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We can all be patriots or be patriotic.

The meaning shifts depending on the current political nature but fighting against the government can be just as patriotic as working with it. The killing of Osama bin Laden is just as patriotic as passing gay marriage in New York, and both were met with celebrations in the streets.

July 4, 2011 came and went, sandwiched by political slander and disagreement. Both Republicans and Democrats sit stubbornly, and several Republican leaders just walked out of negotiations. We’re passing the deficit onto our children because of our inability to act like adults.

It’s looks gloomy, but here is the best part, and the lone silver lining: Both sides are patriotic. Both Republicans and Democrats are pushing their beliefs and their ideas for what is right for this country (at least we hope). We should support the differences in ideas while pushing for some kind of compromise, or something that looks like progress.

Both sides have valid points, and working together on some level can find solutions.

That process is still patriotic on a local level. Protest or support SB1070 by writing a letter or joining in a march, not by hacking in to the Department of Public Safety and releasing information on officers.

Instead of sitting on a blog, blasting politicians all day, go vote. Attend a town hall meeting. Do your American duty and get involved.

It doesn’t matter which side you support. At the end of the day, the true patriot is the person who wants what’s best for his or her country. One side isn’t more patriotic than the other.

 

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