Feed the Fire of Authentic, Principled Patriotism

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

Samuel Johnson supposedly made this famous pronouncement that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel on the evening of April 7, 1775. We don't really know for sure what was on Johnson's mind at the time.

However, Johnson was not indicting patriotism in general,but only false patriotism.

For more of Samuel Johnson's thoughts on patriotism in general, go to the patriotism page.

Undertanding that much conspicuous and flamboyant patriotism is of the false or superficial varieties, does not diminish the crucial role authentic patriotism must play in preserving, protecting and defending the American Constitutional Republic from all enemies both foreign and domestic.

Since my junior high days, I have been inspired by and committed to the ideals so the American Constitutional Republic including the foundational ideals expressed so eloquently in the Declaration of Independence. As President Obama declared in his inaugrual address:

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents." America has carried on because of true patriotism found on and faithful to the ideals of of the founders as expressed in our founding documents. True patriotism is not a matter of symbolic attire or superficial gestures, it is a matter of authenic conviction and active commitment to create and sustain a social and political order that finally rises up and lives out the true meaning of our professed creed.

To succeed in this noble endeavor we must "forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind" We must join in this historic quest and bring energy, faith, and devotion to this endeavor which will light our country and all who serve it. And allow the glow from that fire to truly light the world.

Then, relentlessly, we must Feed the Fire!