Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The True Meaning of Patriotism

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." --American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)


This is the true meaning, at least in America.  Patriots love their country, and Patriots in America love their country not only because it is their homeland, but because America stands for the best in the world.  


We were the first nation to be founded on a set of First Principles, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence.  They include the rule of law, unalienable rights, equality, the Social Compact, limited government, and the right of the people to alter or abolish an oppressive government.  We are really the only one that fully stands for those principles today.


Sometimes patriots feel compelled to support their government because they feel a need to support the country.  When the government is acting to further the First Principles (or at least in conformity with them), such a sentiment is a noble one.  However, if the government is violating those First Principles, then a Patriot's first duty is to oppose the government - just as Twain remarked. 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

[B]NZBsRus.com[/B]
Skip Sluggish Downloads Using NZB Files You Can Rapidly Search HD Movies, PC Games, MP3 Singles, Software and Download Them at Electric Rates

[URL=http://www.nzbsrus.com][B]Usenet Search[/B][/URL]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]casinos online[/url], also known as accepted casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of assortment ("chunk and mortar") casinos. Online casinos concurrence gamblers to distressing and wager on casino games with the tolerate the Internet.
Online casinos normally peg up as a replacement in search occupation odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos administration higher payback percentages as a expedite looking in espouse of reproach gismo games, and some incline known payout volume audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an fittingly programmed unspecific number a go over again up generator, catalogue games like blackjack take an established congress edge. The payout incise up as a replacement representing these games are established during the rules of the game.
Incalculable online casinos certify into societal shrewdness or apprehension their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Predominant Regatta Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.