Patriotism
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. As we observe this 4th of July holiday, it is these words that have become most popular from the Declaration of Independence.
As a young African American man, I am very aware that when this document was crafted people of color were in the minds of the ideologues but not in the pens of the scribes. Although we may have not seen our independence at the genesis of this country, over time we have as my pastor would say fought the good fight of faith and therefore see more freedoms and liberties today then those liberties or the lack-there-of granted to our ancestors.
Still we in the spirit of patriotism celebrate this breaking away from the old and the creation of something new. That something new would become the United States of America. My America or as the song says “my country tis of thee”.
The question of patriotism is one that seems to always find its way to the forefront when its time to elect a new President. Critics look to see if a candidate is wearing a flag pin, or seeks to find any symbolic representation of the United States. The candidate not wearing a pin or U.S.A. paraphernalia will soon find their patriotism called to the carpet, BUT is wearing a pin or waving a flag the true meaning of patriotism.
As a young American who has been taught to question the world around me, I believe that patriotism is much deeper then the external signs of symbolism. It is an internal love for not only the signs and wonders of America but most importantly a genuine love or as the bible calls it an agape love for America’s people.
In this election my vote doesn’t go to the candidate with the pin nor to the candidate with the flag but my vote goes to the candidate who channels his true patriotism into challenging social and racial injustice in order to preserve our basic American rights:
Rights to:
Life-We must insure that our communities and neighbors are ones of safety for our unions’ most important resource, our children.
Liberty- We must provide our children with freedom from inadequate and unequal education and give then the equity in schooling that they deserve.
The pursuit of happiness-We must give each and every American the same starting point in life so that we all have an equal shot at pursuing our dreams.
These may seem like pie in the sky goals but this is my America. Just am I able to have pride and take credit for her success it is also my reasonability to share in the labor of righting her wrongs.
The candidate who gets my vote doesn’t just offer lip service to solve these social ills, but takes action to make America better. These actions reassure the candidates’ commitment not just to the seat of power in which they seek, but a commitment to making sure that every American has a seat at the table of liberty and justice for all.
As a young African American man, I am very aware that when this document was crafted people of color were in the minds of the ideologues but not in the pens of the scribes. Although we may have not seen our independence at the genesis of this country, over time we have as my pastor would say fought the good fight of faith and therefore see more freedoms and liberties today then those liberties or the lack-there-of granted to our ancestors.
Still we in the spirit of patriotism celebrate this breaking away from the old and the creation of something new. That something new would become the United States of America. My America or as the song says “my country tis of thee”.
The question of patriotism is one that seems to always find its way to the forefront when its time to elect a new President. Critics look to see if a candidate is wearing a flag pin, or seeks to find any symbolic representation of the United States. The candidate not wearing a pin or U.S.A. paraphernalia will soon find their patriotism called to the carpet, BUT is wearing a pin or waving a flag the true meaning of patriotism.
As a young American who has been taught to question the world around me, I believe that patriotism is much deeper then the external signs of symbolism. It is an internal love for not only the signs and wonders of America but most importantly a genuine love or as the bible calls it an agape love for America’s people.
In this election my vote doesn’t go to the candidate with the pin nor to the candidate with the flag but my vote goes to the candidate who channels his true patriotism into challenging social and racial injustice in order to preserve our basic American rights:
Rights to:
Life-We must insure that our communities and neighbors are ones of safety for our unions’ most important resource, our children.
Liberty- We must provide our children with freedom from inadequate and unequal education and give then the equity in schooling that they deserve.
The pursuit of happiness-We must give each and every American the same starting point in life so that we all have an equal shot at pursuing our dreams.
These may seem like pie in the sky goals but this is my America. Just am I able to have pride and take credit for her success it is also my reasonability to share in the labor of righting her wrongs.
The candidate who gets my vote doesn’t just offer lip service to solve these social ills, but takes action to make America better. These actions reassure the candidates’ commitment not just to the seat of power in which they seek, but a commitment to making sure that every American has a seat at the table of liberty and justice for all.
© Jordan A. Harris, M.Ed 2008
Comments