Self & Society

Patriotism More Than Waving a Flag                                                         
by J. Conrad Guest                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
 

It occurred to me recently that there is a world of difference between freedom and our (American) way of life. History repeats itself, and so in our (American) arrogance we continue to fail to learn from the past. Wake up, America! What price are we truly willing to pay for our freedom?

Events in this country since 9/11 have resulted in a resurgence of American's proudly displaying their self-professed patriotism through a show of colors: Old Glory flown from yard flagpoles, decks or balconies. Miniature flags stream from car antennae, while bumper stickers and decals adorn many others. Other, even more patriotic Americans have taken to painting their homes red, white and blue.

Patriotism? I don't think so.

Sixty years ago our parents showed their patriotism by enduring gas rationing. Women turned in their nylons and girdles, and old pots and pans. Cooking fat was saved in cans for use in explosives, and backyard "victory gardens" produced approximately 25 percent of our nation's food.

"We can't have all we want," President Franklin Roosevelt said, "if our soldiers and sailors are to have all they need."

The ad industry touted practicality and thrift, with taglines repeating, "Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without." Yet today our President has roused us not to sacrifice but instead to go shopping. Today it seems our forces overseas are bearing the load alone.

Is not our dependency on Middle East oil in part responsible for the tension in that part of the world? Why do Americans insist on continuing to drive big gas guzzling automobiles? A fellow American laughed in my face when I suggested conservation of gasoline. "What do I care about the cost of a gallon of gasoline?" he sneered, "so long as I can afford to buy it?" Spoken like a true American. Thumb our noses at the rest of the world (and wonder why we're viewed as arrogant), and rape Mother Nature and leave the conservation to our children or our children's children. Wouldn't this be the time to battle energy waste? Wouldn't investing in more fuel-efficient hybrid cars and related technology boost our economy by cutting reliance on oil from the Middle East?


How does this nation define its freedom in the 21st century? Do we really believe we can consume our way to security? Is economic growth the measuring stick by which to base our freedom? Is 0% financing on a shiny new SUV the basis for putting our fighting forces overseas at risk?

It's interesting to note that in World War II Hitler resisted cutbacks on the home front, fearing a loss of popular support. Shouldn't we learn from his fatal mistake?

Sixty years ago, residents of a town in Kansas sent newsletters to their boys overseas. "We do not have everything we want," one issue said, echoing the sentiments of FDR. "But we do have everything we need for health and comfort. We had all learned to want too many things."

If my generation could learn but one lesson from history, or better still from its parents, I wish it were this one.

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