There was once a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish… it was so fragile. And I fear that it will not survive the winter. — Gladiator

Fox News recently did a poll, which asked registered voters what they considered patriotic behavior.  Whether such things as flying the flag, voting, serving on a jury, and carrying a gun were patriotic acts was asked.

To me, patriotism is manifested in actions, but they themselves are not patriotism.

Patriotism is the belief that our country is worth supporting and defending.  It’s rather simple, isn’t it?  If our nation is worth the effort, then any action that works toward that goal is patriotic.  Yes, putting the flag up or being an informed voter is patriotic, but so is disagreeing and protesting.  As Mark Twain said, loyalty to the country always, loyalty to the government when it deserves it.

Patriotism goes beyond the political, though.  We support and defend our country when we show kindness to our fellow citizens, especially to those with whom we disagree.  We show patriotism when we speak up for the rights of our opposition.  Patriotism is manifest when we respect each other as much as when we wave Old Glory.

Patriotism is more than the vote or the flag.  It is more than the speeches, the parades, and the uniform.  It is the belief that all of us, no matter our race, or creed, or beliefs, are part of our nation, and deserve to be defended and honored.

I wish all of you a good Independence Day, and ask that you remember that our nation, no matter how flawed, is worth supporting and defending.