Is Patriotism a thing of the past in America?

What ever happened to patriotism in our country?
I don't mean mindless knee jerk jingoism. Rah rah, love it or leave it.
I mean trying to contribute to the nation. Trying to do what's best for all of us.
It's easy to crticize , but does anybody, Congress on down really care about the nation ( as a nation) anymore?
Is anyone willing to work through our differences, compromise and solve problems?
Are you willing to help, or is everyone just in it for themselves these days? Is money ALL that matters?
Your thoughts?

I have a great article I would love for you to read. If you don't mind to!
sunsite.berkeley.edu...

WHAT is patriotism? Is it love of one's birthplace, the place of childhood's recollections and hopes, dreams and aspirations? Is it the place where, in childlike naivety, we would watch the fleeting clouds, and wonder why we, too, could not run so swiftly? The place where we would count the milliard glittering stars, terror-stricken lest each one "an eye should be," piercing the very depths of our little souls? Is it the place where we would listen to the music of the birds, and long to have wings to fly, even as they, to distant lands? Or the place where we would sit at mother's knee, enraptured by wonderful tales of great deeds and conquests? In short, is it love for the spot, every inch representing dear and precious recollections of a happy, joyous, and playful childhood?

It is just a fancy word for nationalism but I have not seen real nationalism in the United States since 9/11. I think it is because of our crazy politics and mud slinging all over the place that prevents people to unify to truly love their country. If there was a leader or good representatives at least who publicly and gracefully cared for the people(and each other!!) then I am sure people would trust the politics of the country more and learn to love it again.

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


I read some of it. Nothing new there.
In my OP I said, NOT JINGISM, the " we're number #1" routine.
I'm talking about a spirit of co operation, TRYING to do the right thing for the country.
Big difference.
I hope this thread doesn't bog down in trite rhetoric and anti Americanism.
ATS is certainly full of idealism in politics while cynicism seems the rule in the real world.
I guess we get ( as citizens), what we deserve according to what we contribute.
Is it just unfashionable? Are we just too spoiled and self absorbed?
Anybody think we could do better?

Can ATS stretch it's collective mind?
Are we limited to cliche's?
Can we turn patriotism into something positive?
Are we stuck on the "I'm too cool and "awake' and cynical to believe in anything?
Can anyone look forward instead of back?

reply to post by OldDragger


"Patriotism Is The Last Refuge of The Scoundrel" a quote by Samuel Johnson. The patriotism I see around me lends its self to Johnson's understanding.

The constitution has been trashed and our freedoms have vanished. All I see now is a lot of pointless bantering and fear mongering.

I believe only having two major, viable political parties keeps us from coming together on a daily basis.

I work on a 911 ambulance. Most of the firefighters and rescue squads in our county are volunteers. I believe that is a form of patriotism/nationalism on a daily basis. Willing to go into a burning house to save your neighbors life and possesions. We had 1000 year floods here in May. I was lucky enough to be on duty when it flooded. We the ambulance service, the fire departments, and the police. Were all up all night and out trying to get to people trapped in homes and in cars. My partner has a picture of me belly deep in water, next to a car with water up over its hood. I'm trying to paint a picture that patriotism is always there. Most just don't notice the self-less acts that go on all over this country. Fire departments, meals on wheels, VFW members visitng the VA hospitals, nurses volunteering to do in home hospice care. I could go on and on.

The MSM and the two major political parties keeps us apart. That is the best way for them to do business. I and many others are willing to lay there lives down for there neighbors and countrymen. You don't see all of the little acts of patriotism that goes on every minute in this country. Thanks to the two party system and the media trying to keep us all distracted. But when a tragedy large or small strikes few or many. You can see the true american spirit shine through.

Originally posted by OldDragger
I mean trying to contribute to the nation. Trying to do what's best for all of us.

There is no "all of us anymore", as Rak pointed out quite well. Patriotism has been replaced with partisanism. No thoughts for the country or any American that doesn't think as you do. It a shame, true patriotism was the strength of America. It's what drew the people together. Sad that it's gone.

Edit: I like Rak's thoughts but I think he's too optimistic on the average level.

reply to post by rakkasansct


Well, someone who gets it!
I salute your efforts and thank you for posting!
I would guess there are differences in politics, religion etc in you group. I would also guess those differences don't keep you from accomplishing what you need to do.
Thanks again!

Reply to post by OldDragger

Patriotism=false sense of superiority


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

reply to post by dontweallbleed


I see some are not reading my posts, just knee jerking cliche'd replies.
Sometimes I think ATS suffers from an extreme lack of creativity and imagination!

It certainly does seem to be a thing of the past now. However, I don’t see that as a bad thing. There is no point in trying to regain something that has already passed because that would not be moving forward but actually moving backward. I feel it’s time to evolve our patriotism from a national pride to a more all-encompassing pride. A love for our nation served its purpose and we should now strive to develop a love for our world and all the nations and citizens that inhabit it.

We are all citizens of this planet so what’s the point of only caring about and trying to help the people who reside within some invisible walls? Instead of trying to contribute to and improve our nation, we should strive contribute to and improve our entire world.

There are so many divisions between people these days. Race, country, gender, religion, politics, sexual orientation, and many other essentially meaningless divisions have led us to forget all of the wonderful things that we actually have in common with each other.

reply to post by OldDragger


Good topic, S+F

I think that Patriotism extends beyond the whole symbolism thing and reckless attitude. Patriotism means that a corporation does its very best to make the people in America as wealthy, succesfull and happy as possible, it looks out for the best interests of their business and their country. Patriotism means that the government focuses on America first and goes beyond some philosophical argument to always do what is best for the people it's supposed to represent and protect. Patriotism means that people band together and defend the country that they love and help their neighbors and seek to benefit the whole of society and not just their pocketbook.

To me, that is Patriotism.

reply to post by OldDragger


Are you willing to help, or is everyone just in it for themselves these days? Is money ALL that matters?


Your angle is all wrong...it's not Patriotism this country needs - it's an understanding, appreciation and application of Civic Duty.


bowlingalone.com...


Interesting how a country so enthralled with capitalism, has very little Social Capital...


I mean trying to contribute to the nation. Trying to do what's best for all of us.


Let's start with focusing on our communities, then we can talk nationalism...

I miss my patriotism. It ended when the illegal war was started. It is really hard to be patriotic when you know the truth about the war. I look at patriots like I look at Nazis: they are not all evil. Some of them were fooled into being patriotic.

reply to post by Epiphron


The US does more to improve the "entire world" than any other nation. The US is the most charitable nation on the planet. The US gives more to charitable causes in our country, and around the world than anyone else. The federal government gives more money than other other nation, to improve conditions around the world already. So how would being more patriotic about the country, and your fellow countrymen be a bad thing?

I have no Patriotism for my country, i am patriotic for my planet, and so should everyone else. Patriotism, for me, is a very bad thing, as it makes different countries seem like different worlds or species. If some people felt as strong for there species, as they do for their country, then maybe this world might be a better place.

reply to post by Jay-morris


Aren't you a citizen of your country?
Isn't your neighborhood part of your country?
Isn't your country part of Europe?
Isn't Europe part of the world?
It just seems trendy to say you don't care about your country, but you care about the world.

Originally posted by OldDragger
reply to post by Jay-morris

 

Aren't you a citizen of your country?
Isn't your neighborhood part of your country?
Isn't your country part of Europe?
Isn't Europe part of the world?
It just seems trendy to say you don't care about your country, but you care about the world.

Its not a trend, and its the way i feel. I am telling you how i feel. I am not patriotic about my country. Maybe i see things different to you. I see us all as a human race, and not different countries. After all, we are all related, we are all brothers and sisters because we came from the same thing.

Look at all the trouble around the world at the moment, and alot of it is different countries. Just like what is happening with Japan and China at the moment. There are alot of people who only care for their country, and thats why they would do anything for their country, going to war,dying in a pointless war, all for their country.

reply to post by Jay-morris


Does anyone think they could try to br a better citizen, therefore creating a better country, benefieting everyone?
Don't you thin you have more influence in your own country ( to improve things) than some vague entire planet thing?