Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:39
I am a patriot
In Uncategorized • 1,476 views • 14 Comments
As our Day of Independence, or National Day, approaches, we reflect on the meaning and relevance of being patriots of our country.
Too often, patriotism is either dismissed as something which is abstract and irrelevant in this pragmatic and materialistic society of ours, or as something which the State defines and uses as a ploy for its own aims and goals.
Too often, here in Singapore, patriotism is defined as adherence to the law, or to the Government’s dictates. Step outside these demarcated lines and you risk being portrayed as or accused of being “unpatriotic”.
What is patriotism?
Who defines what patriotism is?
Does it hold any meaning for you?
Is it important to be a patriot?
Indeed, is it even necessary?
United States Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, gave the following speech on 30 June this year in which he spoke about patriotism. It is an inspiring speech, one which perhaps is as relevant to the US as it is to Singapore.
Listen or read his speech and share your views on what it means to be a patriot of Singapore.
The following is a short excerpt from Obama’s speech and a song sung by Eddie Vedder of the rock band, Pearl Jam, titled “I am a patriot”.
Dissent does not make one unpatriotic.
No party or political philosophy has a monopoly on patriotism.
Patriotism starts as a gut instinct. My grandfather explaining to me that we could do anything we set our mind to do.
What makes America great is not its perfection, but the belief that it can be made better. Our revolution was waged for that belief. That we could be governed by laws, not men. That we could be equal in the eyes of those laws. That we could be free to say what we want, and assemble with whomever we want. And worship as we please. That we could pursue our individual dreams but the obligation to help others pursue theirs.
Patriotism is not just loyalty to a place on a map or a particular people group. It is also loyalty to America’s ideals. Ideals for which anyone can sacrifice for, or defend.
Patriotism can never be defined as loyalty to a particular leader, or government or policy.
Mark Twain…once wrote: “Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
We may hope that our leaders and our government stand up for our ideals…But when our laws, our leaders or our government are out of alignment with our ideals, then the dissent of ordinary Americans may prove to be one of the truest expression of patriotism.
Recognizing a wrong being committed in this country’s name; insisting that we deliver on the promise of our Constitution – these are the acts of patriots, men and women who are defending that which is best in America. And we should never forget that – especially when we disagree with them; especially when they make us uncomfortable with their words.
Beyond a loyalty to America’s ideals, beyond a willingness to dissent on behalf of those ideals, I also believe that patriotism must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice – to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause.
true patriotism cannot be forced or legislated with a mere set of government programs. Instead, it must reside in the hearts of our people, and cultivated in the heart of our culture, and nurtured in the hearts of our children.
It is up to us to teach them that it is good to give back to one’s community; that it is honorable to serve in the military; that it is vital to participate in our democracy and make our voices heard.
And it is up to us to teach our children a lesson that those of us in politics too often forget: that patriotism involves not only defending this country against external threat, but also working constantly to make America a better place for future generations.
That is the liberty we defend – the liberty of each of us to pursue our own dreams. That is the equality we seek – not an equality of results, but the chance of every single one of us to make it if we try. That is the community we strive to build – one in which we trust in this sometimes messy democracy of ours, one in which we continue to insist that there is nothing we cannot do when we put our mind to it, one in which we see ourselves as part of a larger story, our own fates wrapped up in the fates of those who share allegiance to America’s happy and singular creed.
Video of Obama’s speech:
“I am a patriot” by Eddie Vedder (lyrics here):
I am a patriot, I love my country
Because my country is all I know
I wanna be with my family
People who understand me
I got no place else to go…
I am a patriot…
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14 Comments
kingfisher
Pondefecator
A possible example of cognitive dissonance.
When asked for his views on the above video, a leader of a small country answered. “What speech? Who’s Obama? I’m too busy fixing things. Dad!’
You mean, Singapore badly needs an Obama which somehow doesn’t land his ass in jail. Patriot? I think people are generally patriotic, which is why we actually even bother discussing issues online. Even people who have left may be patriotic…patriotic but disappointed.
But we’re demonized by the Gahmen…and when it comes to Right vs Might Might always wins…
sarek_home
Some words from the speech. It carries much truth in Singapore context, just replace “patriotism” with “Pro-Singapore” :
In other words, the use of patriotism as a political sword or a political shield is as old as the Republic. Still, what is striking about today’s patriotism debate is the degree to which it remains rooted in the culture wars of the 1960s – in arguments that go back forty years or more. In the early years of the civil rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War, defenders of the status quo often accused anybody who questioned the wisdom of government policies of being unpatriotic. Meanwhile, some of those in the so-called counter-culture of the Sixties reacted not merely by criticizing particular government policies, but by attacking the symbols, and in extreme cases, the very idea, of America itself – by burning flags; by blaming America for all that was wrong with the world; and perhaps most tragically, by failing to honor those veterans coming home from Vietnam, something that remains a national shame to this day
.
Most Americans never bought into these simplistic world-views – these caricatures of left and right. Most Americans understood that dissent does not make one unpatriotic , and that there is nothing smart or sophisticated about a cynical disregard for America’s traditions and institutions.
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Daily SG: 21 Jul 2008
[...] from nation to multinational – Diary of A Singaporean Mind: Don’t say Goodbye… – TOC: I am a patriot – My Singapore News: After 45 years of independence… – Hear Ye! Hear Ye!: The NDP [...]
I hope most singaporeans are not parrot to the gahmen but patriotic to the country.
sick of singapore
Country? what country?! It’s Singapore INC.
Geez …
In my opninion, an America politician may feel patriotism when he proclaims, ” I am a patriot”.
A Singaporean MP may feel the same when he says , “I am a parrot”.
Get it?
Kaffein
We did not choose to be born on this land – a bit of different circumstances would have resulted in us being Malaysians, for example. But the fact of the matter is we were born as Singaporeans – more so for the post-1965ers. And where those who migrate can be deemed loyal, only those who lived and grew up in any country can hope to be patriots. In that vein, a born and bred Singaporean who has renounced his or her citizenship has more clout to be patriotic than a migrant who ‘contributes significantly to the society’.
By this definition, only the second generation which is not yet in the upper rungs of the political administration can be truly patriotic. So, I would say our government (and leaders) is committed and loyal to the country and its development but can they be truly patriotic?
At the end of the day, patrioism should not be a choice but a calling – otherwise there’d be no patriots in horribly run countries around the world. Where, in times of war, a patriot gives up his life and limb; in times of peace, he will give up his time, money and liberties for the betterment of the nation.
Having said that, Chee SJ does not seem to be bettering the society in spite of so much antics and I would deem Mr Chiam See Tong to be more of a patriot.
Amused
If one follows Obama’s definition on what is patriotism, then I find it difficult for people in Singapore to be one.
Just what are Singapore’s ideals? They seem to have been misplaced somewhere in the pursuit of GDP growth.
Jackson
USA and Singapore are two different situations.
USA has gone through 2 world wars, became a world superpower in less than 50yrs and has spent resources in every other region. Almost all Americans are safely considered patriots.
Singapore has been very politically quiet for the past 50yrs since independence in 1965. No major incidents happened on our shores except for the recent Mas Selamat’s surprise toilet break. Now with so many FTs, I think I can also safely say that almost all Singaporeans are not patriots, including me.
GS
Patriotic?
Just how many flags do you see being put up when National Day is just round the corner.
Nothing like what it was 10 years ago.
There is no ‘We’ only ‘I’ these days.
Common Singaporeans are no longer citizens but just a digit / commodity / factor of production in name of economic advancement.
Does putting up a flag get you $$$. Exactly…there you see it, the Singapore way.
$$$ talks, BS walks . . .
Conjob
The PAP is running Singapore like an exclusive business.
Patriotism means we put them out of business in 2011 to ensure Singapore is a country.
The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » SG Daily Special: 43rd National Day
[...] Jul 08 – Diary of A Singaporean Mind: Don’t say Goodbye… – TOC: I am a patriot – My Singapore News: After 45 years of independence… – Hear Ye! Hear Ye!: The NDP [...]
Singapore badly needs an Obama!