Patriotism

Edward Abbey, an American author (1927-1989) and environmental advocate, wrote "A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against it's government." Today, his words seem to have been turned around. Today, it's those who defend the government, pinning flags on their lapels and stumbling through the national anthem and blindly rubber-stamping whatever Bush wants, that are considered patriots, while those of us who protest have our patriotism called into question. How does that happen, and how do we change it?

First of all, we need to recognize that EVERY ONE of us has an obligation as an American to participate in our civic processes--that means VOTE. There are countries that require their citizens to vote. In Australia, for example, you are automatically registered to vote when you apply for anything from the government, from a driver's license to financial assistance, and can be fined if there is an election in which you don't participate. France requires that workers are given the day off with pay so that they can vote. While I don't necessarily believe either of those ideas would ever work here, I think they are great ideas. Why not require every citizen to vote? What's the point in being a citizen, if not to have the right to make your voice heard? Why should people be able to partake of the fruits of liberty, when they aren't willing to make the effort to secure those fruits? When people complain about the inconvenience of having to find their particular polling place, finding a parking space, waiting in line for their turn in the booth, and actually deciding between the corrupt and the less corrupt candidates, I point out that the fact they are willing to put out enormous effort to drive to a mall, search for a parking space, wander through dozens of stores, wait in endless lines, to give their money to support corrupt corporations--for what? To buy gifts for people who will probably return them anyway? Or worse, will stick them in a closet never again to see the light of day? Given the choice of inconveniences, I would much rather choose the one that actually means something in the long run.