Hand Over Heart

[woot]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

I read the post again and you're correct that it wasn't over a disagreement. My apologies.

As for being a world citizen, that comes after being an American for me. It always has and always will. That's just how I am. I feel that the US is the only country on the planet that will afford me the possibility to be as successful as I can, because of capitalism. That's why I don't abide by the world citizen way of living. I put my family and myself before anything else, because it is my duty to do so. I couldn't have the same opportunity to do so in any other country, so for that, I am grateful and is the reason why I believe in patriotism, or if you want to call it nationalism, so be it. That is why I show respect to the flag and have absolutely no problem with the Pledge of Allegiance. I don't care if others feel differently, as that is their choice.

I believe in self sufficiency and paying as few taxes as possible.

I believe in the right to bear arms as well, but that doesn't make me a Bush loving redneck, nor does it make you one and I fail to see how you came to the conclusion that someone thinks you ought to be a Bush supporter just because you approve of the 2nd Amendment.

I believe that the less government there is, the better off we all are.

I could go on, but I won't. I will say, however, that I came to believe all this on my own and not because I listen to talk radio. In fact, you could say that after being in a liberal arts college for 4 years in the northeast, surrounded by so many that belittled me for my political beliefs, I became even more conservative in my ways than when I started school.

I apologize for this not making much sense, but I'm tired and am thinking more about the turkey in my fridge that would make a great sandwich.

I appreciate your thoughts, and honestly agree with much of what you've written. I come from a perspective of being jaded with politics and dealing with animal extinction. Knowing that 99% of all species have gone extinct, and that it really wouldn't take much for the same to happen to humans, I tend to worry more about humanity as a whole than the citizens of any particular nation, but I acknowledge that my background is the root of that perspective, and realize that others are likely to think differently, particularly those who have served in government or military, for instance.

It really becomes a lot harder to dismiss someone as a socialist or a redneck or a retard or whatever when one tries to actually understand the other person's viewpoint, rather than only working toward vilification. I realize I am guilty of this as well, but I usually at least try. May we all strive harder to do so. In the name of wait uh never mind.