A New Chronicle in American Pride

Let’s just reflect for a moment on the pride and affinity that we have for this country.

Okay, good. Depending on your life experiences, you may still need time or you were finished before I typed the word “country”. I’ll pray for the latter.

As we gear up for the July 4th holiday, we anticipate all that it means to be an American. We bring the flag out of the basement and hang it on the front porch.

America the Beautiful credit: Wikipedia

We buy $5 flag t-shirts at Old Navy for the entire family (they always seem to be marked down to $3 after the holiday). We plan a day at the beach or park. Let’s not forget the pride that captivates us as we watch the mass fireworks presentation and hear the symphony play the national anthem of the United States of America — The Star-Spangled Banner.

As a side note, Marvin Gaye’s 1983 rendition gives me serious goosebumps. How much pride do you feel when you see a photo of the two American athletes raising their fists in protest at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City?

Alright, side note complete.

The Black Power Salute

Mrs. Michelle Obama (my new role model) has been heavily criticized for her comments about pride and her country. She told a group:

For the first time in my adult life, I’m really proud of my country.

She has defended those remarks and clarified that she was referring to politics and government policies in America and not pride in the American flag (pin) so to speak. She claims that more people are becoming involved in the political process than ever before.

The new chronicle in American pride is a ‘Got-cha!’ The right and far-right (although near-right is probably as guilty) have been smearing Mrs. Obama as a “Mad Black Woman” who can’t see the opportunties that Lady Liberty grants. (Also, Sen. Obama has been criticized for not wearing a flag pin, yet he wears one now and the critics have been muted).

Here’s the “got-cha”: Sen. John McCain has been quoted on several occasions in print and live media saying, “I didn’t really love America until I was deprived of her company”. Say what?!! Check out this piece on Huffington Post. The saga will continue. Oh, but I wish it would end.

We all have a close “loving” relationship with this nation. The land is beautiful, but the policies (and the questioning of other Americans’ pride) must change.