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 For
weeks after terrorists used four hijacked jetliners to murder 2,977 people at
the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, the mood
around the nation was somber and serine. Those in New York held a vigil behind a
black iron fence, dubbed the “grieving wall" at St. Paul’s Chapel, across Church
Street from ground zero. They mourned together, waving American flags and
singing patriotic songs about America, vowing to avenge the death of their
fellow patriots.
That evening, 150 members of Congress came together on the steps of the capital
to grieve for our nation during a time of great tragedy. Democrats and
Republicans stood hand in hand in patriotic unity singing God Bless America in
solidarity for their beloved motherland that had been the target of barbaric
acts of Islamic terrorism. With tearing eyes, House Speaker Dennis Hastert said,
"We in Congress stand united, and we stand together, to avenge these attacks on
innocent Americans."
That was only 21 ago. Two decades can erase memories, flashing only snippets of
the past across the mind’s eye. Many have forgotten the tragedy of those who
lost their lives, trying to rescue their brothers and sisters from sure-fire
death. They forget the smell, taste and the acrid air. And many forgot the pain,
sorrow, anger, pride and, unfortunately, their brotherhood and patriotism.
After two decades, only the fear remains. This is not fear of
another terrorist attack on America, or a fear lingering of the carnage that
took place in our nation on Sept. 11, 2001. This is by far a much greater fear
for our nation. It is a fear about what has happened to our country since 9/11.
"True patriotism is not manifested in bursts of emotion. It is a dedication of a
lifetime." – Adlai Stevenson
During the ensuing decades after 9/11, this renewed patriotism was disrupted by
two wars, a great recession, violent social and racial outbursts, five rancorous
presidential elections, hateful partisan politics and a deadly pandemic. Today,
if you say you are a patriot, you are a right wing extremist!
How did Americans go from rallying against an attack on our country on 9/11, to
attacking anyone in our nation who claims to be a patriot and ascribes to the
tenants of democratic republicanism?
The solidarity and resolve of 9/11 began to fray with the nation’s deep division
over the war in Iraq as memories of these morbid attacks faded quickly.
President George Bush, once applauded for retaliating against those who invaded
our nation, was scorned by the left for invading Iraq and Afghanistan.
Patriotism was besieged under President Barack Obama by the IRS, who filtered
through tax exempt applications looking for groups that had the words “Tea
Party” and “Patriot” in their name. This was unethical, illegal and
anti-American. This disgraceful act turned the word “patriot” into a partisan
pejorative.
"These Tea party groups only call themselves patriots because of dislike for
me." – Barack Obama
Donald Trump, a patriot, ran for president on the premise of
"Making America Great Again." He was fed up with politicians and their party
politics, and wished to give the government back to the people. He wanted
Americans to prosper in the free markets as they had before politicians rationed
liberty and freedom in the name of protecting them from themselves for their
personal political gain. When Trump defeated the media's queen bee, Hillary
Clinton, on Election Eve 2016, political pundits around the U.S. were caught
with their pants down. Liberal media did all that they could to destroy the
character of Donald Trump and make him unelectable. Little did they know Trump
was just what the middle class wanted and needed; a true patriot as their next
president!
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Everyone loved Trump the patriot and baron of
industry, until he became Patriot President Trump. As promised, he
put America first, cut middle class taxes and refused to allow the
beltway politicians to place special interests over working
Americans. As a result, Democrats made his life a living hell for
four long years and labeled his brand of enthusiastic patriotism as
anti-American.
No matter what your political views of Trump, he
continues to be one of the most popular patriots in America today.
Although Democrats and media tried to convince America that Trump
committed crimes and espionage, those who love America will always
defend America's patriot.
"When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for
prejudice!" – Donald Trump
It is a depressing reflection on the left that President Joe Biden
felt compelled to deliver a prime-time address in front of
Constitution Hall, decrying Donald Trump supporters as guilty of
political violence and anti-American. He demanded Americans “unite
behind his party to defend democracy,” supporting his party's
partisan ideology and dogma to help the left save America from the
GOP.
"Republicans represent an absolute extremism that threatens the core
foundations of our Republic.” – Joe Biden
It is no accident that Biden staged his “soul of the nation” speech,
filled with fierce condemnation of Republicans, just eight weeks
before the midterms. Biden’s speech focused solely on denigrating
Republicans, especially those who had supported Trump. There was
nary a comment by him on the economy, out of control inflation,
abortion, high gas prices or a broken supply chain.
Pounding his fists, Biden was wrong to conflate
upholding the rule of law with his partisan agenda, which he called
“the work of democracy.” He essentially said that a person is
unpatriotic and un-American if they are a Republican or if they are
against his far left all-progressive partisan policies.
When the word “patriot” becomes a pejorative, it is a sign of how
much our national faith has been besmirched by hyper-partisan
politics. Respect for the IRS has continued to decline since the
word "patriot" was used to flag tax returns under Obama. It was a
sad day for U.S. patriotism when those on the far left defamed
American patriots and their military service as leaders for world
imperialism.
Clint Eastwood told us, "A patriot puts his county first."
Patriotism is more than putting up a flag on a holiday, singing the
national anthem or saying the pledge of allegiance at special
events. It is staying involved in government to ensure that your
rights and liberties are always protected. A true patriot stands up
to government abuse, and defends government when they are doing what
is right.
The very emotion that should unite us all as Americans is too often
used as a wedge to divide us. On this 9/11, it is worth reflecting
on the patriots who died during the terrorist attacks on our nation,
and how Americans came together to honor and mourn them that day.
Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, will make
all our bitter political battles seem small and self-indulgent.
"The patriot subordinates himself to his State in order to raise it
above all other States to find his personal sacrifice repaid with
interest through the greatness of his motherland." – Richard Wagner
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