Posted by
Gary Winebarger on Tuesday, May 05, 2009 9:29:31 PM
I suppose, if seated across from Vladimir Putin discussing le monde du jour over a vodka martini, I might suggest we’re all part of some greater presence than rivaling nationalists, that “we all breathe the same air,” as Kennedy put it. I might open dialogue regarding our mutual interests in standing together to achieve certain goals. We’re all in this together, right? And, you never know, there could be a threat one day requiring our standing united. So be it.
We would all agree that at the core of our rivalries is altruistic nationalism (a sense of loyalty and devotion) which bodes well for the soul whether in appreciate of military and public service personnel or simply cheering during the four-man bobsled. We pledge allegiance to our flag, sing along with The Star Spangled Banner, tour our nation’s capital, pay our taxes and vote.
As proud of both as I may be, neither is my “community.” My “community” is in my neighborhood; my town or city; my county. That’s where I find liberty; at the heart of the matter. Some continue to search for “liberty” under “equality” but they won’t find it there (please stop looking).