I am cautious not to be blind to things our nation does that may be reprehensible.

American patriotism is a wonderful thing. I, in fact, consider myself to be an American patriot. I am proud to be a part of the great experiment our forefathers began over 230 years ago, and cherish the freedom, democracy and liberty that were bestowed upon me simply by being a citizen.

I am also cautious not to be blind to things our nation does that may be reprehensible. These things may not have been done by Americans themselves, but rather by the government we have elected. That point should be recognized first and foremost – the government, not necessarily the people, make the mistakes.

Granted, there have been moments in history when the American people perpetuated the atrocious things the government sponsored or allowed – Jim Crow laws come to mind. Nevertheless, the responsibility to ensure that all people are treated equally under the law, and that the actions our nation makes (domestically and abroad) are not actions of reprehensible means, ultimately rests with the government.

This is not to say, however, that the people don’t have a responsibility as well. If the government’s responsibility to its people is to ensure equal justice under the law, then the people have a responsibility to ensure they continue to send responsible, good-natured people to govern us in Washington.

Which is why patriotism is such an important issue to discuss. At times, patriotism can get the better of us, and when it does, the results can be disastrous.

As an example, following the events of Sept. 11, American patriotism was at an all-time high – no one dared to question the actions of the president (or even to read the text of the USA PATRIOT Act). But when the president told us we were invading Iraq, about a third of the population stopped and said: “Hold on…what?”

Yet the so-called patriots of the time told us that we were wrong, and berated us for questioning the president. Those who didn’t support his actions were traitors, terrorist-sympathizers, and so forth.

A rational – and truly patriotic – person would have told you that Iraq had nothing to do with Sept. 11 (none of the hijackers were even from Iraq), that bin Laden in fact hated Saddam Hussein almost as much as America (bin Laden was our ally during the first Gulf War).

But the president and his allies in Congress seized upon the blind patriots over the rational ones to push their cause. With over 70 percent believing that Iraq was involved in the attacks of Sept. 11, all that was left to be done was prey upon the people’s fears. Thus, patriotism was used as a tool to push us into war under false pretenses.

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can change the definition of “patriotism” – a definition that has been skewed in part by the current administration. We can learn to value rational and comprehensive decision-making over impulsive acts, the result of our fears and undying love of our country.

I have often been told by so-called patriots – the ones who tell me that my opinions are un-American – that if I don’t like America how it is, I can always leave it.

The irony in that statement is that the United States has changed several times over its history. Fighting for change in America is an American ideal; it is not a crime. It is, in fact, something to be commended if it benefits the country as a whole.

The people we admire the most in American history – Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, John and Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. – all strove to bring change to America.

They did so because that change would help people who may otherwise be under oppression by society, who may have needed that change to ensure their rights to life, liberty and happiness. These acts by these Americans were not treasonous; they were patriotic, which is why we celebrate these people and their actions to this day.

A true patriot is someone who doesn’t just say America is great – they help keep it great.

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