PATRIOTISM
by Eric Munter
I would be remiss if I were to post a blog about something other than patriotism on the anniversary of our country’s independence. Thus I present to you the following …
Patriotism is a strange thing to me. It implies a powerful, awesome and dedicated attachment and devotion to one’s country. But why to just one country on this GREAT planet? Why are we not a unified team fighting for each other as a whole? Why must we separate ourselves based on geographic regions? Does living in a specific place on our treasured blue marble overwhelm the importance for celebrating our existence as a species?
Why can’t we be proud as HUMANS to exist? Why can’t we be “patriotic” about our PLANET? We should be proud as a whole to be THE beings on this third rock from the sun that are at the top of the food chain. But more than that – we are the species that has the supreme power to influence so much over such an immense natural force. Why can’t we unify under this “flag” – the flag of Earth? Why can’t we simply be proud to be human? Be patriotic about our existence as a whole.
I mean not to offend those who have died for the great cause of securing the incredible rights that we here in the United States celebrate today. But I cannot help but look at the greater picture. And one must wonder if the “greater picture” still is small in regard to what still is out there to discover.
JUL