Patriotism

I have read many things in my lifetime, and while I would elaborate on all of them it is rare that I find something that so changes the way I look at something as to drive me from my comfort zone and speak about it in public. I have been reading the works of Joseph Priestley. One of the great minds of the mid 18th century. He was a member of such society as Ben Franklin and others and was the first to discover that air was not just empty space, but made of molecules. Some have called him the man who invented oxygen. It was not his writings that have shaken me, they are very similar to the ideas of any rational thinking (though more educated than most) man. It was in fact an editor who wrote an introduction to one of the texts whose idea moved me. His name is Peter Miller and what moved me was his definition of patriotism. He does not claim it is Love of country as many would think or love of a government or the troops as many have proclaimed. He doesn't find flags or bbqs or apple pie as a true symbol of someones Patriotism. No, he defines patriotism in what I believe to be the most accurate and baring the most similitude to the founding fathers view. " ..Possessed of a more powerful committment to the welfare of the community." (Priestley Political Writings, Pg.12) If we are to truly be patriotic then we must be willing to make the choices and sacrifices needed to commit to the welfare of our communities. This would put the good of our neighbors above the love of things, even the love of symbols. I had a friend in high school who always refused to stand for the pledge of allegiance, and participated in some flag burnings. I was appalled by her behavior, and made it known to her. I am thinking now that if we both had cared more about true patriotism we wouldn't have waisted time quarelling and would have found ways to better our communities. After all isn't that the very reason the founding fathers risked and in many cases lost everything? There are many sides and arguments to this point of view and I can't cover all of them in one post, but it is interesting to think of patriotism not in a song or even in terms of borders, but in the welfare of others. I leave it for you to ponder yourselves, I know I will continue to think about it.

In Search Of Sunset

Setting out for a walk along the asphalt streets of suburbia at twilight there was a pressing feeling as I walked along hearing the click of my shoes. The temperature would be construed by most others as Autumn breezes kissed with a summer sun that as it sinks lower illuminates the world in gold. Debating which way to head never entered my mind knowing there is only one place that the horizon is visible in the midst of a square network of two storied houses. That was my destination. I wanted to see the last part of a day as it ended all of the percieved achievements and failures of an increment of time. It was one of those type of days where the noises of the street or homes is silenced by the breezes blowing firmly enough to deafen all noise. The sun now only visible as its line of painted shadows raced to the roofs of the homes and I hurried to catch the sight that has so often before taken my breath away. The feeling indescribable as the length of my stride shortens and stops to see the glimmering ball of light disipate and then as if eagles wings are stretching forth forever to reach the heavens the once blue sky ignites into first gold, then shades of oranges, reds, pink, purples, and finally back to the familiar blue so often thought of as twilight. As the celestial event culminizes and then closes I am amazed how few people take the time to look at it, and even more amazed that I exist in this moment. I feel in this moment, I think in this moment, and I am grateful for this moment. We are all unique creatures. There is none of us that can take the place of another. We each are special, and we each need to be told that. I am telling you that this very minute. You are special! Not because you read this or that, not because you own this or that, not because you have learned this or that. You are special because you are unique and because you can make a difference each day through your efforts. No matter the results of your new found goals for today, no matter what obstacles lay before you, take a minute to watch a sunset and remember..You are special. Then go out and let others know they are as well.