FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
by Ben Taylor
Images are powerful. Jets piercing the New York skyline. The broken rings of the mighty Pentagon. A president fighting back tears. Family members with pictures of their loved ones taped to their chests, wandering from hospital to hospital in a desperate search.
Anyone who has glimpsed these images over the past few days cannot help but feel a stirring of pride for country. We hang flags from our homes, wear red, white and blue ribbons on our lapels and light candles to show solidarity. We call it "patriotism," and these are its images.
Yet, beneath these displays, how deep does that devotion run? To be sure, many Americans have already died while trying to save others. Meanwhile, our military personnel are preparing to risk their lives in battle.
But what about the rest of us? So far, many have done such admirable things as give blood -- a great first step. Now the question is, what does patriotism look like if, as President Bush has said, we end up in a protracted battle?
Many of us -- myself included -- were not around the last time the lives of average Americans were truly upended. During World War II, not only were things like gasoline rationed, but families and careers were put on hold or permanently altered. We can't yet say things will get that serious, but we should ask ourselves: If necessary, are we still willing to give up basic necessities, or even our careers, to win a war?
Yes, patriotism is devotion to one's country, but a country is only as good as its citizens. If we have any hope of making a difference in this looming struggle, we must make sure the images of patriotism are backed up with substance.
(Ben Taylor is the editor of the Citizens Issues Alert faxletter and the CitizenLink e-mail newsletter)
God Bless America!
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