The Patriot

The Patriot
By Zachary Scott-Singley

I remember when it used to mean something to have a flag. When it wasn’t just the popular thing to do. Now you wear a flag lapel pin and it really doesn’t mean much. Just go to your local supermarket for proof. There you can find things like Patriot’s Choice bottled water and red white and blue chips.

A patriot is not just someone waving a flag or some sharply dressed business man with a flag tacked on his suit jacket. The patriot is known for their actions. The patriot doesn’t have to shout it out from the tops of buildings or through the bullhorn of the media.

Take a look at the Patriot Act. Where once US citizens had privacy they now have a catchy term, an oxymoron… What kind of person must reiterate how patriotic they are by using such lovely names. Names like Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. I thought you were supposed to endure hardships, not freedom. Perhaps you can tell me what kind of person that would be…

The true patriots are people who exercise their rights. They are the voters (yes all of them, not just the liberals). They are the people who make America work. People like the fireman and policeman, the people who bring you your mail, doctors, and teachers. They are all those things you wanted to be when you were little. They are the scientists, the farmers, and yes, even the soldiers.

I say only this in closing, they can call it any number of patriotic names, but let them pry your rights from your All American hands only when you are dead. To trample and walk so blatantly on American rights is not the action of a patriot, and let no one tell you otherwise.

***Zachary Scott-Singley is an SGT in the 3rd Infantry Division.  He’s an Arabic translator. You may read more by this author by visiting his weblog at http://www.misoldierthoughts.blogspot.com/  ***