CNN iReport

Pride in America is becoming the latest focus as politicians and mindless flag wavers try to pretend that everything in America is always great. Michelle Obama has recently come under fire by Tennessee Republicans for stating that she was “proud of America for the first time in her life” in old video footage. A degree of skepticism and reserve of personal approval are in line for the United States. While the country has many good points, a wise citizen cannot wear rose-colored glasses under the pretense that huge divides in human interest and civil rights have existed and do exist in this country. America, for all its’ beauty does not perfect the humanity that resides here. The idea that any citizen cannot present a measure of cynicism or outright contest with what politicians have done and often do is deceptive thinking in the worse. Patriotism is not about blind devotion to a concept, ideal or fashion. Real patriotism is constructive action that works for improvement with the idea of making the country a better place to live while actually holding up real ideals of value. America has never been able and cannot safely rest on past progress or the laurels of accomplishment and dignity. The simple concept that criticism or lack of enthusiasm about a political, economic idea or situation somehow muddies patriotism is a cheap ploy that diminishes the country and everything good that the ideals of the nation have ever stood for. The Tennessee Republican Party states that it has always been proud of America. Pride isn't mindless though. Where are the patriots when politicians craft new laws that run counter to the very fabric of the Constitution? Where is the flag waving when American military men are being raped by federal child support laws because women at home can’t live without a man while dad is on the war front risking life and limb? Where is the patriotic music when Americans can’t find work because politicians and corporations have colluded to send jobs overseas? A real patriot does not give a gold stamp of approval to everything that his or her country does. When a human being is truly intelligent, he or she is able to see the flaws in society, economics and the political world. If he or she is brave enough and resistant to the whim of expediency, a true patriot stands for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming wrong. Flag waving and patriotic music don’t take precedence over real values and integrity. Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan wisely said of the Tennessee Republican Party, "The RNC rejects these kinds of campaign tactics.” Taking words and sentences out of context is another sin of both media and history revisionists. The attempt at political cleansing is a reprehensible act. If America is fool enough to fall for lies and distortions of truth, it will reap those lies and distortions as it heads down a common path of destruction and manipulation. The opinion of many so-called patriots is that the ends justify the means where there personal interest is concerned. America’s new brand of patriotism according to the Tennessee Republican Party has been redefined as self-interested flag waving, music playing and profiteering. http://tntalk.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/tennessee-and-patriotic-cleansing