Teaching the truth about false patriotism

[Joe Navarro <jlnhca@yahoo.com>]

The following is a letter to the editor in the Hollister Free Lance.
   
   
  Patriots Excel in Ways Other Than Promoting Products or Agendas

Editor,

Recently, the word "patriotism" has been exalted, either to sell products, promote a political agenda or as a genuine emotion of pride toward this nation. Is pride of one's nation equivalent to blind allegiance to the policies of a political party or government officials? Or, can a tradition of resistance to oppressive laws and critical opposition to bad policies be another way of demonstrating pride for one's nation?

The "Patriot Act" reverses our civil rights and undermines the U.S. Constitution. Most conservative politicians have constructed a perspective on patriotism that assails immigrants, makes flag burning a criminal act, bans gay and lesbian marriage, and creates laws that allow law enforcement agencies to spy on people who may be vocal critics of White House and congressional policies. This politically repressive focus restricts our rights and does not expand them, and violates the intent of the U.S. Constitution, the Amendments and Civil Rights laws. 

I am proud of Abolitionists, who opposed unjust slavery laws; Mexican Americans who fought to defend themselves from repressive laws and systematic violence after the annexation of northern Mexico; Native Americans who resisted being confined to reservations; civil rights activists who march for equality and human dignity for all people; women who have fought for voting rights, the Equal Rights Amendment and freedom of reproductive choice; gay and lesbian rights activists who have struggled relentlessly for their human rights; labor activists who struggle for better workplaces; and, peace activists who oppose unjust wars and imperialist aggression.

Joe Navarro,

Hollister
   
  http://www.freelancenews.com/opinion/contentview.asp?c=189393
   
   


________________________________________________ 
  Joe Navarro, Literary Vato Loco, creative writer, poet and teacher.
  Available for workshops and presentations.
  Please visit my new website and help me out by forwarding it. Updated regularly. http://www.geocities.com/poetajoe/Joe_Navarro.html

 		
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