Regardless of the period in
history, politics or what is considered politically correct by a morally weak,
rudderless and wandering trend driven society, there remains a strong and common
foundation in authentic American patriots. One can look through the political fog and the superficially
trendy to recognize that throughout our history, there have existed some common
characteristics that have always separated genuine American patriots from
pretenders. From my saddle, those
characteristics are unmistakable and I would like to share my view of just a few
of them.
An American patriot always
looks for guidance and truth in the solid bedrock of our beginnings—his God,
our founders and the Constitution. When
spin and lies abound, he can use this trinity to gage the truth about
America’s spiritual and political health.
An American patriot never
mindlessly flows with the whim of popular sentiment. Even when those around him stray from the values of our
nation’s birth, he remains staunch, oft times in silence, but by personal
example, he will eventually lead many back to the traditional ways whether he
realizes it or not.
An American patriot never
accepts “political correctness” as a version of truth.
An American patriot holds
character in higher esteem than experience—worldly experience can be gained by
both the good and bad but solid character comes from deep within and is born of
a divine spirit.
An American patriot honors
self-reliance and lives for independence—even if it proves the more difficult
path. It’s been said that the
pathway to hell is wide and easily traveled but the way of honor is narrow and
strewn with danger. A patriot knows
this to be true but rides boldly ahead on that narrow path anyway.
When viewing the flag, an
American patriot looks past the cloak of politics and sees the faces of those
that have gone before and those that stand ready today to defend the dream
either as a civilian or a soldier.
An American patriot is one
in spirit and heart with those that honorably wear the uniform of his
country—past and/or present.
An American patriot will
never trade liberty for the promise of security.
An American patriot knows
that there are higher values than fame or fortune and he lives his life guided
by those higher values.
An American patriot is
rightfully skeptical of all who ardently seek power. Such people have proven too many times in the past to be
driven by interests other than those based upon the values that gave birth to
our nation. Our very best leaders
have always risen to the occasion and had greatness thrust upon them rather than
searching it out or creating situations that selfishly serve their ambitions.
An American patriot is by
nature, skeptical of all things political for he has seen the burn marks etched
into fellow patriots throughout our history.
An American patriot never
accepts the press or a politician at face value. He questions all and draws his own conclusions as measured
against America’s foundation stones—stones upon which his instincts have
been finely honed.
God, Family and Country are
a patriot’s priorities in life despite modern trends and he unhesitatingly
stands firm in proclamation of his principles regardless of who might take
exception. More importantly, he
lives each day focused on these priorities in silent, unpretentious dedication
to a higher set of standards than those normally found on TV, radio, or in
newspapers.
An American patriot remains
thankful for having been born in America regardless of the path his current
government travels and recognizes that his good fortune comes only by the grace
of almighty God.
An American patriot will
strive to right his government when it strays from that original path for he
accepts such action as his solemn duty to those that went before, to those
depending on him today and to his children who are America’s future.
Such characteristics can be
found everywhere if you look. In my
personal case, I’ve always found them in the eyes of the American soldier.
I found them in the heart of the American cowboy and I found them in the
spirit of family and friends.
You too can find such
character in many who touch your life. When
you do, hold steadfastly to them even if it’s the unpopular course as judged
by worldly standards. If you hold
fast, you can rest assured that yours is the same course our founders traveled
and you’ll be in some mighty fine company as a result.
Just the view from my
saddle…