Patriotism

"Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families." —Benjamin Rush

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. ...[W]here is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths...?" - George Washington

Patriotism is commonly defined as love of and devotion to one's country. A patriot is someone who loves, supports, and is prepared to serve their country. Patriotism also includes connections to the land and people, its customs and traditions, pride in its history, and devotion to its welfare. The word "patriot" has direct lineage to those who fought for American independence and established our constitutional republic. That lineage has descended most directly through our history with those who have been entrusted "to support and defend" our United States Constitution -- more specifically, those who have been faithful to, and have abided by, that oath.

Patriotism is NOT defined as a love of and devotion to a particular leader or a love and devotion to one's country only when it is run by a particular leader. Patriotism is not "supporting the adulterated vestigial remains that liberals call "the living constitution."

"A small cadre of liberals who believe themselves to be "patriots" have asked, "Can't I be a bona fide Patriot and support Barack Obama?"

In a word ... NO, unless in a state of solemn repentance.

In the spirit of charity, perhaps Obama supporters, who self-identify as patriots, are just grossly misinformed about our Constitution, our history and their own civic duty. Of course, they would likewise be grossly deluded about their identity, but perhaps the delusion is temporary.

I would suggest that Obama "patriots" are nothing more than "sunshine patriots," as Thomas Paine wrote, who "will in crisis, shrink from the service of his country."

... Does the title of "Patriot" apply to an individual who votes for a man who has not honored his public oaths of office previously, and has given no indication he intends to "bear true faith and allegiance to the same" as president -- a man who subscribes to the errant notion of a "living constitution" which, in his own words, "breaks free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution"?

No authentic Patriot would support those who violate their sacred oaths." - quotes from Mark Alexander at the PatriotPost.com