Showing 45 comments for
American Patriot Defined

I recently heard a person say that the Tea Party Patriots are nothing more than the puppets of the Koch Brothers. Now, call me naive if you will, but until that moment I'd never heard of the Koch Brothers. Who are they, and is there any truth to this person's statement? Thanks for your help!

Nancy B. - As highlighted in a New Yorker article last year, the brothers are billionaires who have apparently declared war on the obamas. We're certainly not their puppets. Just brothers in arms.

I think your distinction between Nationalism and Patriotism is good, but not complete. Rather than get too hung up on semantics, it is the concept, or principle, that counts. The real question ought to be, when is pride in, and affection for, one's country a good thing, and when does it come of, or lead to evil? While there may be many divergent opinions, I happen to believe in universal truth, and I believe a patriot (in the good sense) is one who seeks after and defends that truth, and to the extent that his/her country seeks to uphold and defend such truth, then it deserves his/her pride and affection. On the other hand, when a country seeks the forced submission of any man, woman or child, no matter for what end they may claim, then it comes of evil and is not deserving of adoration or respect. I'm sure there is weakness in the way I have worded that, which could be taken advantage of by some, but to me, the underlying principle that must be defended is that of God-given liberty. Perhaps one could say that the real allegiance ought to be to God, who gave us our lives and our freedom, and it is only evil men and women, or the adversaries of God, who seek to take it away. Anyone or anything that upholds that principle of liberty will have my affection and support.

Your little photo showing one historic and one modern weapon crossed over a backdrop of the constitution and founding documents is slightly misleading. In 1771, I could have owned a flintlock rifle, however in 2011, the US Govt. owns the superior firepower. We are currently outgunned.

I should have read the entire article before posting my above comment. You did, indeed, address the very principle I wanted to convey, so I take back my assertion that your definition was not complete. Sorry! :-)

This was a great piece and will fwd. to many!

I enjoyed this article. It should hit home for many of us. One thought occurred to me while reading it. If our liberty comes from our Creator, what do atheists think? Can any of them be Patriots or are they just another group living off the Patriots. Something to think about.

@Believerof TruthOutgunned? If you take the private gun owners of just one state, like Wisconsin, you would have the largest standing Army in the world. Multiply that by 50 States, and the number of guns is far supperior to that of the Government. We who employ them far outgun them! They should be paying more attention to what we bid them do.

To Whom It May Concern,I have enjoyed reading your publication for some time and pass it along to many on my list, as I find the writing to be in line with my own thinking.My name is Trey Dawson and I am a volunteer instructor for Project Appleseeds - a non profit, all volunteer educational org, dedicated to maintaining the ideals and traditions of the Founding Generation.In order to achieve this lofty goal, we teach rifle marksmanship and the true events of April 19th, 1775, arguably the most important date in American history and sadly, one of the least known or studied.We are non-political and offer only history and marksmanship (one of the fine traditions of the Founders) - nothing more and nothing less.We seek to bring "ordinary" Americans closer to their extraordinary heritage in the hopes that they will assign a proper value to the Liberty that they tend to take for granted and become involved in the system of self government handed down to them - a system that was purchased at the cost of blood and sacrifice beyond our spoiled imagination.My point in contacting you, is that it seems our goals are most similar, even if we approach them from different avenues. Any entity that has supported Appleseeds has seen it come back to them several times over, as our membership is extensive and growing all of the time. Perhaps an interview, or a simple heads up pointing your readers to our website. Even though Appleseed instructors are forbidden to discus modern politics at events - we are inherently political creatures in our personal lives and I feel certain that 99% of our members would be interested in your publication.Please feel free to contact me personally with any questions or suggestions (727) 642-5059.Many thanks in advance,Trey Dawson, AKA: "PHenry" on Appleseeds forum (www.appleseedsinfo.org)

I wish to contribute again, but also not receive anything in return (pamphlets, booklets, certificates, etc.); can you do this? I cherish what's already been received and have shared with others, but at this time you should find someone else who needs the material. I'm too old to circulate socially and have not too many outside contacts. I love your work, do not give up! Thank you.

One of the best artilces you have ever written. Well done, Mr. Alexander! Jefferson would have been proud of you.

Yes, and isn't it a shame that Czechs honor Woodrow Wilson.

Tax the rich, tax the rich, tax the rich. What a bunch of crap! First of all there aren't that many of them and second of all , they don't get rich and they don't stay rich because they're stupid! They don't setaround waiting for Uncle Sam to screw them. They hire tax attornys smarter then the ones who work for the IRS AND THE GOVT AND MANY OF THEM PAY NO TAXES AT ALL. i THINK IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!

I would just like to point out that I am an athiest but a die hard patriot none the less. Religion and Politics always go hand in hand despite our claims that they should not. I believe I do not need a god to govern me and nor do I need a man to govern me. I pay my taxes and respect my fellow man. I stand up against injustice, tyranny and socialism. I take care of myself and in doing so ensure that no one else needs to take care of me. I am a positve and active member of our great society.I am a patriot.

Glen- Though I am not an "atheist", I am most definitely not a christian. I have spiritual beliefs but they stem from many different religions. I am an NRA member (I could practically arm my entire street!), a patriot, a tea party member, a lover of American history, a Patriot Post reader, and my ancestors have been on this continent for four hundred years. They fought and died in all four French and Indian wars, the war of Independence, Civil war, WWI, WWII, Korea, (we somehow missed Vietnam and all wars since), and I have a steadfast devotion to our founding principles and the wisdom of our founding fathers. I ask you this, would you deny my participation due to my not being of christian faith? I find your dismissal of non-christians a little unsettling. Our founders opened up the united states to everyone, regardless of creed, though our country was founded on christian principles. Sincerely, Armed and Patriotic, stuck in the Banana Socialist Republic of HawaiiSemper Paratus

Oops! Forgot to add the war of 1812! Haven't had enough Kona coffee, yet...

"[Socialism] likewise seeks a centrally planned economy directed by a single-party state that controls economic production through regulation and income redistribution."I think you make a strategic error here that pushes away the unconvinced. Very few liberals want a single-party state. Very few democrats want control of industry. Assuming the intent of others is a poor way to win someone over. Who are we to judge another man's intent? I believe you could improve your message by assuming that liberals have good intentions. Their fundamental belief that the group overrides the individual will naturally end in what is described above. Keep away from slagging the intent of liberals and focus on the non-sequiturs of their policies and the consequences. I don't espouse left wing policies becuase of the long-term consequences of those policies. Their hearts are good, but their logic denies reality. One cannot wish away cause and effect.

I just read an article by Allen Keyes. He is concerned that George Soros and his group, along with several White House comrades intend to disrupt the economy in a big way starting this May 1st. Anyone else heard this and is there any credence?

Mark,Wow, what a substantial and powerful essay (as usual). You once again made clear the choice we face and the importance of the outcome. God willing, enough people will understand and heed the call. We must all realize that capitalism is just another word for "economic freedom," and socialism is just another word for servitude (which is a synonym for slavery). Perhaps that needs to be a message we continue to repeat until everyone gets it. (It would also make a great bumper sticker!)Thanks for your continued great work!Ed Y.

You defined patriotism only with respect to American patriotism. I think a more useful answer to the young Czech would be that a patriot is one with great love or devotion to his country, while a nationalist is one who blindly places the interests of his or her country above the interests of all others. I would draw an analogy to child rearing. One certainly has great love for one's child but would not blindly assert the child's interests above all others. If the child steals, a "patriotic" parent would correct the behavior and endeavor to teach that the behavior was wrong, while a "nationalistic" parent would hold that the child's actions must be right.In many respects patriotism is internally directed within a country in showing affection and loyalty to the nation yet tempered with the knowledge of a supreme architect of the universe and a fundamental sense of absolute rights and wrongs. Nationalism is largely externally directed in advancing the interests of the nation above those of other nations without regard for any higher power or moral compass.

@Glenn, MN. . .Jefferson wrote, "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them. . .God does not judge at birth, but gives both in love.It is by a misinformed choice that a man will move away from either.

The Patriot Post is always filled with amazing comments and commentary,but this essay is truly one of the best I've read. It almost brought me to tears when I read the words that fanned the flames of patriotism that burn within my breast. When a mans industry and property are confiscated to give to a man who is without either, neither of them is free. We have to be ever vigilant and fervant in our efforts to thwart or destroy those who would subjugate us in the guise of social responsibilty and compassion. Raise the standard, draw the line in the sand and declare ourselves free men who will not let them advance another step. God Bless America and the patriots who defend and support her.

well said.

Great article! Thank you very much! Keep up the great work.RE:Stevo, this is what I believe for what it is worth to you. One of the blessings of being born in the USA is that you can believe as you wish to believe and are free to practice religion or not as you desire. But careful research will show you that God has a special purpose in mind for this Promised Land of America. Read the Book of Mormon! This may or may not be a bitter pill for you to swallow, but you owe your right to worship how, where or what you may to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jesus Christ Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You've seen "if you can read thank a teacher." Well, it might also be said, if you can count liberty as a blessing thank a Christian. God honors those who honor him. You may be surprised to find that your good works are honoring him after all, albeit anonymously.There was divine intervention in the framing of this nation and this nation and the principles that it was founded on will not be lost to any arm of flesh.

Re: LDS Mom, with all due respect, it is precisely my history in the mormon religion that required me to look at other alternatives. Not to get into it, but I decided long ago that it was not for me. I come from a long line of mormons dating back to covered wagons and all. I actually find a lot of insight into teachings of Buddha and others. But thank you for your input. Again, I am taken back by those that would discount me and my patriotism due to religious reasons.

I apprecite your definition of Nationalism vs Patriotism.As a true lover of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, I have always thought of Nationalism as making the state supreme whereas Patriotism meant individuals supreme in their belief in the founding principles!No question in my mind but what the United States was founded by Patriots, not Nationalists!

At a required attendance event,(Admiral speaks) several hundred people, in the throes of a "cold", were coughing. Discreetly, of course. The noise level, nonetheless, was quite high. The Officer, from the podium, said, in a firm command voice, "Gentlemen, stop coughing." The only sound in that room for 50 minutes, was that Officer's voice!Mark, I find your presence, and voice, very much reminding me of that described event. Your presence, as projected from the podium of the Post, demands that same attention. Thank you.The parallels you draw are discerning. Perhaps you considered, and dismissed this one: we now realize that King George is reincarnated, along with his courtiers, in the form of an inexperienced man whose father is a subject of the UK. Full circle?

Mark, wonderful essay! You stated in the essay, and in a response to one commenter, that our men and women in uniform are on the side of right. That may be so, I have no way to know for certain about the entirety of the military complex, but it certainly seems that our military's leaders have hitched their wagons to Obama's star. They are supporting his illegal activities in Libya without regard for the constitutionality of the action, and the rank and file are just following orders, but they have been placed in harm's way for NOTHING!

Great article! Thank you very much! Keep up the great work.RE:Stevo, this is what I believe for what it is worth to you. One of the blessings of being born in the USA is that you can believe as you wish to believe and are free to practice religion or not as you desire. But careful research will show you that God has a special purpose in mind for this Promised Land of America. Read the Book of Mormon! This may or may not be a bitter pill for you to swallow, but you owe your right to worship how, where or what you may to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jesus Christ Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You've seen "if you can read thank a teacher." Well, it might also be said, if you can count liberty as a blessing thank a Christian. God honors those who honor him. You may be surprised to find that your good works are honoring him after all, albeit anonymously.There was divine intervention in the framing of this nation and this nation and the principles that it was founded on will not be lost to any arm of flesh.

Re: StevoI respect your decision and your right to make them as I do all of God's children. That's what we are here to do-- decide where we want to end up when it is all over. The ability to make those very choices are what we are all passionately defending. And in no way are your patriotic feelings and actions untrue or irrelevant because you are not a Christian. All good comes from God and all good deeds honor Him. Patriotism in this country honors all that is good and right and decent in a moral society. Being patriotic is honoring the God who inspired those values.I respect the teachings of the Buddha, there are truths there. However in my estimation, they don't take me far enough. I want to go all the way back home.

Wow! Your message is plain as day! I forwarded to family. Your message is so right that now is the time!

Having served 30 years in the US Army, I still do not trust the federal government with my life or my way of life. I am willing and able to defend myself and my family against the wrong headedness of our elected officials and the illegal interpretation of our Constitution. Having weapons and being willing to use them to defend one's home, family and community is and will always be a hard decision to make for a lot of Americans. It was also a hard decision for our forefathers to make, but make it the did. To have to bear arms against ones own kind, should never be an easy thing to do, however, "Liberty, once lost is, lost forever."(John Adams)

Wow, that was awesome! The Lord of blessings is upon thee, and fear not the night for I am with thee. He will supply all of your needs, and you will triumph over our enemies. From one Patriot to another: thank you for your sacrifices, and contributions to our hearts which will never give up on what our ForeFathers endowed through God. Know this: We will always know the taste of freedom, because of God!

Outstanding article.. Thanks once again I just donated what I could I regret it could not be more..

From A HANDBOOK FOR JURORS: "The Constitution of thr United States and the Bill of Rights is designed to hold the national government in check; to protect the individual citizen from an unchecked all-powerful government. However, those documents are not a safeguard to liberty should they stand in the way of a government that has either the cunning to evade their requirements, or the power of force to overcome those who would attempt to defend their Constitutional rights. Consequently, if there exists no tribunal apart from, uncontrolled by, and above the government with power to nullify governments unjust "laws" as fast as they can be written and entered into our statute books, we are no longer free." Shall we save our liberty from theb attempts at ursurpation by thre current administration and its minions? Beware DOJ,BATF&E and the Ambassodor to the

I have been reading the Patriot Post off and on as time permits for the last few years. I have a daughter that is now 20 years old and in college, currently studying abroad in England. My concern is that her and all of her friends are so bleeding edge liberal as to be unrepentant Marxist. I have tried to instill in her the reasons for a conservative view but I fear I have failed. I only hope that once she actually starts working at a real career and sees the depth of the what the government asks of her and how little it gives in return for all those dollars squander that it awaken in her the spark I've tried to fan into a flame.Keep up the good work and liberty shall not pass into twilight.

T.Dawson Thank you for your efforts at The Appleseed Project. I implore you to consider other events of 19 April historically,(if memory serves me), Ruby Ridge, Waco, Oklahoma City. Just a thought.

"To that end, Jefferson wrote, "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them. ... Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever."Most of your essay is good but Jefferson was referring to the enslavement of blacks in this quote, so your into is somewhat disingenuous. As for Buckley, you know he was a racist, right?

T. Dawson: appleseedS or www.appleseedinfo.org? thanks!

Dear Mark;A great essay as always. As one reader commented, there should've been more emphasis on the individual v/ the group-think & the blind adherence of the state/party official agenda to distinguish Patriotism from Nationalism. I really know the difference. Your mentioning of the young CZ reader touched me since I came from that country. The political, legal & economic corruption there is appalling, fueled by communists/socialists & the apathy & amorality of the populace after 60 years of the red/brown menace. Most patriots & entrepreneurs were executed, robbed, incarcerated or exiled. I'd also object to your term of Democratic Socialism (D.S.); in my book, it is an oxymoron. I'd call it Neo-socialism or postmodern-socialism. As I've mentioned in my previous comments (especially under B. Prelutsky's articles) there is nothing democratic in socialism/communism, compared to the classic democracy of ancient Greece or in its present form. The only concession I'd make is that the current overt attempts of BHO & the progressives in Congress, academia & MSM might be called D.S. However, as a brief & transitory state of affairs only on the road to a total control of the state over its subjects. We already have in the USA a soft quasi-socialism w/ a thin & peeling veneer of the Republic & Federalism. Should BHO win in 2012 - heaven forbid! - the era of so-called D.S. is going to be brief indeed; the state will soon rule absolutely through a vast army of unelected bureaucrats (it already does) & more insidious & unconstitutional regulations (84,000 pages as we speak!), fees, taxes & judicial fiat & government unions even w/ the two party system remaining. One example, the recent EPA pronouncement (completely illegal & beyond idiocy) of CO2 being a hazardous substance & the vast majority of the sheeple are oblivious, yawning or applauding. Even the red comrades didn't do this to us! I am stunned by both sides of this sad equation. 2012 is going to be a fateful year indeed.

Glenn MN;It seems that the US atheist is a different animal.I know many atheists in EU including my family who are staunch conservatives. I was raised in a defiant anticommunist & pro-American family & on the American ideals w/out any mention of God. These principles rang true to us despite our secular & scientific views. Based on reasoning & logic & direct experience w/ history, it was a no-brainer. Further, we all are, for generations, fiercely independent & defenders of Liberty; our ancestors were serfs. Ergo, my motto & creed is: "Rather free in want than rich in servitude." Lastly, to all patriots. I can assure you that the very air & everything that goes w/ it smells & feels completely different outside of the Iron Curtain. As a 21 y old escaping the Soviet tanks, I was willing to die in order to smell that for five minutes. To know that difference would've been worth it. Knowing now that our Liberty & Freedoms come from God (eternal in nature) is very powerful.Therefore, I identify deeply w/ T. Jefferson's "I have sworn eternal hostility against any form of tyranny over the mind of men." Amen. Happy Easter/Passover to all.

Oops;My memory is failing me. ;-)"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against any form of tyranny over the mind of man." Th. Jefferson.

BelieverofTruth's comment about being out gunned is not completely incorrect. Although we (the armed citizen) have far superior numbers, the government still has far superior weaponry. If we allow the current socialist elitists to succeed in their continued efforts to restrict the kind and number of guns private citizens are allowed to own and carry, that disparity will continue to grow. It is fine to say that a single state may have more armed patriots than the army, but if they are restricted to single shot long rifles and shotguns, the numbers still will not stack up well with a small number with advanced weaponry. That is why the framers of the Constitution did not use technology limiting terms like rifle, sword, musket etc. They said “Arms”, clearly meaning whatever the latest technology of weaponry is. That is why it is vitally important that we resist the efforts by the left to restrict semi-autos, magazines greater than 10 rounds, lead bullets, etc. from private ownership.

I would like to add an element to the discussion about Nationalism vs Patriotism. I admit that I did not read your treatise in its entirety because I noticed that this critical element was missing. It seems to me, in my understanding of Nationalism in Communistic countrys, vs my feelings of Patriotism that a major difference is coercion. I am a patriot because I choose to love my country because of the opportunities she offers whereas many living in "unfree countrys" are coerced to support their government/country. I also have great respect for the founding father's who were willing to give all to provide the opportunity for those who came after them. It is interesting that reading about Lenin and others that once they came to power they guickly moved to "control". I read once where John Adams wanted George Washington to be crowned the King but Washington refused and sought to establish the value of Presidents. It seems to me that many of the most Nationalistic work for the government of their country in which case they are payed very well and have power and status that is unlimited compared to their county men. I am well aware that many people from other countrys left their countrys to come to America for the opportunity to be free and to establish an adaquate means of providing for their families/self because of the freedom of opportunity. Why did Mr. Gorbechav leave his beloved country to come to America if he loved his country and the standards there. My contention is that Nationalism seems to be forced, coerced, or otherwise purchased by the government in order to keep their people in check. I fear this is where many are attempting to place us in this great country and seems to be a major problem with our politics today.

You might suggest to Sarah that she might see what it would take for her to go to Hillsdale College, where she will be surrounded by Patriots. (Why didn't you think of that?)