Ungodly nationalism
At the risk of being called a socialist or a fascist (neither of which I am, particularly the latter), I feel the need to express my growing concern regarding the blind and arrogant nationalism that is paraded around as American patriotism.
This “patriotism” is most often celebrated on that most American of holidays, the Fourth of July, or more appropriately, Independence Day. The arrogant patriotism that I speak of is rooted in the belief that America is the best country on this planet. This erroneous belief often leads to the equally erroneous belief that God has granted some special and unique blessing on the United States of America — a blessing that is not given to any other nation or people on Earth.
The notion that God favors one country over another is foolish, dangerous, and nationalistic. Please do not mistake me: I think there are many things we should be proud of as Americans. Our ability to exercise free speech and write letters like this, for starters. But there are equally as many things for us to be ashamed of on behalf of our country.
I am going to be so bold as to say that this country is, and continues to be, guilty of a whole bevy of sins when it comes to global politics and domestic/international relations. We have states like Arizona that allow and actively encourage racial profiling. We are embroiled in a whole host of wars and violent actions across the globe. We do not recognize the inherent rights and dignities of every person with absolutely no regard to class, race, creed, orientation, or gender.
If we, as a country, were to honor the dignity of all persons across the globe by removing ourselves from sinful wars, from racial profiling and racist immigration laws, from unequal marriage laws, from unjust health care, and from the rest of the sins which we so idly toss to the side on the Fourth of July, we would have reason to rejoice and be proud in our American heritage.
Until such a point, however, I refuse to engage in arrogant, immoral and ungodly nationalism, parading around under the guise of good-hearted patriotism.
This letter to the editor is my way of celebrating my freedom of speech. God bless the whole world — no exceptions!
—Cody Maynus
Montevideo
Outstanding marching band
The 212th Regiment band parents would like to thank our band directors, Ron Stary and Nicole Boelter, and our flag line directors, Sharon Forde and Chris Nerdahl, for their time and efforts over the last six months that they dedicated to the busy marching band season. Practice began in January and the marching season began in Washington, D.C., at the National Memorial Day parade and culminated with the competition parade at the Vikingland Band Festival in Alexandria Sunday, June 27.
