UPDATE: Drudge just linked to the story. Bottom left.

The Patriot has a long account of the 9.11 anti-Patriotism efforts. Very nice.

There's also KG Barnett's speech to the ASUC Senate.

This speech was delivered to the ASUC Senate Wednesday night by Patriot Publisher Kelso G. Barnett

Recent statements by ASUC Officials stating that the Pledge of Allegiance is divisive, that red white and blue ribbons to be distributed on September 11th should be replaced with white as to not offend, and that patriotism should have no place in memorial ceremonies next Wednesday are not only shocking, but paradoxically, just as offensive and divisive.

By bending over backwards to appease a small element on this campus that finds fault with our country's heritage and symbols, this body ends up offending the vast silent majority of Cal students from all different backgrounds who are proud to be Americans. We also end up squelching the spirit of unity that emerged soon after our generation's day of infamy. There is much more in this country that unites us than divides us-- Black or White, Christian, Jew, or Muslim, etc… we are all Americans first.

The groundswell of patriotism that came about after 9-11 wasn't by government mandate, rather it was a spontaneous, individually initiated phenomenon that reached every corner of this country. Even Berkeley.

It's important to remember that when we support, advocate, and demand patriotism to a part of this campus 9-11 remembrances, we don't advocate a blind patriotism- it's not "my country, right or wrong." Rather, it's as Edmund Burke said, "to make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely." He suggests by this that the genuine patriot loves his country not only because it is his, but also because it is good.

Why is it good? As Dinesh D'Souza wrote in his recent book, America is the greatest, freest, and most decent society in existence. It is an oasis of goodness in a desert of cynicism and barbarism. This country, once an experiment unique in the world, is now the last best hope for our world. History will view America as a great gift to the world, a gift that Americans today must preserve and cherish."

You have a responsibility to our fellow students, our surrounding community, and to rest of our country to allow patriotism - a patriotism that isn't blind- and a patriotism exhibited by vigorous debate- to be an integral part of next week's commemoration.

Patriotism, the Star Spangled Banner, and our flag aren't political objects- rather they are common threads that represent a country that gives us the freedom to speak freely. I strongly urge this body to support memorial services that not only pay tribute to those lives lost, but to the country whose founding ideals and principles were attacked. If you don't, we will.

Email This Post!