Super Patriots

Am I a "super" patriot? I honestly don't know, but given how people view the term today, I might be. Yes, I did serve in the military but only for six years, and only three of those were active. I was part of the last generation who concerned themselves with the draft. I got my draft physical notice (I passed) in 1966. I joined the Navy instead. In fact, I got my order to report to Fort Dix, while I was at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. (I still ended up in Vietnam)

Growing up in the fifties and early sixties, I always assumed that I would one day, be in the military. My dad was a WWII veteran. I never even QUESTIONED that I would serve. It would have been nice, however, if I had gotten to choose the timeframe rather than in the middle of college. To me, it was part of my obligation as an American. How quaint a thought today; that freedom has a price and service to your country is a reasonable payback. I had gone to a private Quaker school for K-12. Contrary to popular myth, some Quakers serve in the military. Pacifism is not universal among Quakers. I am not a Quaker. But even at that Quaker school, I learned American values and pride in my country.

Is it "wrong" to believe and say that the USA is the best nation on earth and to believe and say that other nations should TRY to emulate many of the things about us? Is it wrong to want what is best for the USA FIRST, and worry about other nations second? When the USA thrives, the rest of the world has a chance. Is it wrong to believe that if the USA folds, the rest of the world will be worse off?

It's not complicated to ME, but then what do I know? Are you an American first, or a "citizen of the world"?