Message #10885

[sinatrafan]

Being pro-military isn't and shouldn't be a litmus test for patriotism.  There are military veterans dangling all over the place on my family tree, but that doesn't make me (or them) more "patriotic" than a pacifist-Americans.  Nor should the "my country right or wrong" philosphy define a patriot.  Heck, any fool can wave a flag.



I was at a naturalization ceremony last summer where people from 65 differrent countries became American citizens. they had to pass a test prior to citizenship that I'll bet a lot of the neo flag-wavers couldn't pass. The new Americans can name the Supreme Court justices, can explain the Electoral College and they understand what each branch of our government does. They know about Jim Crow laws, Japanese internment camps and about the McCarthy hearings. They know the name of the man who shot Lee Harvey Oswald.  Would that everybody born here could do the same.



I think George W. Bush is in over his head with a catastrophe of this magnitude.  I think he is too vulnerable to his advisors because he lacks the intellect and emotional maturity to be a decisive leader.  Whoa!   How unpatriotic!!!  On the other hand, since so many fought and died to protect my freedoms, I better use them. And use them I will. Peace, everybody.