We put the 'riot' in "Patriot"

I agree with many points made by Jenson in "Goodbye to Patriotism," however I still feel we cannot abandon the term entirely. I think there are many important traits humans display brought on by positive and negative events in the world motivated by patriotism in any sense of the word. I think many of us agreed on dismantling the first definition of patriotism whereas one is in support of their country and its decisions whether one personally agrees or not. The second definition slightly touches on this as well saying we may "politely disagree with the policies," while supporting the troops fighting for us, but may still experience some backlash for it. The second I don't necessarily think is always true either because mostly (it seems to me) as long as one supports the soldiers stationed around the world, some aspect of common understanding may be shared.

After the class discussion I still do not have a clear definition of patriotism, in modern terms. I think this is because over decades words may be the same, but they hold different meanings; or the word may become a different term. The most important use of patriotism to me is in the role of the citizen. If one chooses not to take an active role in their country that is their choice and right. However if one does want an active role, then I feel it is their duty to speak out and voice opinions to legislators. This government is supposed to be a tool for all of us to use aiding in a better life. A recent poll showed that an astounding number of the US public are against the war in Iraq and Vice President Cheney said "So?" When the administrators make decisions on our behalf without listening to us something is grossly wrong. Even if the decision is still made, the attempt to listen and work with the citizens is of the most importance to at least consider.

One compared a mother protecting her child to the government handling foreign affairs and policies. This is a good perspective because the mother is hopefully making a choice with the best intentions for the child until they are able to comprehend the full depth of the situation. The government makes choices on behalf of the people assuming most of the decisions are beyond the understanding of the average citizens, and this is why we elected them. However once we transfer the responsibility, it is their job and duty to uphold the promise they made to the people of our country, and it is our job and duty to hold them to that promise. I guess that is what patriotism means to me.