Another awesome analysis and comment. I hadn’t realized I’d chosen the path of open-eyed patriotism. I went through the 60s/the Vietnam schism/Nixon and was disillusioned by the gap between the ideals of the nation and the boots on the ground reality. It took years, yet as I’ve matured, I’ve realized that striving for the ideal often falls short, that this Constitution and my country’s people are worth respect. Not blind patriotism, but solid love for this country despite its flaws and shortcomings. Like my family. Like me. We all need to grow and mature. I love America and what it stands for.
This makes me think of M*A*S*H. Harry Morgan had joined the cast around this time as Col. Potter, "Regular Army". But rather than playing an archtype, he ended up being a true leader. A few years later, the finale had Hawkeye and BJ saluting him out of respect that had been earned.
Amen! Luke 10:27. The directives are absolute. My Father is in heaven, but my neighbor is my fellow citizen with whom we share this great nation. To love my neighbor is to love the country we share as our home awaiting heaven. Salute!
Beautiful, thank you. Never thought of it this way, but this exactly my relationship with my country. I am so fortunate to have been born when and where I was, and I salute in appreciation and with gratitude.
"The forced version is worth nothing, and it never was. The Father never wanted the love He could compel out of a man, because a love you can compel is not love. A salute works the same way. The only one that counts is the one you could have refused and didn’t." This brought tears to my eyes. So beautifully said! Thank you!! I love the Father because I chose Him (He first chose me)...I salute this country because despite all of the chaos, lies, division and imperfection...I LOVE this country and I'm so grateful I get to live here. My husband is retired Navy and has been all over the world. He said there is nowhere like the US...nowhere. He was always so happy to return home.
I have not flown the American Flag since 2008. After Bush, Cheney, and Hank Paulson stole $850 billions of our money and gave it to the Wall Street Banksters (as in Gangsters), I knew I my republic was just a nation of sheep, run by wolves, and owned by pigs. On special "holidays" I fly the APPEAL TO HEAVEN-The Pine Tree Flag. Amerika ist verloren. Bleib ubrig.
Thank you for this post; we are not blind; the corruption is real, deep and widespread.
However, there is still good to be fought for - that is what we choose to salute.
The battle for freedom, decency and the Kingdom of God is not over.
Who wants to be on the side of darkness and lies anyway?
Another awesome analysis and comment. I hadn’t realized I’d chosen the path of open-eyed patriotism. I went through the 60s/the Vietnam schism/Nixon and was disillusioned by the gap between the ideals of the nation and the boots on the ground reality. It took years, yet as I’ve matured, I’ve realized that striving for the ideal often falls short, that this Constitution and my country’s people are worth respect. Not blind patriotism, but solid love for this country despite its flaws and shortcomings. Like my family. Like me. We all need to grow and mature. I love America and what it stands for.
This makes me think of M*A*S*H. Harry Morgan had joined the cast around this time as Col. Potter, "Regular Army". But rather than playing an archtype, he ended up being a true leader. A few years later, the finale had Hawkeye and BJ saluting him out of respect that had been earned.
Amen! Luke 10:27. The directives are absolute. My Father is in heaven, but my neighbor is my fellow citizen with whom we share this great nation. To love my neighbor is to love the country we share as our home awaiting heaven. Salute!
Beautiful, thank you. Never thought of it this way, but this exactly my relationship with my country. I am so fortunate to have been born when and where I was, and I salute in appreciation and with gratitude.
"The forced version is worth nothing, and it never was. The Father never wanted the love He could compel out of a man, because a love you can compel is not love. A salute works the same way. The only one that counts is the one you could have refused and didn’t." This brought tears to my eyes. So beautifully said! Thank you!! I love the Father because I chose Him (He first chose me)...I salute this country because despite all of the chaos, lies, division and imperfection...I LOVE this country and I'm so grateful I get to live here. My husband is retired Navy and has been all over the world. He said there is nowhere like the US...nowhere. He was always so happy to return home.
I have not flown the American Flag since 2008. After Bush, Cheney, and Hank Paulson stole $850 billions of our money and gave it to the Wall Street Banksters (as in Gangsters), I knew I my republic was just a nation of sheep, run by wolves, and owned by pigs. On special "holidays" I fly the APPEAL TO HEAVEN-The Pine Tree Flag. Amerika ist verloren. Bleib ubrig.