Responsible Patriotism

The NY Sun ^ | July 3, 2007 | Cal Thomas

[Phil Harmonic]

It's a long way from Washington, D.C., to Washington, Ind., where my father was born a century ago next January and where I am attending a Thomas family reunion.

On the drive from Indianapolis, one passes towns that could fill a Norman Rockwell album. My favorite is named Freedom because, though the town has only a single flashing caution light, it displays many flags. If I don't slow down, I will miss both.

Driving past miles of cornfields, listening to local radio stations that still play music, not syndicated political talk, and carry commercials for farm equipment and feed, I ponder what it means to be patriotic and to love America.

Last week, senator and Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, said that religion is not the exclusive property of conservative Christians. He is right. Neither is patriotism a trademark of the Republican Party.

[snip]

Many political and religious liberals have family members who have served or are serving their country in war and in peace. These have spilled their blood and given their lives to guarantee our freedom to disagree and to still live together.

[Phil Harmonic]

I see Cal. Liberal sedition is A-OK as long as its inevitable victim is a "family member"? Is THAT it Cal?

[2banana]

Many political and religious liberals have family members who have served or are serving their country in war and in peace. These have spilled their blood and given their lives to guarantee our freedom to disagree and to still live together.

It is an interesting statement. Most political and religious liberals don't serve - but some of their families who are political and religious conservatives do...but they take credit for them anyways...?

[KC_Conspirator]

One cannot declare honor by-proxy just because a family member has more courage than they do.

[Phil Harmonic]

“Honor-by-proxy”...excellent descriptive...a liberal salve for their sedition when available

[KC_Conspirator]

It is an excellent descriptive. I came up with this right after 911 with a lib professor of mine who extolled the bravery of her father while acting seditous herself. In their mind, it makes it okay - which it is not.

Peggy Noonan said these people thoughtlessly enjoy their freedoms won by men and women of greater courage.

[Defiant]

If I don't slow down, I will miss both.

Or get caught by a speed trap. It is Indiana, after all.

[OESY]

Having seen Cal Thomas on Fox News Watch, I have to comment that he never misses an opportunity to make a cogent point, NOT. Take this column for example. No responsible conservative has criticized his Democrat-counterparts for lacking patriotism because he knows he would be taken apart by the MSM, and quartered and drawn by his opposition. Liberals would like nothing more. It would give long-sought credibility to their constant complaining that they are under attack for lacking patriotism. It is their best argument against those critical of their efforts to cripple U.S. defense efforts or to fund teacher or longshoremen unions. But dear old Cal doesn't get it. He opts for some fanciful middle ground to show how open-minded he is, but how does that help if he won't take off his blinders? Or is he simply the dumbest pundit ever to be syndicated?

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