HOLY HOMEWORK

The Irony of Independence

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What is the cost of our freedom in the United States? For nearly 140 years Americans have been celebrating the 4th of July. Can we think of some of the key ingredients needed for true independence? Can we name the pivotal virtues we must continue to foster if we intend to remain the free and lofty nation, which we have become? Is there a single, core value that we can point to and say: this is what it means to be an American? Or is there a collection of virtues that we must display to bring about the independence that we cherish and enjoy? Here are five elements that may be part of the mix of independence. Are there others?

What about patriotism?
Patriotism is the support of one's country. For example, people who display the American flag where they live or work are assumed to be patriotic. Conversely, is it accurate to assume that those citizens who do not display Old Glory are not patriotic and therefore not good Americans? Is it possible that they have a genuine issue about the government that they would like to see resolved before they fly the Stars and Stripes?

What about loyalty?
Loyalty is faithfulness to commitments or obligations. For example, people who can count on us whenever they need help would consider us their loyal friends and vice versa. Is it possible for people to be loyal to two nations at the same time in the same way? Most of our great-grandparents reminisce about the old country. Does this mean they are not loyal to America? Does loyalty require total immersion into the language and customs of the new culture or are we enriched by the flavors of our melting pot?

What about conviction?
Conviction is a fixed or firm belief. For example, people who believe that the policies and practices of their government mirror their own standards and principles will surely stand behind those guidelines and support them. If people protest national policies are they anti-American or are they expressing their personal convictions that some laws and regulations should change?

What about inclusion?
Inclusion is a sense of belonging. For example, people who refuse to discriminate against others on the basis of color, culture, or creed are thought of as broadminded and welcoming. Does this mean that the melting pot of America will always be a mixture of other cultures and customs or is the very inclusion of diversity itself the hallmark of what it means to be a true American?

What about obedience?
Obedience is submissive compliance. For example, people who enter into military service are required to follow orders and become disciplined enough to do what others demand. Drill sergeants would interpret disobedience as an act of insubordination and would never tolerate, let alone negotiate, opposition to legitimate commands. As ironic as it sounds, our U.S. soldiers must surrender their own independence and obey the will of their superior officers to defend our national independence, which results in freedom for all.

Can we think of other values or virtues that support the freedom and independence which we celebrate every Fourth of July?

For Holy Homework, resolve to display the American Flag both at home and at work. At home this can be as simple as a decal in the window or in the car. In the workplace it can be as easy as a screensaver on the computer screen. God bless America.

 

Comments can be sent to: FatherBobPagliari@Yahoo.com