I have never served in the military, nor do I wear a flag pin on my lapel. I lived overseas for a time and married a man who is not an American citizen. I do not own a gun or drive an American car. I am not a member of an evangelical Christian denomination, nor do I live in one of those areas recently labeled the "real America" by a vice-presidential candidate. I avoid Wal-Mart.

I disagree strongly with our government on a number of issues, namely fighting a war based on lies, eavesdropping on citizens without cause and the attempt to merge religion and politics.

To some, I could not possibly be patriotic.

I, however, believe in a broader definition of a patriot.

I am a law-abiding citizen. I participate in my community, donate to charity and attend my children's school functions. I educate myself on the issues, understand the workings of our government and vote. I value the beauty and resources of our great land. I support local businesses. I am raising two children to do these same things.

As a teacher, I work hard every day to make this country a better place. I believe in the goodness of the American people and in the bounty of our untapped potential. I believe in the principles of the Constitution and that they should apply to all Americans.

And I believe I am patriot.

-- MEAGAN LOEWY, Sewickley

---

It is very interesting how people sometimes tend to throw around words and phrases without much explanation of what we mean by them.

My take on the term "anti-American" is basically subscribing to a philosophy that goes against the values and beliefs established for this country by our founding fathers. One of the most recent examples of this can be found in one of the presidential candidate's approaches to the economic hardships many Americans are currently experiencing.

The aforementioned candidate wishes to move our nation into a state of socialism, if not even further away from the capitalism our country is based on. This is one example of being "anti-American."

The famous statement doesn't read we have the right to "life, liberty and the entitlement to happiness."

In my belief, the term "patriot" is basically a true love of country that can be conveyed best through actions rather than words. The other candidate from which we have the option of choosing has a history of displaying this. His battered body from broken bones and scars are permanent reminders of the five years of torture he endured for love of country.

All in all, the two extremes we are seeing in this election are quite obvious.

-- JASON GREINER, Mount Washington

---

A patriot is any American who takes the responsibilities of American citizenship as seriously as they do the perks of being an American citizen.

-- HEIDI McDONALD, Edgewood

---

A patriot is someone who loves his country more than a particular political party.

He loves his country more than the opinions of some celebrities who have no reality of normal life.

A patriot does not mindlessly follow media bias, but takes the time to research candidates.

I am a patriot.

-- VIRGLE MYERS, Westwood

---

It is simple. An American patriot is a person who upholds the Constitution of the United States regardless of religious, personal or political bias.

-- NANCY AMURGIS, Mars

---

Patriotism means more than "saying" you're patriotic.

Patriots would be a little red-faced if caught without their hand over their heart during the national anthem.

Some say that gesture is "no big deal." But you must realize that America, with all its flaws, has been the greatest force for good in world history. The very reason for that greatness is the restrictions on government provided by the Constitution that result in all Americans being free to pursue their own success.

We conservatives question the patriotism of some liberals precisely because they argue for the complete opposite. Their ideas are more in line with Lenin than Washington. That causes me concern.

-- JEFF MAST, Cecil

---

Here's how to show patriotism:

Buy a General Motors, Ford or Chrysler car!

-- LAURA ARTINGER, Clinton

---

A patriot is one who believes that his views on the country where he resides are correct. Therefore, if someone agrees with him, that person is patriotic. If he disagrees with him, he is unpatriotic.

It's a belief that the country where one was born is somehow superior to other countries. It's a very self-oriented position.

In its most basic, elementary level, it is simply a belief that one is correct in his views of the country where he lives. Generally such a narrow approach is very divisive. That is "you are either with me or against me." There is no room for other interpretations which the speaker believes would only diminish the true meaning of patriotism. And he believes he has the true meaning of patriotism.

Patriotism is what each of us believes it to be, in our own minds. That's why people can accuse each other so readily of not being patriotic. It's a self-serving position. We really are blinded from seeing others' positions.

-- DINA CREIGHTON, Park Place

---

Patriotism is making responsible government-related decisions and casting educated, informed votes.

Patriotism is vocally disagreeing with anyone who would oppose the laws set forth by the framers of the nation, and defending perhaps to the death those laws.

Patriotism is ensuring that those who enforce the law also follow it.

Patriotism is fighting for a set of beliefs while respecting the beliefs of others.

Patriotism is rejecting negatively skewed labels such as "conservative" and "liberal" and instead embracing the virtues of liberty and personal responsibility.

Patriotism is helping countrymen first.

Patriotism is refusing to accept fearmongering, refusing to accept blind nationalism and educating others about the dangers inherent in the surrender of freedom.

Most of all, patriotism is acting out of principle, not out of fear.

--COLIN DEAN, Forest Hills

---

A patriot is someone who takes an active part in shaping the United States in the way he or she sees fit.

That can take a number of forms and does not by any means fall under a particular ideology.

It is patriotic to volunteer for the Obama and McCain campaigns.

It is patriotic to protest the war in Iraq or to protest abortion.

It is patriotic to serve in the military, as well as serve in a food bank or at a church.

Anyone who educates themselves on the issues of the day, takes a side and goes to vote is patriotic. Whether they press the touch-screen for Obama, McCain, Barr or Nader, a voter is taking part in shaping these United States.

Michael Moore and Michael Savage are patriots. Obviously, their methods upset and even offend, but their motives are for the bettering of our country and for that they should be commended.

No one can be so arrogant as to give patriotism a definition in line with a single opinion, a single party or a single ideal.

It goes further than that. Patriotism is loving your country and supporting it at all times.

When one sees fit to make a change, it is patriotic for them to articulate that change, and patriotic for us to listen.

-- PETER JOYCE, Franklin Park

---

Patriotism is a dangerous emotion to excite, because there is a bright line between patriotism and flag-waving and dead bodies and large graveyards. Nothing good comes from it.

-- PHIL GREENE, Houston, Texas

---

A patriot is someone who protects and defends the U.S. Constitution and the liberties it guarantees.

Too often, we mistake blind allegiance to the agenda of those in power as patriotism, and are quick to label anyone who fails to offer his or her unequivocal support to our leaders as unpatriotic.

Instead, when tempted to believe the end somehow justifies the means and that our leaders should be allowed to circumvent the laws of our land, we should stop and ponder how comfortable we would be if the equivalent of our political nightmare were in power, instead of someone who shares our vision.

We all would do well to remember that the strength and beauty of our nation is that we are governed not by the whims of those in power at a particular time, but instead by the system designed by our forefathers, our nation's original patriots.

The Constitution is the architecture of our government and the soul of our nation.

The greatest display of patriotism, and the best way to honor the patriots who have given us this gift, is to protect and preserve it for future generations to enjoy it as well.

-- LISA CAVALANCIA CAYLOR, Knox, Clarion County

---

As Samuel Johnson said, "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." I wouldn't put it as starkly as that, but claiming that your opponent is non-patriotic is often the first refuge of a negative campaign.

Patriotism means love of country, but we often misunderstand love -- do we love our country, warts and all? Or do we just attack someone who may point out flaws in our country? Which person is the real patriot ?

There is a 19th-century old saying from a U.S naval hero: "Our country, right or wrong." The saying was expanded a few decades later by a U.S. general and senator: "If right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right." I truly wish our political campaigns would use this definition.

In 2004, President Bush (the National Guard frequent no-show) successfully attacked the patriotism of Sen. John Kerry, a Vietnam War veteran who had the courage later to challenge the unpopular war in which he had fought. Who was the patriot here?

As a former Army captain and Vietnam War veteran, my reading of patriotism says that Sen. Kerry was. "If wrong, to be set right."

-- MARTIN J. RESICK, Emlenton, Clarion County

Here are some submissions to "What Is a Patriot?" that did not appear in the print edition:

---

My definition of patriotism is supporting policies one thinks are good for the country and opposing policies one thinks are bad, regardless of the political party responsible for the policies (i.e., putting patriotism ahead of politics).

A simple test of one's patriotism is to imagine that a Democrat, rather than a Republican, has been in the White House for the last eight years.

So, imagine Al Gore, rather than George W. Bush, was elected in 2000 and everything that has happened since then has still happened.

Then, ask yourself if you would have the same attitudes about what has happened the last eight years. For example, would you still favor or oppose the war in Iraq if Al Gore had been the one to initiate it? Would you still defend or attack the president's record on terrorism, the economy, jobs, federal deficit, health care, etc. if this record was Al Gore's rather than George Bush's?

If you (honestly) can say "yes," that your opinion would not change, you are putting patriotism ahead of politics. The vast majority would have to admit that the answer is "no." If people say no, i.e. that their views on these policies would change based on the party of the person or people responsible for the policies, that would mean they are putting politics ahead of patriotism.

This "test" might get people to think about what drives their opinions about government policies: their political affiliation, or true patriotism.

-- KEN PERKINS, Squirrel Hill

---

This is bit all over the place but, thanks for providing a forum to speak my mind.

In my opinion a patriot is one who sees the true value of this country and wants to see it prosper. I can only think of one absolute in this election and that is "absolute power corrupts absolutely." A true patriot voices his or her opinion because, the First Amendment says we can. I know what a patriot is not: an uneducated redneck driving a gas-guzzling truck with a flag glued to the back window.

In World War II, this country banded together and conserved every available resource. In this war our moronic automobile companies provided us with Hummers, Excursion and Durangos. You're a patriot if you realize that every army runs on money. The Taliban, al-Qaida and terrorist organizations do too. Whether directly or indirectly that money comes from oil. So therefore a true patriot realizes that in order to sack the enemy without firing a shot we hit 'em in the wallet. Or maybe a true patriot realizes that must fight a multifront war based military and economic maneuvers. How do you hit them in the wallet: By manufacturing highly fuel efficient cars and buying them (7 years ago).

Next step, get away from oil. Has anyone ever seen a product labeled "Made in Saudia Arabia"? Maybe they should put that on the gas pump. Where did the 9/11 terrorists come from? Saudia Arabia. Where is Bin Laden? The greater Afghanistan Area. Why are we in Iraq? I still can't figure out a really good reason. I thought cowboys were supposed to be tough, why doesn't the Connecticut Cowboy just tell us why. Patriots don't trust leaders.

Oh a patriot picks up the U.S. Constitution or Declaration of Independence and reads it and maybe even understands it. I have made reading it tradition on the Fourth of July typically just before my neighbor attempts to blow off his hand in a patriotic drunken hot dog bloated stupor. Still to this day that document amazes me.

No matter how bad this country gets, a patriot does not ever want to leave. Go anywhere in the world where it is bad, really bad, and you will realize how good we have it. We are fortunate and patriot wants to keep it that way.

A patriot watches more than one news channel or just turns on "The Daily Show" just to see how stupid they all are. Sad when a comedian uses better evidence than the networks.

A patriot realizes that to some extent healthy dissent is good. Our forefathers wanted us to question our leaders. Who, by the way, are my employees and yours too. They are not to be worshiped by any means. Look at our forefathers, who I am sure had their faults, but they designed a country that has adapted to many changes they could never imagine. They created fundamentals that our leaders are cutting away at. The two biggest failures in this country are the media and lawyers. We receive biased information and we are in such fear of litigation we are afraid to do anything. What we need are entrepreneurs and engineers. Go-getters who are not afraid of risk and people who are not afraid to rock the boat.

A patriot realizes that our election process is a big popularity contest. Both of them tell us what we want to hear. Think about it; what can the president really change. Very little. I think America forgets to realize we have checks and balances for a reason. In some circumstances flip flopper is someone who is thinking, weighing out options, and looking for alternatives.

I have come to realize that we are a bunch of collectivists looking for a king to tell us what to do, how to think, and what god to worship. Look at a college classroom and the curved grading scale and the attitude it garners. The guy who is the capitalist, the hard worker is the one who ruined it for everyone. It is an attitude of we should all fail together when it should be we must all strive to be better. (I will admit the curve done favors for me at times.) A patriot is not afraid to step and speak their mind and if that is to say America is messed up, even better because I would rather find my own weaknesses before my enemy.

Oh, a patriot is also good at geography and can find that real America is located within all the borders of this great country and includes all of its citizens and those who want to be citizens (most of us descended from some immigrant). Those who exercise the freedoms this great nation provides. Those who know they are free to think and speak and at least try to act.

-- JUSTIN M. THOMAS, Bridgeville

---

"True" patriotism is devotion to one's homeland. It is a "constructive" devotion, much like a parent who has a child.

When the child is wayward, the parent admonishes and guides the child toward realignment. "Constructive" patriots point out the flawed application of constitutionally derived principles in government practices and structures in order to bring them back into alignment.

"Blind" patriotism, on the other hand, advocates devotion to leaders or current structures regardless of whether they violate the principles of our Declaration of Independence or Constitution.

Beware of those "extremists" who advocate "blind" patriotism that requires submission to leaders who will lead us into unnecessary wars, provide welfare to Corporations, who blame individual values for destroying America, instead of unfettered capitalism that wipes out families one way or another (e.g. by predatory mortgage lending, moving jobs overseas, health care, and environmental issues, etc.

Those of us who are patriotic, but not "blindly" are aware of how much better life could be for the citizens of this country.

A great country takes care of every citizen; most people in this country are struggling There are three economies here: the poor are in a depression, the middle class, are in a recession, and the wealthy ( for whom most policies are made these days) are thriving.

Dwight D. Eisenhower once said: "Every gun that is made, every warship that is launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed, and those who are homeless and not housed"

It's time to address the needs of all the people and not shut down the dialogue about how to solve our problems with trite phrases like "class warfare", or "you're not patriotic".

We are all patriots here. The difference is how "blind" you are going to be as a citizen. Lets all take off the blinders and consider multiple options for helping everyone have a good life. Let's work together on re-making our country so that it is indeed the greatest country in the world..

-- THOMAS C. LAPSLEY, Port Vue

---

Interestingly, the concept of "patriot," by dictionary definition, is straightforward and agreed by consensus over time. The definition of patriot, with very minor differences between sources, is as follows: A person who loves and loyally or zealously supports his (or her) own country.

Stating the obvious, the patriot is the person, patriotism is the support. Some things are obvious, others are not. I will comment on the definition then state my opinions.

First, it is important to note that the definition specifically deals with the perspective of the patriot's own country (obvious, but not always accepted), hence the follow-up questions about "pro-American" and "anti-American" (both dealing with synonym nationalism). Second, note that the definition DOES NOT include any explicit nor implicit (qualitative or quantitative) assessments as to the "worth" (good or bad) of being a patriot. No such categorical conclusion would be appropriate. Can any person refute the patriotism of loyal servants (military or otherwise) to their country even when that country is not America, and perhaps even an enemy? Were the citizens and soldiers of WWI and WWII Germany, Japan, Italy and Russia patriots? Were they all "real" patriots? Or were there some, or many, "underground" or in direct conflict with their leaders in attempts to serve morally right imperatives?

My thoughts drift back to my 1957 high school Civics class (an endangered, if not extinct, educational species). My civics teacher made a very blunt (but indelible to me) statement. She said that "no 'ism' is purely good. All 'isms' in a pure sense contain not only opportunity, but also (perceived) authority accepted by the constituents as justification for committing injustices."

In this country for many reasons, the above simple definition has been expanded to imply (connotatively and almost universally) that a patriot is a grand and noble person, without exception or reservation. Such has been inculcated into our culture (through us) from the days of our childhoods. This acceptance without reservation ignores the vast history of atrocities carried out in the name of patriotism, including some of our own (even to our own) in the past and in recent times. In the proper context, patriotism is not necessarily a good or bad thing. It "ought" to be for the good, but whether it is depends upon the intent and the acts performed. Sadly, however, when background, context, interior and ulterior motives, and other considerations are blindly set aside, there may be pending doom for the respective patriot's country.

Enter on stage American election politics based on division and demonization through the use of "LABELS". In a campaign based on ad hominem (mostly vague and unfounded) attacks, the anti-American, pro-American, and questionable patriotism labels play big to a particular base. A reasonable person could conclude that the motivations (fear, pride, hatred, etc.) of those who would attack a person's patriotism (including attacks on veterans who have lost limbs, or even suffered in POW camps) are in themselves unpatriotic acts. Yet, in the tradition of political "gaming", facts and truth are not necessarily good things, and today, lies and unfounded innuendo are acceptable tactics in the pursuit of power (a statement in itself about the character of America).

In the context that "patriotism has emerged as a major theme of this year's presidential election" (as the Post-Gazette stated for this forum), I believe the following: that the way the concept of "patriotism" is being perverted and misused as a wedge issue for political gain in this (and other election cycles) is a corruption, contamination, and bastardization of the terms patriot and patriotism, both in pure definition and extended "American values" implications.

As an eight-year, Vietnam-era Navy veteran (non-combat by assignment circumstance), I loved and served my country. I took an oath and honored it. I believe I was loyal, but not a zealot prone to tunnel vision. Was I a patriot? Perhaps at that time, but no more so than those who, (here at home) quietly (sometimes boldly and at great personal risk), because of their love for their country, and sadness for the deaths of our honorable troops, tried to hold our leaders accountable for corrupt policies.

NOTE: The following paragraph does not apply to my comrades who served in the past, and those still serving, whom I have the greatest love and respect.

That original definition stated at the beginning, has in my opinion, been reframed to meet today's political realities. Through a network of professional political spin doctors, and complicit non-challenging media, "What is a Patriot" has been redefined to be persons who have a flag, wear a flag pin, and have bumper stickers that proclaim "Guns, Guts, and God Made America!" and (I suppose if the guns and guts would fail), on the other bumper side, the hedge… "God Bless America!" (not even a "please").

No matter that only less than 1 percent of American families are participating in the active military defense of our nation. There are no complete liberty ships being built in four weeks time, nor female welders making the sparks fly. In fact there is essentially NO MOBILIZATION. What a war! The troops still yet can't get even the body armor they need nor medical help for their physical and mental wounds. How patriotic is that? Many lose body parts, then arrive back only to become homeless because their jobs are exported to the countries in which they fought to protect the American business interests.

As for the election campaigns for our future president, the anti-patriotic tactic (and I also know the difference between a tactic and strategy) has made a mockery of our electoral system. How could this ever be a model for export to other fledgling democracies? The world sees our hypocrisy.

Perhaps the question should really be: What would a "real" patriot NOT DO?

My suggestions are that "real" patriots would NOT:

1. Attack the character and patriotism of any military person who actually served (especially proclaimed patriots who actively pursued deferments for business reasons).

2. Support legislators who protect and feed contracts to war profiteers who carry out contract fraud that robs the battlefield patriots of their military, family, health and war zone casualty needs;

3. Support and defend those civilian and government leaders and think tanks that would design and carry out policies contra-Constitution and contrary to the well being of the American citizens and infrastructure;

4. Support legislators who support "hands off" "fox in the henhouse" "voluntary" controls then use the cabinet level foxes to "infuse" bonuses to those stealing the eggs;

5. Reduce our electoral process to guttural tactics. Why would a supposed "patriot" running for the presidency, question (internationally) another candidates patriotism versus providing proof of the accusation? Perhaps, there are no substantiating facts, yet it plays to the presumptions of the base where facts are not required;

5. Whine about taxes! Other than those on the battlefield, it is time for Americans get off the couch, turn off Jerry Springer, look in the mirror and ask themselves "what have I done for MY country?"

Except for military service, for most (including me now), taxes are the ONLY sacrifice that legitimizes our right to boast in our pride that America is the greatest country!

Recently, a politician was crucified in the media because he said (I don't know exact words since there is so much spin) that paying more taxes if you have more wealth is patriotic. Think about that.

In the definition above, it states that the patriot "supports his (or her) own country." In a country, just as in a home, there are income (taxes) , expenses, and balance sheets. National expenses build roads, schools, in fact nearly all infra-structure, subsidizes businesses (even to expatriate their operations and avoid taxes), provide for security (police, fire, medical) and on and on.

WELL, I agree patriots should be proud to do their share and pay their taxes. Rather than whine, perhaps they should look at C-SPAN's coverage of Congress, Senate, White House and appropriations committees (instead of "Dancing with the Stars") and use that information to cast informed votes for those legislators and presidential candidates who would be good stewards of the funds. Legislative voting records and presidential signings and vetoes are public domain. Patriots would use that data to make the country stronger.

Real patriots are humble, informed, and diligently go about doing the business of protecting their country, not only from external threats, but more importantly against the covert, predatory, enemies of the state within. Albert Carr defines a patriot as: "The unknown, steadfast citizen who year after year quietly and unselfishly benefits his nation.

Sadly for me, I have come to believe after seeing the disintegration of civility in our electoral process that Ambrose Bierce nailed it with his definition of patriot:

"The dupe of statesmen and the tool of conquerors".

Finally, for my honored comrades, all over the world, serving their country America, here is my idea for a bumper sticker:

TAXES PROVIDE WHAT THE TROOPS NEED!

IF YOU ARE AGAINST TAXES, YOU ARE AGAINST SUPPORTING THE TROOPS!

PATRIOTS PAY TAXES PROUDLY!

God please keep them in your protection.

-- FRANCIS L. LILLY, Finleyville

Last week's Next Page, "Sing a Song of Pittsburgh," celebrated the Pittsburgh-themed songs at its bicentennial, and wondered why we don't see popular songs today for the 250th.

Well, they're out there:

• Mike Stout's "Happy Birthday to Pittsburgh" is the first cut on his "The Point of Pittsburgh." The CD is inspired by Charles McCollester's new book of the same title, a history of Pittsburgh published by Battle of Homestead Foundation. For more information, go to mikestoutmusic.com or call 412-381-8286.

Mike Stout will be performing Nov. 21 at the Carnegie Lecture Hall in Oakland as part of "Blue Collar-Black Tie" affair to celebrate the book. See pointofpittsburgh.com for ticket information, or to buy the CD or book.

---

• "When We Shine: Fifteen Songs About Pittsburgh" is the result of a Calliope Songwriting Project, supported by the Allegheny Regional Asset District for the Pittsburgh 250 celebration.

Arranged by Rick Malis and Tom Breiding, the CD can be purchased at cdbaby.com/cd/whenweshine

The release show for "When We Shine" is Saturday night at Cefalo's Nightclub in Carnegie at 8 p.m. (412-276-6600).

---

• The NewLanders are a Pittsburgh-based music group that have two CDs of music about southwestern Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh: "Born of Fire: Songs of Steel and Industry" and part of the soundtrack of Carl Kurlander's new film "My Tale of Two Cities."

For more information, see newlanders.com

---

• And recall that in early 2006, Post-Gazette readers voted "I Love Pittsburgh" by Jimmy Sapienza as the best song to represent the city for the 250th celebration.

You can hear it, and four runners-up, on through this link to the March 8, 2006, article: "9,503 Votes Crown 'I Love Pittsburgh' a Winning Song"

---