There is an interesting letter to the editor in my local paper titled, "Obama fits the patriot mold" by Ronald Riffel of Sarasota, FL.Ronald says, "The American Heritage Dictionary defines patriotism as 'Love of and devotion to one's country'." I agree with Ronald on this completely.
Ronald goes on to quote Senator Obama who says patriotism, "involve[s] the willingness to sacrifice -- to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause." Again, I totally agree with Senator Obama.
Ronald says that Senator Obama is a patriot because, "For 18 months, nonstop, he has presented his vision of America changing directions...He and his family have had precious little time together. His girls must say good night to him on a cell phone." Ronald asks, "Is this not putting country first?"
Ronald let's look at Senator McCain using the same criteria you used for Senator Obama. First Senator McCain for the past 18 months has been, nonstop, presenting his vision of America changing directions, he and his family have had precious little time together and his two sons and two daughters must say good night to him on a cell phone. Is this not putting country first?
But wait lets look more closely at that American Heritage Dictionary definition and what Senator Obama said again. The key words are: love and devotion to one's country and willingness to sacrifice on behalf of a larger cause.
What has Senator Obama done using these qualifiers?
Let's look at what Senator McCain has done that might fit your and Senator Obama's definition of a "patriot". John McCain served his nation in uniform. He is a highly decorated combat war hero. He flew 23 combat missions in North Vietnam before he was shot down. He is a retired Navy Captain with 23 years of honorable and faithful service. He was a prisoner of war for five and one-half years. He was a Naval aviator. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He has two sons who are in the military, one just came back from Iraq and the other is going to Iraq.
Do these few things in John McCain's life qualify him as a patriot too? Is not John McCain's entire life one of love and devotion to country. Has not John McCain sacrificed for a greater cause? I think so. Much more than anyone else running for the Presidency of the United States of America.
In closing I ask what has Senator Obama "sacrificed of value on behalf of a larger cause"?
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