Letter: What is patriotism?

Have you noticed the terms “socialist” and “socialism” seems to have replaced “liberal” and “liberalism” when the radical right wants to hurl insults at those who disagree with them? I suppose these terms are the worst things they think they can say in public.

Is it possible for a socialist to be patriotic? How can we tell if one is patriotic? Some would say a patriot would want to recite the Pledge of Allegiance on a regular basis.

Interestingly, the Pledge was written by a socialist minister named Francis Bellamy in August 1892 and was first published in September 1892. It was used first during the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery in October 1892.

We often hear the term “patriotism.” What does it mean, and how can one tell if an individual is patriotic? Some say patriots always wear a flag lapel pin and fly the American flag in their yard. Some say serving in the military and voting are indications of patriotism.

At the start of World War II, many Americans were in deep poverty and there were very few flags. The only place I recall seeing one was at my school.

However, when they called for donations of rubber and metal, we responded. I took the tires off my wagon and tricycle and donated them. My parents gave each of their children a dime each week to buy savings stamps, which could eventually be traded for a bond.

In my opinion, there are not many highly visible signs of patriotism. Even serving in the military and voting do not in and of themselves qualify as an indicator. There are many reasons why people join the military and some may vote for entirely selfish reasons.

Flying (or wearing) the flag doesn’t make you patriotic any more than sleeping in a garage makes you a car. But, if you choose to fly the American flag, be sure it is in good condition or take it down and properly dispose of it.

It is better to display a “naked” flagpole than fly a flag that is torn or faded.

Carl L. Hess
Ozark