Patriotism has always been complex. On one hand, there are those who
reject any criticisms as unpatriotic. Conversely, others fail to appreciate the
abundance of their unearned birthright. While
some willingly “give their last full measure of devotion.”
The global rise of right-wing political extremism coupled with the
growth of religious conservativism suggests that many are, understandably, looking
for stability in a world of constant change. It was not an unreasonable
response. Today it has become fertile soil for misguided dogmatism and those
with bad intentions.
The lawsuit by Dominion Voting against Fox News, alleges the cable
channel willingly deceived viewers for financial gain. “[Tucker] Carlson [texted], ‘Our viewers are good
people and they believe it,’ he added, making clear that he did not.”
Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the
ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too
much
'Til you spend half your life just coverin' up (Springsteen,
Born in the USA)
In 1984 Bruce Springsteen’s song Born in the USA was played at sporting events, political rallies,
and out of car windows. Many, including Ronald Reagan, incorrectly viewed the
song “with star-spangled eyes.” Springsteen’s song actually spotlighted Vietnam
vets who’d been ignored and neglected since the end of the war.
Come back
home to the refinery
Hiring man
says, "Son if it was up to me"
Went down
to see my V.A. man
He said,
"Son, don't you understand?"
Former diplomat Richard Haass’ bestselling book, The Bill of Obligations, The Ten Habits of Good
Citizens, provides nonpartisan lessons in, what he argues, are much-needed
civics. The conversation begins by coupling our rights with individual obligations
to others. He also examines the damages done by those who intentionally spread
conspiracies, disinformation, distrust, and division.
Haass provides an easy-to-read framework for Americans confused by
the muddled waters of patriotism. Haass’ discusses the duties of responsible
citizenship using ideas by Michael Sandel, whose book Justice helps readers define and understand justice; Danielle
Allen, whose book Our Declaration,
digs deeply into Jefferson’s ideal of equality; and Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream, which wove together scripture
of fairness and freedom with Jefferson’s Declaration
of Independence: re-focusing 1963 American society on Lincoln’s call for a
“rebirth of freedom” (The Gettysburg’s
Address).
The popularity of The Bill
of Obligations suggests many are seeking to understand patriotism and their
role in our model of self-governance. If you have a book club or an ache to
better understand how your behaviors and values mold a ‘good society,’ Haass’ book is a thought-provoking place to further your exploration. A similar book, On Tyranny, Twenty Lesson from the Twentieth
Century by Timothy Snyder examines characteristics that thwart abusive power.
Down in
the shadow of the penitentiary,
Out by the
gas fires of the refinery.
I'm ten
years burning down the road,
Nowhere to
run, ain't got nowhere to go
In 2014 Springsteen revisited the internal dialogue silently
replayed by many Americans in the aftermath of Vietnam. The Wall, recalls his visit to the black granite memorial in
Washington D.C. to find the name of his guitar teacher and early musical hero, Walter
Cichon.
This black
stone and these hard tears, Are all I got left now of you
I remember
you in your Marine uniform laughing.
Laughing
at your ship out party.
If your
eyes could cut through that black stone
Tell me
would they recognize me?
For the
living time it must be served, the day goes on. (Springsteen,
The Wall)
At lunch, Kerry spoke of citizenship and our national divides.
‘Where is the aspiration, those eloquent words, that leader who helps span the divides
that deceivers perpetuate?’ ‘Is it time to get out of the way and let the next
generation take over?’ asked Tom. “Rugged
individualism, which is something often celebrated, is clearly on the upswing
in this country. The problem is that it can all too easily descend into
selfishness” writes Haass. “We have a stake in the overall well-being of [our]
society, which in turn translates into having a stake in the well-being of our
fellow citizens.”
Perhaps, we’ll find inspiration’s ‘mourning mist’ in familiar songs,
nonpartisan patriotism, and in our obligations to others.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I'm a cool rockin' Daddy in the U.S.A.