Take Patriotism Back From The Freepers

[lligrd]

I suggest that we take back patriotism and what it means. Patriotism means standing for what America stands for, Democracy and the Constitution. Now that we stand a chance of getting those back, I suggest that all of us start proudly putting up our flags (or righting them if they are flying upside down). Of course, they should fly right along with our patriotic anti-Bush, anti-corruption messages. If enough of us start putting up the flag and taking back the message it implies, I can already envision the Freepers hiding theirs.

[monarch]

1. Good idea!

and welcome to DU. I hate that my visceral reaction to any display of the flag is negative. Several years ago, my partner and I were driving someplace and she honked in response to a`couple of people waving flags by the side of the road. I told her not to do that because they were probably freepers. How awful is that?

[lligrd]

2. Exactly What I Thought

Every time I see a flag I think the person is a Freeper too. I remember when the Fourth of July was my favorite Holiday and I want it back. They don't deserve it. Plus, I would love to see their confusion when we reclaim patriotism and what it really stands for.

[lligrd]

3. And Thanks For The Welcome

Though I have been coming here to validate my sanity since the beginning. Just never felt the need or had the time to post with those I usually agree with. Hopefully now I can.

[mentalsolstice]

12. We fly the original flag in front of our house...

...the one with the thirteen stars on it, because back then our founding fathers had their priorities straight. If and when we regain our faith in our government, maybe we'll fly the current flag.

[Skittles]

4. freepers are as big a joke as FOX NEWS

they're garbage and they know it

[lligrd]

5. I Didn't Just Mean Freepers

I meant all the idiots that fell for the movement. Still a few in my neighborhood displaying flags and Support the Troops signs that really piss me off since I know it is really I who support what the USA stands for and who really supports the troops by being willing to pay for benefits and not send them to die for Halliburton. I think it would be great if all of a sudden flags of those they knew to be against immoral wars and the shredding of the country went up. Perhaps, if we did it when the new Congress takes over it would send a message.

[monarch]

6. Good idea!

Let's start a campaign to do it. I'll buy a flag and do it. How about everyone else?

[lligrd]

7. Thanks, Monarch

and don't forget the patriotic messages to go with it. Got any good ones? I loved Dean's "Take Back America."

[lligrd]

8. Support Our Troops - Increase Veteran Benefits?

eom

[Ian David]

9. I'm waiting until January, when the new Congress takes their seats

I suggest, "Finally Proud To Be American Again," be our new slogan.

[blondeatlast]

10. With all due respect, I don't want to wear my love of my country on my sleeve

or display it (often improperly, as is the case with my immediate neighbors) near my front door, etc.

I understand where you are going with this, but just as with my religious beliefs, I'd rather live the ideal than shout it to the rest of the world. I vote, I contribute, I teach my child love of country even through dissent with the ruling party, I watched my husband sworn in as a citizen and bawled my eyes out.

My 9 yo knows more about the Constitution than most adults I know, he helped his father with the citizenship test.

I'm not saying that's a bad idea, just saying why it's not for me personally.

Nevertheless, welcome to DU. :patriot: :toast:

[Cerridwen]

11. Only if you fumigate it first...they left their cooties ALL over it.

I'd like to "create" a new ideology of what patriotism is...

It would have more to do with what's best for the populace and a whole lot less to do with what's best for corporations and war profiteers.

It would have more to do with peace and creation rather than militarism and destruction.

It would have more to do with building communities and a whole lot less to do with "manifest destiny" and "spreading democracy."

Just for starters.

[mentalsolstice]

13. To me patriotism means...

1. Not putting our fellow country(wo)men in harms way, on a folly, or as peremptory strike.
2. Caring about whether our citizens have a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, food in their bellies.
3. Providing every citizen with dignified, quality health care.
4. Taking care of our piece of the earth, and how our actions affect the rest of the world.
5. Adhering to the principles of free speech, free religion, privacy, etc. as handed down to us by our founding fathers, and mothers.

and finally...

6. Leading by example and not by force.