WTC.PatriotismMain

The Global Dialog Project

| Dialog Focus: PATRIOTISM What is patriotism? What are valid ways of expressing patriotism? Is free speech always patriotic? What do *you* want to say about patriotism?

Invitation to Dialog: Patriotism We are indeed in a new world after the events of September 11th. Something that the American people took for granted - security against danger from outside forces - has been proven an illusion. But this mighty challenge is also an opportunity - an opportunity to look around us, to re-assess our impact and our place in the world, to re-envision our future as a peaceful and beneficial one for all, a world of tolerance, freedom, and mutual respect. As we consider ways to insure our long-term security, and peace and justice in the world, one of the most important civic duties we can undertake is to engage in community discussion that supports the same freedoms that our soldiers defend. In honor of our veterans on Veterans Day, we are announcing today a special focus for discussion, on a question that is proving difficult and divisive for the American people: What is patriotism? How can we best express our patriotic spirit? Should we allow differences in how we express that patriotism to divide us as a people? Is patriotism defending your country with your life, as did so many veterans that we are honoring today? Of course, that is the basis of it. Our forefathers were patriots, because they risked their property and their lives when they signed the Declaration of Independence. But they did so because it was the right thing, the principled thing, to do. But there are other actions that are also patriotic - actions that show care for our country, our land and its people. Steadfast support of a leader in crisis can be considered patriotic, yet constitutional disagreement with a government's actions can also arise from a deep caring for this nation, and should be considered patriotic as well. Yet both of these kinds of action can be interpreted in multiple ways. While some engage in actions they feel are patriotic, others may believe that those are the opposite of patriotic. This can lead to division and ill-feeling rather than unity and support, even when the intention of a strong and free nation are shared. If however, we all truly wish to support and guarantee for the future our nation's heritage of freedom, then we must engage with each other with attitudes of tolerance and respect. Well-intentioned people can agree to disagree - and may find that respectful disagreement in civil discourse can contribute usefully to our mutual understanding, to the assurance of our freedoms, and to the solid foundation of a tolerant body politic. If we are willing to dialog with each other rather than label each other, then we can come together with the shared intention of support for our nation and our liberty, and avoid much of the divisiveness that threatens our civil harmony. The Global Dialog Project believes that this issue is too important to leave to media commentators. It is time for the our local community, and for the American people, to engage in spirited discussion on issues of such import. Rather than allow unexpressed differences of opinions to cause resentment and division, we believe that community dialog can expand our understanding . Dialog in which we can express our opinions, hear the opinions of our fellow citizens, and acknowledge the good intentions of all are crucial in times of national stress. Dialog can promote tolerance, and help build a stronger nation based on mutual respect and the ability to think TOGETHER about the shared problems that we face. In such troubled times, we can find solace and understanding in a collective willingness to come together on the central issues of our day. In sharing our wisdom, in promoting tolerance and respect, and in supporting the freedoms that our veterans have fought and died for, we can best acknowledge and honor their memory and their sacrifice. | VOICE YOUR OPINION -

> What do **you** think?
> What do you consider patriotism? Is it having a flag on your car? Is it dissent with government policy? Is political protest patriotic or not?

> Is free speech patriotic? Are there limits to free speech (speech that is not harmful to others, not betrayal)? Or is this First Amendment right above and beyond the province of the Executive Branch to influence and control?

> Please respond in the comment box at the bottom of the page- and let us know if you're interested in realtime dialog, whether online or at community meetings.

> We are just now putting up this page - Forum questions, polls, and online chats and dialogs will be available soon. In the meantime, please voice your opinion on the questions above in the comment box below. Any other feedback please address to Feedback@global-dialog.org