QotD: Patriotic

Do you consider yourself a patriotic person?  Why or why not?

I've found that the definition of patriotism differs from American to American, party to party, and even in other things like where in America you're from.  Politically, I think we're fractured and some of us do not process politics as we should.  Some of us are apathetic to it and let others speak for them, some have folded their religion into their political mixture... The look for who best represents them rather than all of us and have taken an unhealthy interest in controlling the course of other's lives.  Some people have been 'born' into positions of roles and status, with that, not unlike previously mentioned groups, they look to support whomever represents those interests bests.  You get the picture.

In so far as what has brought us to where we are, who we are.  I'm proud that we're so diverse and able to coexist.  While I will say in some areas, we've still got a ways to go, compared to other places outside the US, we're quite remarkable and amazing.  Perhaps those who realize this best are those who don't think twice to sacrifice everything to protect us all.  Overseas, within our borders, those of whom are called to action and take up the challenge of training to those of us who have acted outside their own interests and wellbeing to ensure the safety of the rest of us or even choose to take a stand for what needs to be fought for, brought attention to are remarkable patriots.  When you're taken in awe of all that surrounds you, when you realize a potential for us all that others may have dismissed, and you develop an appreciation, even a love for it... It's hard not to feel patriotic.

I think there's more to it still.  I'm just tired and kind of rambling.