"PATRIOTISM!"

"God bless America, land that I love...", "My country, Tis of thee, sweet land of liberty...", "Oh say can you see, by the dawns early light, what so proudly we hail..."; most of us know these lyrics by heart. These words stir emotions in many of us. Webster says; PATRIOTISM: Love for or devotion to one's country. I love America, and I don't find it "hokey" to feel patriotic about this nation.

Last week, my wife and I went to the movies to see "The Expendables". If you go, don't expect to see "Citizen Kane" or "The Godfather". The film is an action movie, filled with guns, explosions, vehicle wrecks, good guys and bad guys. If you like action films, you will probably like this movie. There is no DEEP MEANING in this movie; it's just fun to watch! Sylvester Stallone and a plethora of action movie icons kick some bad guy butt. I saw it, and that's all there is to this movie!

Upon review in the Los Angeles times, our political society proceeded to read a political message into this movie, criticizing the fact that Americans were the "good guys". Wow, how political is Hollywood? Stallone said he had no agenda in the making of this film; it was made for entertainment purposes only; a chance for America to see a bunch of action stars in one film. The review said, "Apple pie patriotism is already behind the success of a cable news network (FOX NEWS?) and supports a large segment of the contemporary country industry (that sounds a little elitist). Why not a film too?"

Although this movie really had no agenda, this review obviously had one and it is very disturbing. American patriotism is unwelcome in Hollywood. Heart on your sleeve, love of country is somehow considered "out of vogue" with the Hollywood elite. What is bad about patriotism?

Some Americans have said some things about America that criticize; others have said things to raise the American spirit. I remember Michelle Obama saying, "For the first time, in a long time, I am proud to be an American." I have always been proud to be an American; I'm sure many of you have been too! Here are a few quotes from other Americans: "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves", Abraham Lincoln, "We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people, but of what people did for themselves and for one another", Richard M. Nixon (surprised?). This is my favorite: "Sure, I wave the American Flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be!!" John Wayne; an American icon.

Those who find fault with patriotism need to look elsewhere for residence; try to find a better place. You'll be quickly disappointed. There is no other country like the United States of America. No one has our Constitution; no one has our liberties. Try to remember the words, "GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE", and ask yourself, do I want to live anywhere else?