well, 4th of july was yesterday...and i still haven't figured out how to publish this thing. the company i use to host the website upgraded their servers, and none of the 'help' i have gotten from the support desk has helped! ugh.

so...this is a belated post. there was an article on the front page of the sacramento bee about patriotism, and how it changes in the face of war. many think any criticism of the government as unpatriotic -

'i don't like all the flag waving because it reminds me of war. as much as i support the millitary, i don't feel patriotic. i don't like the war, i don't like our president.'

another is quoted as saying 'i don't really think there is patriotism in america. the definition of patriotism is love for your country. this society is about love for money. it prioritizes profit above people. the real component of patriotism is a desire to improve the society you live in. but most people are trying to get the most out of it that they can.'

i'd have to agree with that one - american flags tied to car antennas, fashioned into earrings, displayed on tshirts does not make a patriotic country. we need to step back, and look at the whole picture, not just ourselves.