Patriotic Musings

For all my loathing of the "patriots" who believe that patriotism means loving one's country, right or wrong...for all my disgust at the massive faults that plague not only this nation's politicians, but its people...for all my embarrassment that Americans have collectively allowed our names and our legacies to be used in ruinous ways that put our very existence at risk...for all of that, I am and I shall always be a patriot. I love the principles upon which the the United States of America were founded. I love the fact that this country can be, indeed has been, a beacon of hope for more than two centuries. I love the idea that, if we insist on it, the United States can continue to be an imperfect but striving model of how human beings can come together for their common good, overlooking their disputes and disagreements.

Today, I listened to a moving reading of the Declaration of Independence. If we, as a people, would just take the time to listen to what that amazing document says and reflect on what it means, I think we cannot help but be proud. I know, none of us contributed to the words, but we are all contributing to its intent with every breath we take in support of the principles so eloquently espoused by that magnificent document.

While I believe deeply that George Bush and his administration should be removed from office and tried for crimes against humanity, I do not lay all the blame on the American people and I most certainly do not lay blame on the American system of government. I hold all of us accountable for allowing the man to take and keep office; I hold accountable all the people who have allowed this administration to lie and fabricate and manipulate events to enable their theft of power. I am upset and angry at everyone who continues to allow Bush to embarrass us and present to the world an image of America that is not us. But I am in awe of the radical experiment that has become the United States of America and I am committed to allowing a wonderful idea to eventually reaching fruition. It will be long after I am gone, but if we collectively correct our mistakes, admit our flaws, acknowledge our guilt, and rectify every wrong, the vision of America will be realized.

When that happens, it will have happened around the world. Because until all people, everywhere, have achieved the same "inalienable rights" that we achieve, our experiment will still be just an experiment. When we achieve the goals we set forth in the Declaration of Independence, so will the world.