Originally Posted by OkhamsRazor

It never ceases to amaze me how many folks on the extremes of either side scream about patriotism. It seams to me (though this is not the entirety of my definition) that to be a patriot, you must have allegiance to the founding principles and protected rights first, above all party affiliations and philosophies.

I just stopped in for the first time in several weeks to see what was going on in the forums, and much of what I'm seeing is, "liberal cocksucker this, and right-wing pig fucker that".

How does this advance the cause of patriotism?
How does this foster understanding of opposing views?
Unless you understand the opposing views, how can you effectively argue against them and thus change minds?

So... I'm interested in knowing what "page" everyone is on concerning this much used (apparently much misunderstood) term.

What is your (not the dictionary) definition of "Patriot"?

Originally Posted by OkhamsRazor

Nice post BD, thanx.

One question though, and I don't mean this to be naive as it seems,

but... "FREE" from what? of what?

I appreciate your noting that our rights are God given. No man has the authority to take them away.

This is the one underlying, unifying point of reference that all Americans should be able to agree on, regardless of political philosophy. Throughout history, it is more often the governments, not the roving hoards, invading armies, or terrorists that have threatened freedom and liberty and subjugated or killed it's subjects.

We The People are the power in this country, We protect the constitution. The government works for us, not special interests, not media outlets, not talk show hosts, not oil companies, not religion... US! It exists solely for the benefit and defense of the people. It DOES NOT AND NEVER DID PROTECT OUR RIGHTS... THAT"S YOUR JOB!!!!

okay, done ranting....

Originally Posted by OkhamsRazor

It never ceases to amaze me how many folks on the extremes of either side scream about patriotism. It seams to me (though this is not the entirety of my definition) that to be a patriot, you must have allegiance to the founding principles and protected rights first, above all party affiliations and philosophies.

I just stopped in for the first time in several weeks to see what was going on in the forums, and much of what I'm seeing is, "liberal cocksucker this, and right-wing pig fucker that".

How does this advance the cause of patriotism?
How does this foster understanding of opposing views?
Unless you understand the opposing views, how can you effectively argue against them and thus change minds?

So... I'm interested in knowing what "page" everyone is on concerning this much used (apparently much misunderstood) term.

What is your (not the dictionary) definition of "Patriot"?