Incredible surge of patriotism

Posted by E-George on March 19, 2008

I need to get out of this sick phase so I spend less time laying on the couch watching TV and wishing I was knocked unconcious.   As it is, that’s the routine for now until such time as my body decides it’ll be more fun to move into the gradual swelling phase.   Last night was no exception, and as I layed on the couch, I turned the TV to HBO (no commercials!) to see what was playing and they were re-airing the first installment of a (I think) 7-part miniseries based on the David McCullough book, John Adams. 

I was totally captivated.  Sucked in, if you will.   This first part was about how John Adams came to the awareness and resistance of the tyranny of the King of England, and how he became convinced that the only resolution of any duration would be to declare independence from English rule.  It showed how he worked to convince the other 13 colonies of his position, and the direness of their collective situations, and with considerable effort, he was able to get a unanimous vote by the colonies to declare independence.  

While I fully realize this is a dramatized version of historical events, it was stirring nonetheless.  The guts it took to declare independence, acknowledging the incredible cost in blood that was due to come from it, and still pushing forward on the unshakable foundation of character that comes from doing the right thing took my breath away.  Not because it was beautifully and cleverly filmed, but because it actually happened.  Actual men, of mortal coil, flesh and blood, and fallability of soul made the hard, frightening, and somewhat blind decision that if the only way they could preserve human rights and dignity was to rebel against the reigning authority, then rebellion was an appropriate course of action.   That thought made me want to go find my American flag and wave the hell out of it in my living room in front of my TV. 

I felt this incredible surge of patriotism at the consideration of the whole independence process our country underwent.   How incredible.  How amazing.  And, as a citizen of this country, I have benefited immeasurably from their initial decisions.  Granted, there have been perversions to their original concept (I submit for your consideration, the IRS, Department of Interior, and the Department of Education for starters), but this country has strongly prevailed.  If we’re careful and thoughtful, we’ll continue to prevail. 

Sure, we’re a bunch of oil-thirsty, entitlement-driven, consumer whores, but we’re free oil-thirsty, entitlement-driven consumer whores.   I have to remember that it’s because of what the original 13 colonies did that gives those people who think differently than I the right to be so damn offensive.  Simultaneously, it’s what gives me the right to be offensive to them, too.  That’s fairness.  That’s freedom. 

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