Patriotism

"The highest form of patriotism is irreverence." --Mark Twain

As we approach the Independence Day festivities, it might be productive to think a little about patriotism.  For many Americans patriotism is going to Home Depot and purchasing a flag for the front porch.  For others, it is standing in Busch Stadium holding your red Cardinal's cap as you sing "Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light . . ."  Others celebrate their patriotism with a parade, a picnic, or an old-fashioned fireworks display over the Mississippi River.


These are all outward displays of patriotic fervor.  They are valid ways of showing allegiance to the United States, but I think it is important to note that patriotism is also about our thoughts and ideals.  It is about what we individually bring to the patriotic table.  It's about what is inside.


As Americans, one of the most important things we can bring to Independence Day is independence.  Free people have to have to same attitude that led to our independence.  American patriotism has never been to a person or a party.  Americans have always loathed the adulation of Hitler's followers and the followers of other dictators.  Our loyalty has never been to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, or Barack Obama.  We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.


In this regard Mark Twain is right.  Irreverence is the highest form of patriotism.  Americans should hate political campaigns as they are currently conducted.  We should demand that less attention be placed on what kind of ice cream the candidate prefers and more attention on the candidate's views and policies.  We should value our humorists and comedians who make us laugh at politicians.  Stupid political behavior should always be laughed into oblivion.  No person in American government should be respected any more than the respect he or she has earned.  Laughter makes us all equal in America.


In a government of, by, and for the people, irreverence is absolutely essential.  On this July 4 holiday, let's have more good, old-fashioned American irreverence.  Let's laugh at the political circus coming to town.  Let's laugh at the huge political egos in Washington.  Let's turn our laughter on both the Democrats and Republicans.  Let's laugh next week. It protects us all.