EDITOR: Ron Erskine
’s column in the April 2 edition of The Times headlined “ What
Is Loving Your Country,” displays the perverse, distorted rationale
used by dissidents in every American war. The example of childish
and adult love, as an analogy for love of country, as stated by Al
Franken, is upside down. As a
child, you believe what the last person you talked to said. As
an adult you see beyond your own front yard and understand the
long-term consequences that global actions have on your family and
friends. Only a selfish person could give serious thought to Al
Franken’s definition.
EDITOR:
Ron Erskine’s column in the April 2 edition of The Times headlined “ What Is Loving Your Country,” displays the perverse, distorted rationale used by dissidents in every American war. The example of childish and adult love, as an analogy for love of country, as stated by Al Franken, is upside down. As a child, you believe what the last person you talked to said. As an adult you see beyond your own front yard and understand the long-term consequences that global actions have on your family and friends. Only a selfish person could give serious thought to Al Franken’s definition.
The freedoms we enjoy today were achieved through the selfless actions of our warriors, not by the actions of the uncommitted effete. If the columnist’s view had represented the majority of Americans in 1941, he would be speaking German today.
All Americans want to improve our country, not just the protesters. America’s true patriots see areas that can be improved and take action. The adults understand the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to achieve the highest level of success and freedom of any nation on earth. They know that sacrifice may be expected in their lives as well. The childish mind says, “I won’t do anything that may involve discomfort or hazard, let alone sacrifice. That’s somebody else’s job.” It is everybody’s job.
In our war for independence, a large number of Americans were Royalists, but we did not banish or jail them after the war was won. The founding fathers understood that other ideas should be heard and evaluated. That set a precedent, which has served us well. That tolerance is why the column can be published without fear.
My ancestors and I fought wars to ensure that people like Ron can express their opinions. That is what loving my country is all about. That does not make his opinion valid or rational. The overriding point is that if he had been called to serve his country, he would have refused. I cannot imagine what such a person must think of himself when looking in a mirror.
Don Luke,
Morgan Hill
P.S. I am not expressing my opinion at high volume or while red-faced, like the imaginary people he referenced.
