PATRIOTISM: OBAMA?

Both Obama's definition of patriotism, and the images on pgs. 254-55, seem to be espousing loyalty to certain ideals, but the main points of difference here are the ideals represented, and specifically in the image on pg. 255, whether it is more important in that these ideals work for you.

Obama espouses a kind of unwavering faith in the ideals that you hold to be true, and to challenge those that oppose and seek to oppress your ideals and the ways of life that support them. The image on pg. 254 seems to be ascribing to the same kind of belief in a kind of ideal, but this ideal is in itself a more kind of oppressive message, one that we would not associate with patriotism. Its ideal is more geared towards keeping not just those who seek to do damage to the country silent in their actions and expression of ideas, but also those of a country who seek to express anything. On pg. 255, this image gives the idea that these people are more loyal to their country only in so far as it is in league with their own ideals, and works for them to help them support their own ideals.

My definition of patriotism, is support of that which has supported you, whether upon request of your own prerequiste support or not. It is showing loyalty to this entity, and helping to protect it from the ideals and more physical beings working against it, in any and all manners.