As the 4th of July sparkles…or am I a Patriot

I definitely am a Patriot’s fan, maybe not so much after the most recent Super Bowl. But I am a sucker for the team and football. So, if there is even a glimmer of hope this fall, I will be right back into it…but I digress.

I’ve been listening to NPR (National Public Radio) and a continuous flow of discussions about Patriotism as it relates to Senator Obama. Does a lapel pin make someone a Patriot or the lack of it remove that distinction? I don’t think a piece of jewelry has the ability to change your soul. That being said, I did have concerns when Senator Obama did not place his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. If he aspires to the Presidency, then a demonstration of loyalty is in order.

After enduring the 2004 Presidential Election and the “flip-flop” politics that were attributed to Senator Kerry, I wonder where the “flip-flop” police are now with Senator Obama “adjusting" his campaign to fit the requirements of the voters he wishes to attract.

Am I a Patriot? I believe I finally realized how much of one I am on September 11, 2001. Having protested the war in the late 60’s, I never questioned if we, as a country, were vulnerable until that day. I know my sleeping patriotism awoke in full, fierce force that day. That does not mean that I blindly accept and approve of everything we do in this country. It just means that I see our strengths and weaknesses, but I would not want to be anywhere else in the world!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!