Stream of Consciousness

The average American citizen can care less about the misguided jingoism propagated by the current Administration. Sure, after the events of September the Eleventh, there was a surge where it was the 'in' thing to do to display patriotic bumper stickers, American flags, and the like, but with time, that, as with all fads has died down. The media propagated image abroad of the militant frothing at the mouth American jingoist out to steal their oil, their money, and their livelihood is just that; a media made image used to scare people who claim to be above ignorance, but continue to propagate that bigoted and narrow minded belief.

The average American citizen can care less about the foreign policy that this nation holds on to. Quite frankly, until a major disaster occurs, the average American could care less about what is happening abroad; is this a result of the so-called ignorance that many accuse our nation of? In part yes, to deny so would be ignorant and delusional, however, it would be equally delusional to assume that is the only reason. There are many things in this nation that have the attention of people before things of a broader world view.

The average American cares about things closer to home; the homeless, the economy, what he or she is going to eat for lunch. Really, the American dream these days is hardly riches and power. It's more along the lines of being able to support oneself and one's family; to be able to put gas in the car and still have enough left over for food, medicine, and possibly a child's education at the end of the day. Ignorance? Possibly, but the desire to see one's child live in a better world than that of the current generation has always been a universal hope.

The only time most Americans give a care about the broader world is when our sons and daughters are sent to die, for reasons that are never fully explained to the people, because, the politicians, much like some abroad, feel the American public is far too ignorant to accept the truth. Most of this nation had never heard of Afghanistan until Americans were dead, and most still cannot find it on a map.

We as a people are not defined by the policies of the Bush Administration, nor by what some see as a monolithic secular elitist religious institution in the form of the stereotyped Evangelical movement. We as a people are not defined by whom our government gives aid to, nor whom our government bombs. We as a people are not defined by overall intelligence quotients, nor are we defined by the views that others hold of us. We as a people are not evil, nor are we as a people ignorant. We as a people are defined by what we believe in, and by what we do with our lives. We are defined by how we change, and in a cliché manner, how we stay the same.

Now for my personal feelings:

I enjoy my country, and yes, I dare say that I even love it. I believe that there is a future for it, that it still has hope. I would gladly take a bullet for the head of the administration I so disagree with.

I've had my patriotism questioned many times, and told that I sound disparaging of America. No, I'm trying to be realistic. Most people care about their lives, they don't have the luxury of being altruistic.