The span of human history has been defined by ideas, conflict and society's resolution of these two. To believe that this resolution will always be a peaceful one is to ignore human nature, as well as, thousands of years of history.
Even within the relatively short history of our nation, which was born to house a markedly wide variety of views and their expression, we have already faced a civil war that brought family members into mortal combat against each other to defend their beliefs.
Perhaps, it is for this reason over the past two weeks, we have seen an almost violent polarizing of opinion in the discussion of two related but very different events.
The recent terrorist attacks on our nation have spurred local debate over what action our government should take in this matter.
Soon after the attacks, a UNM professor, in making a brief comment to his class on the events, made a blunt and insensitive comment of political nature, that has brought, not only, his judgment, but also the reputation of the University under fire on a state and national level.
While dredging up these two media pi§atas would only serve to again excite extreme positions on both sides, I do believe that an open examination of the concept of patriotism could help both sides of these divisive issues.
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Since the attacks, the word "patriotism" has seen a sudden re-introduction into our American vocabulary.
From TV to casual conversation, Americans are being bombarded with a host of suggestions as to what patriotism really constitutes. To some, patriotism represents supporting the United States in its war efforts; to others, displaying symbols of American pride.
Some self-interested parties have even gone as far to encourage shopping as an act of patriotism, but are these actions really patriotism?
A patriot, as defined by my dictionary, is "a proud supporter of his or her country and its way of life." This concept of a patriot reads much like one would expect a definition of "model citizen" to read.
Inherent in this definition is the idea that patriotism is not simply a red, white and blue hat that we save for the Fourth of July or events of national crisis.
It is not an endowment of enthusiasm dependent upon whom occupies the White House. Part of this concept of patriot is the idea of pouring support back into the system of government that affords us the many freedoms we enjoy.
It is an unfortunate commentary on our generation, that so many see fit to substitute lip service for actual support on major issues.
Our polls suffer poor voter turnout, even as a majority of people espouses support for one candidate or another. As the weather continues to grow colder, we will once again talk of the plight of the homeless, even as we travel home to our heated houses.
Patriotism in America seems to be at an all time high, so long as it is conveniently packaged in slick media and done in large groups. In truth, our country is not in need of another batch of ribbons or rallies; we desperately need consistent active patriotism on almost every level.
While heroism may be measured by what is done in the wake and aftermath of a tragedy, patriotism is more accurately seen in the words and actions of what one did before a tragedy.
For us to truly make a difference in our society, to feel comfortable not only with what America is but also what it will be, we must play an active roll in shaping and forming the policies that affect our city and electing the people to carry out those policies. Your choice to be a patriot is as simple as exercising your right to vote - the right to continue to perpetuate the freedoms and privileges you enjoy in this nation!
Finally, our country is world renown for its remarkable level of personal freedom, but rarely is the concept of personal responsibility even mentioned.
For those exercising the freedoms America affords, please exercise them wisely, appreciating the great cost at which they have been provided you.
To the people who seek to protect those freedoms, beware, lest you tear at the very foundation of the freedoms you protect in an attempt to defend them.
by Colin Scroggins
Daily Lobo Columnist
