Nra Sticker on my Prius, anyone else?

I guess fortunate is how I feel about being born in America. My patriotism lies deeper than that. It comes from my sincere beliefs in the ideals of this land, what our forefathers stood for, the precious rights we have fought for and attained because of those ideals, the strength of our people, our rich and diverse culture influenced by so many others (because we allow that here), our scars, our lessons, our triumphs, our mistakes, the resilience of our people, and so much more. I've lived overseas and I appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to come home.

I do get tired of so many of the things people push in the name of "patriotism," like the notion that we are supposed to support our government no matter what it does. That is not patriotism. It is irresponsible. Our government was born from dissent - people who thought things should be done differently, "for the people." Those leaders used their minds and hearts to build a government with high ideals, where a society of people could thrive, with each individual having a chance to live one's life as one saw fit. Well, I am one of the people and when I think my government is wrong, I will not blindly stand by and just accept that. The one and only thing I've ever agreed with Bush on is that "Freedom isn't free." That is true, although my interpretation is way different from his. As an American, the best form of patriotism is to be engaged in and responsible for the doings of our government. We all have a responsibility to this country. It is supposed to be for us and by us. Apathy, blind support, and not using your brain to make your own determinations based on FACTS, not soundbites, are all harmful to our way of life.

I'm sick of patriotism being used as some sort of weapon hurled at those with different views. That is so disrespectful and I never cease to be insulted by it. Just because I am not for the war or do not blindly support the actions of my government does not mean I am not patriotic. I am deeply so. Because of my love of this land, I have been miserable at the misdeeds of our corrupt government over the past several years. America was never meant to be the one this administration presents. We are supposed to be the good guys, not the incompetent, greedy bullies of the world. This is not who we are. This is not who we are! IMO, it isn't about Republican, Democrat, liberal, or conservative this time. It is about standing up for becoming a just nation once again. It is time to get up out of the mud. No, it is past time. Never too late, though.

 

Why do you hate America? :usa:

... Brad

 

Saminjax, perhaps I'm being obtuse, but why did you quote my post?

 

Luckily Sam, you are not alone, there are a few Americans left, Americans who can truly claim that right from our forefathers, they would be proud of us for standing up for the country. If the so called "patriots" would read our forefather's statements, they would realize they are NOT patriots, they are the exact thing our forefathers fought against, the status quo complacence to political corruptness.

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.
Thomas Jefferson

Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.
Thomas Jefferson

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.
Thomas Jefferson

 

i just like firearms

 

Wasn't anything personal to you - just that some things were said about patriotism and I responded from your post. I hope I didn't offend you. My comments were not aimed specifically at you at all. I was just opining. Sorry if you thought otherwise.

 

Yup, like that...perrrrfect example.
:frusty:

 

I wasn't thinking anything, just curious. No offense taken. I didn't say anything about patriotism so I wasn't sure. At least I don't think I did... No worries!

 

It's okay - enjoy! I'm not really into guns, but to each his own. I'm sure I enjoy things that many folks aren't into.

My stepdad is a very dedicated collector of antique firearms. He has some fascinating pieces in his collection. I myself have appreciated the craftsmanship and design of them. However, when I went to the firing range with him, I didn't like all the noise. Didn't like firing the gun, either. I was impressed by the skill of others there, including my stepdad. He's a crack shot! I think I'll stay on his good side...

 

FYI, my response (why do you hate America?) was in jest. I tried to imply that with the guy. I really appreciated your post.

... Brad

 

So, your hubby is a Marine? I think I saw that in an earlier thread (or maybe in this one, even), but correct me if I'm mistaken. My ex-husband is in the Navy. My son was born in Hawaii when we lived there. I lived on the Navy base there (Barber's Point) and then on the Kaneohe Marine base after B. Point closed. What a huge difference!

 

Yeah, I got it and it made me chuckle - perfectly placed. Like I said...perrrfect, exactly what I had been talking about...

 

Indeed! Love the quotes. Thanks.

I think they are all rolling in their graves - Jefferson, Hamilton, Washington, Henry, Franklin, Adams and all the rest who believed in the vision of a higher land. They would have strung these guys up by now. I wish we had some Congressmen with the balls to stand up for us and for our Constitution. Bunch of %&*$# weenies!! (except for a very few, most notably Waxman...my hero...I just love that guy)

 

Yep, he is a retired Marine (26 yrs.) and I served one enlistment. One of our girls was born on Okinawa. We almost got to Kaneohe Bay, but our orders got switched on us.

 

Thank you, fastring, et.al. for driving a Prius. Your increased gas mileage means that fewer Americans will die in Iraq protecting "our" oil.

 

I had a good friend who was stationed in Okinawa - he loved it there. The pictures he brought back were stunning. I've never been. I wanted to go to Rota (Spain) soooo bad, but my ex-husband chose Maryland, instead. It was nice, but I really wanted to see Spain.

Kaneohe is so beautiful. The bay, for perhaps 50 yards, is about 1 foot deep - the most beautiful baby pool in the world! My son was only one at the time we were there. I have such sweet memories of him toddling around in that water with his little water walkers and swimmy pants on. So cute and tan. We had some good times on that beach. He is such a water baby, to this day (he's nine now). We often go to the beach here with friends and he and I are the ones who stay in the water pretty much all day (we come back up for sunscreen). My friends shake their heads at me and say, "How can you stand to have all that sand all over you?" I'm thinking, 'How can you stand to wear sneakers at the beach???'

Well, I'm just babbling on and on now. Must be time for me to go to bed...

Have a great night (or morning).

 

Actually, I would. Marines do not hold a monopoly on being a badass.

 

Northern Sun is one place. Do a search for "Darwin Fish." They don't have a monopoly on this kind of stuff, but I like them because they're worker-owned.

Well said, Sam.

 

Thanks, Daniel. I ordered from Northern Sun. Cool site!

 

excellent post !!!!!!!

couldn't have said it any better.....thank you!