Re: poem -- Vietnam Security Police Association, Inc. (USAF)

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Date Posted: Fri, Jun 08 2018, 23:47:34 PDT
Author: Ken de Russy (Live Your Oath)
Author Host/IP: NoHost / 172.92.227.113
Subject: Re: poem
In reply to: Jackie R. Kays 's message, "poem" on Tue, Jun 05 2018, 21:33:01 PDT

The flag, the National Anthem, the National Motto and the Pledge of Allegiance are all four poor substitutes for the explicit expression found in our Constitution. Those symbols, popular as they may be, are ambiguous and in some case actually contrary to freedom as spelled out in our Bill of Rights. The meaning of these symbols is subject to a wide range of political interpretation with nothing close to a common understanding. The most reprehensible ideas in existence are very often wrapped in these symbols. The Constitution on the other hand is a set of precise descriptions of the limits of government and the freedoms that are guaranteed by that document, all constantly adjudicated and revised by the built in corrective mechanism which is our judicial system. Why is it that it is so popular to talk about those subjective symbols instead of our specific guaranteed freedoms? I suggest it is because it is far easier to talk about vague generalities than to stand behind the specific ideas that really matter.

I work every day to refine my understanding of the true meaning of our unique system and how our founders came to discover and apply the great principles of freedom so I have little need for symbols. Should anyone ever question my choice to stand or remain seated, salute or not, sing a "patriotic" song or not, display our flag or not, or support or oppose any religious or political views, I will politely invite them to engage in a discussion on the subject of freedom and how best to employ the founding ideas to preserve that freedom.

If there was ever to be a list for people who should be asked to leave the country, the first people at the top of the list should be those who either don't respect or fail to fully support complete intellectual freedom as described in the First Amendment.

We didn't swear to defend symbols. We swore to defend the Constitution. Of the two the Constitution is the least subjective and most worthy of reverence. Our symbols will do us no good unless we are well versed in the underpinnings of our freedom.

A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. George William Curtis

I added some notes to your poem.

Why Do We Stand?
We stand to honor the Stars and Stripes forever!
We stand for the playing of our national anthem which
represents our collective love for our country!

I feel love for some parts of the country and some people for which and for whom I have some special connection but not to all and not indiscriminately. I love my Constitution and the freedom it guarantees. I have a special place in my heart for those who love our Constitutional freedoms. Loving my country is like loving my neighbor. I give my love where it is earned. There are places and people I will never love.

Why Do We Stand?
We stand to express our sincere appreciation
for the men and women in uniform that have
sacrificed life and limb to assure our freedom!

The best way I can honor those whose lives were lost in defense of our freedom is to stand ready at every moment to "bear true faith and allegiance" to the Constitution. Anyone can wave a flag.

Why Do We Stand?
We stand to show our pride in being Americans,
regardless of age, race, religion or origin of nationality!

Pride should be reserved for something you achieve or obtain on your own, not something that happens by accident of birth.

Why Do We Stand?
We stand for our freedom of speech, our freedom
of expression and without the fear of oppression.

This is the part of your poem that speaks to me and sounds like the Jackie Kays I know and love.

Why Do We Stand?
We stand for God’s blessing to be Americans,
and live in the greatest country in the world!

How exactly do you imagine the 30 to 40 per cent of our citizens who have no belief in God will respond to this? I suspect you just pretend we don't exit.

So, if in good conscious, you can’t stand,
please feel free to leave on the next flight out!

This is just poorly thought out. Telling people to leave who think differently than you...........well it is just beneath you. You are a far better man than this comment.

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Replies:

Re: poem -- Bruce Ross, Sat, Jun 09 2018, 9:12:41 PDT (199-176.207-68.elmore.res.rr.com/68.207.176.199)

Re: poem -- Ken de Russy (Patriot = Loyal to Principle), Mon, Jun 11 2018, 21:51:01 PDT (NoHost/172.92.227.113)

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