patriotism

“American democracy,” journalist Bill Moyers wrote, “has always been a series of narrow escapes.” It is often our military men and women who turn the tide in these close calls. For this reason, it is impossible to cram the many benefits our vets have bestowed upon today’s youth into a single essay, and foolish to try.  Read More »

I am a true patriot. My definition of patriotism is loving my country and supporting what is best for the nation, not blind obedience to my country's government. That is different definition than most people have. People tend to confuse "country" with "current government."  Read More »

Election time is coming around again in the U.S., and I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify two very similar words: Patriotism and Nationalism.

Patriotism: Love of one’s country. Most people have heard this word, at the very least. Politicians use it to paint themselves in good light, and accusing their opponent of lacking it is a serious allegation.  Read More »

Sure at one point we've all complained about a dress code. It's quite unfortunate that you can't wear that tiny skirt you just bought or wear that shirt depicting naked women on the front. But what happens when you get told that you can't be patriotic? That is exactly what happened to Jake Shelley, a sophomore as a Dos Palos school.  Read More »

I recently finished the book War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges for the second time. It is an infinitely interesting account of a war correspondent's experiences in war-torn countries, but it is also infinitely disturbing. Even the title itself makes me shy away, not wanting to believe what I'm reading and this continues through the entire book.  Read More »

Ok, I said to myself when making this blog that I would do one post per day, but i can't help but write about this as soon as possible. I know I'm probably caught in the anger of the moment, but this action goes to disgust me. My home state of Tennessee, I have been informed, utilizes an obscure method of "punishment" towards teenagers who have been issued a speeding ticket.  Read More »

The other day, I had the pleasure of meeting our true heroes. Vets For Freedom are travelling around the nation in the National Heroes Tour. I was privileged to meet them. CMO2 Tim Parks, USMC, has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq and has received two purple hearts and the Silver Star for his valiant acts.  Read More »

For years students have said the pledge of allegiance everyday at school, very few of them choosing not to do so. At one time the Supreme Court ruled against students who did not recite the pledge, making it a requirement. Since then, the Supreme Court has changed its decision and made it a choice.  Read More »