Patriotism

Growing up we defined patriotism as an inner feeling of pride for our nation. We were glad to live in America. We believed that our country was good, cared about its people and lived responsibly with other nations around the globe. Of course at that time we had just exited World War II. Peace time was everywhere around us. We were rebuilding Europe from the ravages of a long war. Japan’s future was slowly returning to a peaceful model. We were helping them rebuild too.

At home our attention was focused on building homes, expanding industry and helping GIs get an education that would help our industries compete globally. America’s sense of itself was big. It was solid. We were the good guys and we didn’t belittle other nations.

Our immigration gates were wide open and welcoming. We included everyone, or so it seemed. Optimism ruled. There wasn’t anything we couldn’t do. All was possible.

Then the Korean War emerged and we were sure we could prevail if we put our mind to it. After all, we took on Germany and won; so too Japan! This was a cinch.

Boy, were we wrong! And with it a new model of international skirmishes emerged. After Korean hostilities were quieted, Viet Nam soon followed; diplomatic struggles paved the way to that unwinnable war. And the Cold War marched on for decades after. Armaments were a major focus and entire industries were born on the need for new technology. The war machines were in deep preparation until they became unaffordable and destroyed regimes who tried to keep up.

Patriotism moved to ideology; perhaps it never was far removed from that front, but rhetoric and literature took on nuanced messages which soon grew to argument and uncivil discourse. Today, patriotism is defined by special interest groups which give not an inch to logic or historical fact. Muddled is the term; so too I think our national identity.

After all, we face many problems of incalculable size. We act defeated. We seem to pick sides based on slippery concepts. Discussions become emotional and divisive. In fact we block solutions to national problems based on ideology and who has the political power. From magnanimous victors in World War II we have fallen to this ignominious position. What a fall!

What to do about it? It’s simple really.

Refocus our attention on the problems and challenge the American People to take them on.  Here they are:

1.      Improve public education outcomes and cost effectiveness

2.      Expand research and development to support science and technology in the fields of energy, space, and environment

3.      Simplify government models to achieve desired outcomes chosen by an educated democracy and operated cost effectively

4.      Reduce the national debt to a sustainable percentage of annual GDP

5.      Attain the goal of energy independence by 2020

Setting stretch goals for worthwhile outcomes is the first step in responding to our challenges. If other problems should be considered before the five above, then let public discussion lead to the necessary consensus for ordering the priorities.

But commit to action to meet the stated challenges. This is not about ideology. It is about our national identity and heritage.

Who among us will not answer the call of our nation?

September 24, 2012