American Patriotism
and the differences between
Defined and Undefined Patriotism
by Richard A. Taylor

The American Revolution provided a form of "defined patriotism" by establishing a Declaration of Independence that possessed a "definition of certain inalienable rights of the individual". Those who fought during the revolution understood the Declaration and fought for the "defined meanings". George Washington read the Declaration of Independence to his troops so there was no question as to what exactly they were fighting for;

This is opposed to "blind patriotism" practiced by undefined or vague nationalistic endeavors of a Nationalistic (socialistic) styled government and its subjects who follow blindly after its lead; They are only told that they are fighting for their country. It is a term that has no defined meaning but for a border. It mainly relates to the government of that country wishing to protect from being taken by another country's government; or wishing to take control of the other country's government.

Examples:

1.) Defined Patriotism is based on defending and promoting a unalterable written description that cannot and does not change;

2.) Whereas Undefined Patriotism is purely emotional fervor which deals with symbols, images, Flags, borders or indefinable banter such as the English "For God and Country" which definition can change daily.

Though the government may involve itself in its actions of itself through internal bureaucratic decisions or by the American public which it is to serve, the government cannot be considered a driving force of American patriotism. This is because the government itself can be removed if it steps outside the purpose for which it exists;

See the Declaration of Independence: "That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it..."

It can be said that through the protection and practice of American styled patriotism of defined individual rights, the whole of the populous is protected by justice that respects those defined rights.

Where by all other forms of patriotism, the individual and populous is subject to the whims and ideals of whoever is ruling them at the time. This is considered "Blind Patriotism" or "Blind Nationalism".

Such blind undefined patriotism /nationalism can be experienced when governments attempt to drum up public interest in involving their country in war or a cause. The use of flag waving and heated speeches are often used to establish patriotic grandeur in their position and find great fault in the opposing political party position - real or imagined. It is often also used in political banter against ones opponent.

By establishing a defined unchanging description of patriotism of certain, defined inalienable rights, True American Patriotism differs itself from all other forms.

This however does not mean that the federal government of the United States does not practice and promote blind patriotism toward its general public in the form and use of propaganda. Propaganda is the tool, method and practice used in promoting blind patriotism and blind nationalism for nationalistic causes and to find political favor for the involvement of the United States in war;

Rarely do these actions establish certain inalienable rights of True American Patriotism, as defined, in the countries "liberated or conquered". More than often, a English styled "Total Democracy" is established by which the people remain under control of a government that gives its people "privileges" that can be taken away by a vote or leadership decision.

Such is the difference between patriotism's of "Nationalist societies or total Democracies" whose laws change (undefined patriotism) and those of True American patriotism through an American Republic which bases itself on those laws that do not change of certain, defined inalienable rights of the individual (defined patriotism).

American Patriotism is not of pride, but of defined principles.

This can be further established by looking at others views throughout history:

Journalist Gilbert K. Chesterton wrote in 1922 that America is "the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity in the Declaration of Independence."

Patrick Henry: "Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom.

No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES."

George Washington said: "[W]e ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.

Declaration of Independence: "[T]o secure "these" rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

True American Patriotism is not blind national pride:

All these point to a defined definition of Patriotism exclusive of True American Patriotism and not national Pride such as presented by other countries; and attempted at times in the form of propaganda by our own federal government.

This is not only my opinion and that of the American Patriot Party, but that of the founders and others of history past;

Here is John Witherspoon, founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence:

The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men, Princeton May 17, 1776: "You are all my witnesses that this is the first time of my introducing any political subject into the pulpit. At this season however, it is not only lawful but necessary, and I willingly embrace the opportunity of declaring my opinion without any hesitation that the cause in which America is now in arms is the cause of justice, of liberty, and of human nature. So far as we have hitherto proceeded, I am satisfied that the confederacy of the colonies "has not been the effect of pride", resentment, or sedition, but of a deep and general conviction that our civil and religious "liberties", and consequently in a great measure the temporal and eternal happiness of us and our posterity, depended on the issue."

American Patriotism is an exclusive difference and a definition of patriotism in that it is defined.

The fact that vague nationalistic pride and blind patriotism, such as most countries embrace as a exclusive description to patriotism, offers and presents the stark contrast to a truly free country that insures and defends defined certain inalienable rights;

I will further describe how the United States, by other's words, present shortly after the Constitution was signed had been corrupted by disregarding the original clearly defined intent of the Declaration of Independence and has reverted to a undefined blind national patriotism.

Robert Ingersoll, Decoration Day Oration of 1888 "When their independence was secured they adopted a Constitution that legalized slavery, and they passed laws making it the duty of free men to prevent others from becoming free. They followed the example of kings and nobles.. They forgot all the splendid things they had said.. the great principles they had so proudly and eloquently announced. The sublime truths faded from their hearts. The spirit of trade, the greed for office, took possession of their souls."

At the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society in 1852, former slave Frederick Douglass stated American patriotism had been reduced to "swelling vanity".

Which "swelling vanity" is how most articles describe patriotism; and is a good description of blind national pride and of blind undefined patriotism.

There are two distinct definitions that each American should consider when faced with decisions regarding freedom and national propaganda and that is whether or not the issues and resolve are from defined or undefined patriotism;

Making their decisions accordingly.

Richard A. Taylor