This Is Very Sad

[Feathers and Fins]

OP, that is so true. I hate to say it but there are many days I just look at the shape of the country from economics to quality of life and the divisions keep growing further apart.

[bfishn]

It's interesting that Websters online offers one definition of patriotism for 'English readers', and another for 'kids'.

My personal experience with patriotism is centered around the one really big, good thing we've done as a nation in my lifetime, the one that I experienced. We, as a nation, sent some of our guys to the freakin' moon! I'm still so proud of that I could bust.

Since then, we've done a lot of stuff I'm less proud of. Stuff that takes the shine off what we can and have accomplished as a nation. If we want our kids to learn from 9/11, it shouldn't be "you hurt me, I'll kill you", but rather "if you kick the dog, it might bite you".

200 years ago tonight, we battled the British at Fort McHenry till dawn. Francis Scott Key penned the national anthem the next morning. We kicked some butt that night.

Sometimes, on the deck at night, it occurs to me that patriotism is ultimately divisive. As long as it exists we will be at war with (equally patriotic) fellow humans. What's the point in that?

Peace and Love.

[fishinwrench]

I always kinda thought that a true patriot was one who displayed undying trust and support for their leaders. Even if they didn't "vote" for them in the last election. They hide any reservations they may have and swallow back their ability to free-think. Doing everything in their power to remain a 100% Team player.

Ya know.... A 2 flag flying, blue pill taking, Ford/Harley driving, crucifix wearing, muslim hating, Time magazine subscribing, Elks lodge/Lions club bingo promoting, programmable drone.

[Feathers and Fins]

Bfishn, believe it or not many people were highly upset at NASA for the moon landing interrupting "I Love Lucy" I kid you not.

[bfishn]

Lucy's final episode aired nearly a decade before the moon landing...

[Mitch f]

Bfishn, believe it or not many people were highly upset at NASA for the moon landing interrupting "I Love Lucy" I kid you not.

Funny you say that, I remember seeing a video from an outdoor music festival

Similar but smaller than Woodstock. The video was a guy up on stage reading the announcement that the USA just landed on the moon. All you couLd hear from the audience was "BOOOOO!"

[Feathers and Fins]

Lucy's final episode aired nearly a decade before the moon landing...

LOL ya, but biggest bonehead was breaking in to game 5 of the NBA to show the OJ chase.

[Justin Spencer]

Funny you say that, I remember seeing a video from an outdoor music festival

Similar but smaller than Woodstock. The video was a guy up on stage reading the announcement that the USA just landed on the moon. All you couLd hear from the audience was "BOOOOO!"

I think they were saying Moooooon!

[Mark]

I agree with Al. Politicians are responsible for dividing our country into two opposing segments, and thus making us less patriotic and less united. Anytime I hear politician of either party visciously attacking the other party, it turns my stomach. Our country is based on respecting everyone's point of view. Politicians show less respect than anyone.

I truly believe that all of us agree on 95% of political issues. Politicians use the other 5% to divide us.

[Mitch f]

Since then, we've done a lot of stuff I'm less proud of. Stuff that takes the shine off what we can and have accomplished as a nation. If we want our kids to learn from 9/11, it shouldn't be "you hurt me, I'll kill you", but rather "if you kick the dog, it might bite you.

Agree on the moon landing.

But I don't think a terrorist will respond to "if you kick the dog, it MIGHT bite you??"