Are you Patriotic??

[BassbyGrace]

Wassup my ppls.  I saw somethings recently that kind of struck me, but I want to ask this first to get some views. 

• Are you patriotic?  Why or moreso why not?
• How many patriotic songs do you know ALL the words too, or atleast a verse and chorus? (Grand Ole Flag, America, God Bless America, etc)
• Do you know what to do when the anthem is played?

Trust me theres a reason for this.

[LaylaMonroe]

I'm not especially patriotic.

I love living in this country, and I'm grateful for the freedoms I enjoy, but I wouldn't label myself patriotic, per se.  I feel more pride when considering my NY roots than when considering my American heritage. 

[Loopy]

Hey Bass, when did you start working for FOX News?

[LaylaMonroe]

Wassup my ppls.  I saw somethings recently that kind of struck me, but I want to ask this first to get some views. 

• Are you patriotic?  Why or moreso why not?
• How many patriotic songs do you know ALL the words too, or atleast a verse and chorus? (Grand Ole Flag, America, God Bless America, etc)
• Do you know what to do when the anthem is played?

Trust me theres a reason for this.

Oh sorry, I forgot to answer the other questions.

I know The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, This Land is Your Land, America the Beautiful, and nearly all the patriotic songs (main verses and chorus).  I've never heard of Grand Ole Flag, I don't think.

I think I know what is proper and appropriate to do wihen the anthem is played, but I don't do it.  I also don't pledge allegiance to flags or any other material object.

As to why I am (or am not) patriotic, I think I'm a product of my parents.  They weren't especially patriotic in that they didn't fly flags or teach us American History at home or instill in us a sense of special pride for our country... so, I guess I never really caught on to that.

[nessalynn77]

I learned all those patriotic songs in school, so I still know at least the first verse.   I stand and place my right hand over my heart during that National Anthem.  I'm not particularly patriotic, though I do agree that America is the best country to live in. 

I just think people go to extremes with that national pride and that frankly irritates me.  I think it's because while this is a great nation, we are also considered arrogant and self-absorbed, and nationally that is a pretty accurate assessment to me.  There's a lot of dark spots in our history and collectively we seem to take an insensitive, who cares type of approach to those things and have never really taken time to address them and acknowledge the truth.  That's not just slavery, but what we did to the native americans, the japanese, currently to immigrants from South America.  I'm conflicted about being proud of this nation when I think about stuff like that.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I don't think I exemplify the politically correct definition of "patriotic."  Then again, this very country doesn't truly live up to it as a whole either.  Especially those that claim to be the most patriotic.  It's more that waving a flag and singing some songs.   

[LaylaMonroe]

I just think people go to extremes with that national pride and that frankly irritates me.  I think it's because while this is a great nation, we are also considered arrogant and self-absorbed, and nationally that is a pretty accurate assessment to me.  There's a lot of dark spots in our history and collectively we seem to take an insensitive, who cares type of approach to those things and have never really taken time to address them and acknowledge the truth.  That's not just slavery, but what we did to the native americans, the japanese, currently to immigrants from South America.  I'm conflicted about being proud of this nation when I think about stuff like that.

I totally agree... especially with that last sentence.

[sjonathan02]

Hey Bass, when did you start working for FOX News?

 

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I totally agree... especially with that last sentence.

And let's also remember that patriotism in this country was not a major priority until a certain event occured going on 7 years ago.

[BEATBOXERZ]

Hey Bass, when did you start working for FOX News?

Hahaha!!! ...

Wassup my ppls.  I saw somethings recently that kind of struck me, but I want to ask this first to get some views. 

• Are you patriotic?  Why or moreso why not?
• How many patriotic songs do you know ALL the words too, or atleast a verse and chorus? (Grand Ole Flag, America, God Bless America, etc)
• Do you know what to do when the anthem is played?

Trust me theres a reason for this.

To answer your question, NO!!!!

[BassbyGrace]

Hey Bass, when did you start working for FOX News?

Yo we cool and all, but please dont EVER relate me to FOX "Super Right Wing" News. 

Actually the thing is this.  As many of you know Im in the army (been serving almost 10 yrs).  As a military musician I see alot of ceremonies and do alot of things that include the community.  Just recently I attended a graduation for a young man that I mentor in what is called the "Freestate Challenge Academy".  Its pretty much a second chance type mentor program for drop outs and troubled teens.  It has a military bootcamp style setting.  Anyway, the graduation was like an official military ceremony.  Time comes for the anthem and we all stand as usual and render honors.  Well I was quite distracted by this large family sitting across the isle.  Not only were they straight clowning around and JACKING the anthem up, they were loud and disruptive.  It was truly one of those SMH moments.  That brings me to this. 
Now I understand that the US hasnt been a perfect angel and all the history.  Trust esp. as a black educated male.  But I think something else we may look at is, majority of us being black ppl here, we do have alot of brothers and sisters in the service putting their lives on the line everyday.  I know how commercial and political that sounds, but its real.  I think that if nothing else, we could atleast learn to show the proper courtesy in respect to them and even our forefathers who fought even when they werent free.  Thats just me.  I aint saying go tomorrow and memorize all those songs wave a flag on every house.  Im just saying it dont hurt to atleast know what to do.  And if you aint feeling it, hey your belief is your belief.  I just get tired of us looking ignorant.


Oh yeah, and for anyone that ever has to sing the Anthem, the straighter you sing it, the better.  Trust me.

[THE WOLFMAN]

being patriotic is one thing.

Havin' "ack-rights" and knowing when to be proper is something else.

dem "practitioners of the art of ninjitsu" was just foolish...

[OleJ]

Don't respond, he's Bill O'Reily in disguse! You'll see us on Fox News.

"I'm Bill O'Reily. If you thought Rev. Wright was unpatriotic and didn't represent all Negro Christians, think again! A primarily Neegro Christian discussion forum recently had a discussion in which patriotism was discussed. A lot of them didn't like it. I say we abolish the 14th and 15th Amendments and show them darkies who's boss! I'll give you the e-mail and IP addresses of all of these Negroes and how you can send in for your special edition Fox News "Fox Noose" noose, perfect for threatening Negroes! Coming up next, we'll discuss this with my special guests James Dobson and Charlie Sheen, then we'll have a special report on NASA trying to get the right to abort shuttle missions whenever they want, WHY should NASA have shuttle abortion rights? Then, Ann Coulter will show you how to be the most fashionable Klansman at the big cross burning with hood decorating tips, all that, after this..."

[BEATBOXERZ]

Yo we cool and all, but please dont EVER relate me to FOX "Super Right Wing" News. 

Actually the thing is this.  As many of you know Im in the army (been serving almost 10 yrs).  As a military musician I see alot of ceremonies and do alot of things that include the community.  Just recently I attended a graduation for a young man that I mentor in what is called the "Freestate Challenge Academy".  Its pretty much a second chance type mentor program for drop outs and troubled teens.  It has a military bootcamp style setting.  Anyway, the graduation was like an official military ceremony.  Time comes for the anthem and we all stand as usual and render honors.  Well I was quite distracted by this large family sitting across the isle.  Not only were they straight clowning around and JACKING the anthem up, they were loud and disruptive.  It was truly one of those SMH moments.  That brings me to this. 
Now I understand that the US hasnt been a perfect angel and all the history.  Trust esp. as a black educated male.  But I think something else we may look at is, majority of us being black ppl here, we do have alot of brothers and sisters in the service putting their lives on the line everyday.  I know how commercial and political that sounds, but its real.  I think that if nothing else, we could atleast learn to show the proper courtesy in respect to them and even our forefathers who fought even when they werent free.  Thats just me.  I aint saying go tomorrow and memorize all those songs wave a flag on every house.  Im just saying it dont hurt to atleast know what to do.  And if you aint feeling it, hey your belief is your belief.  I just get tired of us looking ignorant.


Oh yeah, and for anyone that ever has to sing the Anthem, the straighter you sing it, the better.  Trust me.

I'm not patriotic in the sense where I look at the flag as the greatest symbol in the world. I could care less about a flag. Nor a song about any country. But I won't be disrepectful or ghetto in a public setting when the National Anthem or the Star Spangle Banner is being played... I definitly respect you and all who serve in the military for what you are doing in this war...

[nessalynn77]

Yeah, BBG, I think those were just ignorant black folks.  Most of us know that if we choose not to salute, we can still be silent and stand respectfully.  That's a lack of home training.

[seemunny]

Well first of all, there is no such thing as a perfect country (not if human beings inhabit it).

Secondly, a country is kinda like your house. Your house might be somewhat dirty in spots, and maybe broken in areas. In such case, it makes perfectly good sense to want to clean it up, and fix it. But sometimes people will go further than cleaning it up & fixing their house - they seem like they dislike it to the point, that they wanna "burn it down!"

The last time i burned my house down when i was still living in it, i got consumed & burnt up right along WITH it! lol (thank god for supernatural resurrection!).

But, I'm not tryin to burn down MY house, if i'm still living in it! lol Clean it up? YES...Burn it down? NO

[cordney]

I'm very patriotic...the military has taught me alot.

[MissRiss]

YES, I am patriotic. I know the lyrics of patriotic songs.

[betnich]

I think there is a difference between outward and inward expressions of patriotism...much like said faith and DONE faith.

Didn't someone once say that "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel"?