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September 12, 2009

Patriotism


Yesterday I saw many teachers and students wearing red, white, and blue. I heard "Proud to Be an American" sung.

I also saw teachers get an email reminder about making sure parents were informed about watching the taped education speech from our president from earlier in the week. Some places even did permission slips.

Makes me wonder what my fellow citizens consider to be real patriotism. Is it the colors and songs and pledges or might it be the listening and consideration of different points of view?


"What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times?
I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility...a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

--Adlai E. Stevenson

(image cc flickr)