There are a lot of discussions about what qualities makes a person patriotic or not. There’s an unseen line, sometimes, that can blur depending on your own experiences and on which side of the line you personally resign.
But there are several qualities everyone can agree upon. The qualities that reflect the best of this country and show what it truly means to be an American.
1. Civil Service –
A true patriot believes in a civil service, that is actions that make their town, state, or country better. This can be anything from running for office to helping someone cross the street during busy times. No matter how small or big the deed might be, the idea is the same: improve the lives of those around you.
2. Respect –
I think it’s safe to say that most people understand respect wrong. There are two forms of respect. Basic human respect. And respect for someone that has achieved something great. And here is where people get it confused. Most people tend to think that if someone does not respect them as if they have achieved something great, they are then allowed to not respect the other person as a basic human. This, once written clearly, is obviously wrong. A true patriot respects everyone wholly. They respect life, even if it’s a life they wouldn’t live. They respect achievement, even if they don’t have an interest in it. They simply respect.
3. Diversity –
Where others may see some, if not all, aspect of diversity as a negative; a true patriot believes diversity is a blessing. People of different races, genders, beliefs, creeds, and opinions make life special, make the world incredible. A patriot believes the differences in people makes them great; not the similarities. This is, afterall, the melting pot of the world. Diversity is the heart of America.
4. Checks and Balances –
As a concept, Checks and Balances are in place to ensure no one person or group has too much power. Sadly though, anytime a person has been in power they’ve tried to remove some of the strength of checks and balances only to wish it was restored once they lose that power. A true patriot understands that checks and balances is the only way to real liberty, real democracy. This starts and ends with the understanding that just because an individual truly things something is right, it doesn’t mean that everyone else must think so, too.
5. The Declaration of Independence –
The great playbook of our country is, no matter what, the heart and soul of a patriot. The concept that every living person is of equal value, should have equal rights, and have the ability and right to pursue a life of happiness and fulfillment is undeniably beautiful. A true patriot will always respect that, even if their own agenda or beliefs must be put aside.
6. Religion –
A patriot believes that religion is a personal pursuit. While they might be pious in every regard, they do not believe that their religion should be expressed, pushed, or used by the state. To blend the two, church and state, defeats many of the other qualities of a patriot.
7. Honesty –
To tell the truth is such a simple idea but such a difficult task. Many are quick to lie when they risk ruin; whether it be professional, wealth, respect, or reputation. But a true patriot believes that honesty is everything. If they face a consequence for being honest, they will meet it head on. And expect others to follow in this way.
8. Conviction –
The drive to do what’s right is everything. If someone has the belief to make the world better but does not have the drive, then nothing gets done. A true patriot has the conviction to do the right thing, even in the face of danger. They know that their actions define them and they will act with the conviction needed to make a difference.
9. Time –
A patriot understands the nature of time. Our time is fleeting. The laws, rules, and actions we take impact more than just those of us alive today. A true patriot will take an action with the understanding that those that come after us will inherit what we do; and that our goal should be to give them the best world, the best life, the best framework to continue improving.
10. Charity –
The act of giving, whether it be time, money, or effort, Charity is the heart of a patriot. Most people reach a station in life that is basically given to them. When those that are privileged to have more than others, to have an easier time climbing and living, they reach out with what they’ve gained to give back to those in need. Some of the best patriots throughout history are those altruistic souls that give without thought, give without reward, give without end.
Patriots come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and credence. Adults to children, liberals to conservatives, leaders to followers. Any person that reflects the backbone of this great nation is, without a doubt, a true patriot.