A lot has been said of patriotism during the past election cycle. Some define this as a desire to have America police the world and use it's military might, and if you are not for this, you must not be very patriotic.
Webster's defines it as:
: love for or devotion to one's country
Oddly, Websters gives the following examples of use:
:You may not agree with him politically, but no one can question his patriotism.
:They supported the war with a fierce patriotism.
The main use of the word does always seem to be about war, and about politics.
But, as many people complain about me, I am a literal person. And as such, I embrace the true definition; love for or devotion to one's country. I love my country, and I am devoted to my country. I love it so much and am devoted to it so much that I feel safe and within my bounds to "call it out" when my country is out of line. Really, isn't that what love is all about, the ability to be truly honest and open with those you love?
Sad to say not all Americans believe in the America that I believe in; but fortunately America checked in and I am happy to discover that at least the majority of Americans believe in the America that I believe in.
I believe in an America where we share.
I believe in an America where everyone has a chance - whether they use it or not
I believe in an America that believes in education
I believe in an America that believes in Science
And I believe in an America that cares about the planet.
The day after the election I attended a meeting at Benaroya Hall put on by 350.ORG. It is an organization that is trying to save the planet, and in doing so has vowed to fight Big Oil.
If Big Oil has it their way, our planet will be destroyed. This is a fact. If they are able to procure, deliver and consume all the fossil fuels currently owned and identified, our planet is toast. Sadly, Big Oil does not view themselves as being in the energy business. Big Oil views themselves as being in the Fossil Fuel business. If they could but open their eyes; and their incredible cash and capital reserves and pursue clean energy they could be a positive force. But alas, they are only interested in easy and ample profits that can be made by destroying the planet.
I have thrown my hat in with 350.org.
I will work hard to stop the coal transfer station being contemplated in Washington State.
I am riding my bike to work each day
And my biggest commitment, so far, is that I am purchasing a Chevy Volt.
My purchase of the Chevy Volt does many things:
1. It sends a message to Big Oil and frees me from their clutches - Washington's energy is clean
2. It supports the AMERICAN auto industry
3. It sends the message to the American auto industry that CONSUMERS will reward them for developing clean energy alternatives to fossil fuel.
To me, that is true patriotism
