Now Debate This: What does 'patriotism' mean to you?

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Speech Text:

In the 18th century, when our founding fathers were fighting to create the United States of America, they were viewed as both patriots and traitors. Traitors for their disobedience to the political will of their British heritage, and patriots for standing up for the moral justice and fundamental rights they believed in. They dissented, revolutionized, and rebelled against the injustice of British rule with the intent of establishing a new nation in which all men would enjoy equality, liberty, and freedom. As Americans, we are descendents of this revolutionary and rebellious spirit to dissent against our government -- to question our nation's decisions -- and, in doing so, take patriotic action in advancing the founding ideals of our nation.

To me, patriotism is the courage to dissent and question one's government, and the willingness to take action for the betterment of the nation in which one lives.

Our founding fathers looked to English philosopher John Locke's theory on Social Contract to help form the basis of our society. The contract stated that whenever a government violated our natural rights, it was the imperative of the governed to rise up and challenge or depose the government -- with the aim of reinstating one's freedoms and reinstating the ideals with which the government was established. Inherent in this philosophy is the understanding that unquestioning obedience to one's nation is not genuine patriotism. Patriotism demands that we fight for the continued improvement of our state, and the continued preservation of our rights.

As said by pacifist Jane Addams, "Unless our conception of patriotism is progressive, it cannot hope to embody the real affection and the real interest of the nation." It is because of this that I believe patriotism is embodied in the act of dissent and the subsequent change. I love my country -- particularly after spending so much time away. Because I am a committed patriot of my country, I agree with the founders of our nation that the ability to critique her is as essential as the right to celebrate and applaud her. Freedom of Speech is a fundamental premise upon which our great nation was created. Our nation was founded on the principle of dissent -- and it is this same ideal which can be applied today in the patriotic pursuit of a better society.

Carl Schurz, a Civil War general for the union, said: "The peace and welfare of this and coming generations of Americans will be secure only as we cling to the watchword of true patriotism: "Our country -- when right to be kept right; when wrong to be put right."

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[Slaytounge]

Mother fucking 17? Don't look that young.

[doomsdaypreacher]

The united states was founded a nation for White/European Christians and stayed relatively close to our founders intention til America's immigration policies changed, ushered in by traitor Lyndon Johnson and traitor Ted Kennedy. With the passage of the treasonous 1965 act that ended European immigration and encouraged Asian and other third world immigration to the US, this along with todays illegal invasion and non assimilation, our founders vission will soon disapear as well the country itself.

[stitchedplate4]

unless you go to Iran and then its allah

[spaz3586]

Outside of Jesus there is no freedom or rights??I fail to see how this is even remotely true considering that if god is who he is claimed to be, then all rights and freedom come solely from him.If that is true then we are all slaves to a racist, homophobic, genocidal, egotist who has no other concern then the praise of himself.This is what freedom is?I like the saying from Mikhail Bakunin "if god exists then we must abolish him".

[keithd2]

Dissent now is being equated with Terrorism and sedition. You want to be an activist? The only cause worth promoting is Jesus Christ. Because without individual self governance by His Word and Spirit the U.S. constitution has no value. The princes that make our world turn are not those with whom we vote. Outside of Jesus there is no freedom or rights. All them come from God alone.

[overcome33]

this is incredible.

paolo.