Hug A Patriot Today!

Most Americans view the 4th of July as a day off of work, a BBQ, and a few fireworks. When we are at war patriotism moves up a notch and we spew rhetoric that is comfy and noisy, and we all beat our American chests and feel like we are patriots because we uttered a few tired phrases that make us all feel better. Ahhhhh, my patriotic duty is over for the year...phew. Complacency rules. Citizenship in this country is not a passive novelty. It is, every day, conducting ourselves in a way that makes this country the best place on earth to live. Note that I said best; not perfect, not easy, not without conflict. Growth is messy, love is messy, hell, life is messy-why wouldn't a Democracy be messy? The best, most important things are. We have no clue what it was like for our forefathers. To be a Patriot was to be marked for hanging, to ruin one's livelihood, to risk one's land, ....I could go on.
On the 4th of July, of the same year, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams drew their last breath. A fitting end to their patriotic lives, huh?
So, look around you today. Who do you know that quietly lives a patriot's life of decency,respect and helpfulness?
Who throws the paper just a bit closer to your door for you on some mornings? Who calls you when the power goes out to see if you need anything? Who moves your garbage cans when they have fallen over? Who waves and says hello as you walk through town? Patriots, one and all. Hug A Patriot today!
The Cumberland Patriot