Respecting America

Well, let's see here... I'm going to try to analyze something I'm quite passionate about without getting overly emotional. In this blog I'll attempt to figure out how people disrespect America in a few different ways and how we could respect this country more.

Governmental Leaders
Politicians will be politicians. And that's ok, most of the time. Voters will be voters. And protesters will be protesters. That can get a little hairy. Being in such a wonderful country, I would say we are blessed with such a democratic government guaranteeing so many freedoms for us as citizens. Because we have such a government it requires that we have leaders to run it. Being that there are so many people wanting to be the leadership we hold a wonderful thing called elections, so the majority of the people will be able to decide who they want to be in office. Since majority is not unanimity, there will be some who disagree with the final results due to the natural course of events. And as I have analyzed earlier, disagreement isn't bad. It's what some people choose to do with it that becomes a problem. The first and foremost thing people need to realize is that political leaders were elected because they are qualified enough to do the job according to most of the people. They wouldn't be in office if they didn't know what they were doing.

Because we have freedom of speech people therefore have the right to protest to show their disapproval to actions that elected officials are taking. Again, disagreement is ok. The people who are most affected by the government's decisions are likely the quickest to react, especially on positions such as the War on Terror, abortion rights, and gay/lesbian rights, among others. America must be able to speak its mind. However, when people get passionate about whatever-topic-it-is they can tend to become more self-conscious than they realize. When decisions are made, the good of the entire country is considered. In the ideal situation, leaders do not make decisions based on overwhelming popularity, but on the platform upon which they were elected. If you look at many protests, the people often aren't protesting the policy, but the leader who agreed to it. And how much good does that do for the leader? In today's society it seems as if we must attribute blame for ill-fated results. Someone or something must always be responsible (except our angelic selves). Thus, political leaders and not their policies become targets for hateful and cruel statements. Through our freedom, it has given some leaders the opportunity to let their power run awry. That's unquestionable, and yet it was their decision. But until it becomes clear that they did something blatantly wrong, why can't we just support them in their responsibilities? (Side note - Personally, I wouldn't care if the Clintons, George Bush, Mitt Romney, Al Sharpton or anyone else came to speak at my graduation. I can't say I agree with everything they have said or done, but they are people too and they love America. And that's what counts)

Burning the flag
As I assume we've all been taught, America fought for its freedom. Many wars have threatened this country in which brave men and women have given ther lives and blood so it would not fall. The flag is a symbol of their lives, and of the freedoms we enjoy. Some proper ways to retire a flag are by a respectful burning or by burial upon the casket of the deceased. As a sacred and special symbol of this country, it too often condescends to become a symbol of derogatory protest to America's current organization or policies. There are many alternatives that are far more civilized and respectful. Write a letter to your congressman/senator, an editorial in the newspaper, or stomp on, write on, and burn your pillow instead.

Opportunities to express patriotism
Each Monday we have the wonderful opportunity to hear our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner being played over the intercom and join together in pledging allegiance to the flag. Just by being in America, everyone here must see at least one small benefit it offers, if nothing else than to be standing in a free public school with opportunities to get a good education. And yet many people don't stop and take the time to place their hand over their heart to think of the "bombs bursting in air." They just walk on by. We should be able to spend two minutes once a week out of our busy lives and ponder upon significant events that cost millions of people their entire life so that we could be here today.


Although altogether puzzled by these interesting actions we have become quite accustomed to, I can almost see why and how they happen. It's just part of the opposition to both ends of having freedom to do as we choose. And if it's "not that important," tell that to the Founding Fathers.

Just something to think about.
"America the Beautiful"