My own personal Patriot Act

Thanks to those who left comments on my previous entry about Goshen College. A quick synopsis: a conservative talk radio host, Mike Gallagher, criticized Goshen College (one of our local colleges) and accused them of lacking patriotism for not playing the national anthem at sporting events, and wondered why they are accepting federal student aid. There were some questions, and I would like to address this a little further. I've been thinking, you see. (RUN!)

In his Devil's Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce had this to say about patriotism: "Combustible rubbish read to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name. In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer I beg to submit that it is the first." If you recall my commentary on Bierce in the past, you'll remember that Ambrose could be a little...harsh. However, unbridled patriotism results in extreme nationalism and jingoism, and a feeling of "my country right or wrong."

I can't go as far as Bierce, and believe me, I love our country and believe I am fortunate to live here. But I do wonder at some of the concerns in our country about "lack of patriotism." First of all, patriotism is not a concrete entity with a set definition; it is a concept, a feeling that one harbors for one's country. To provide what I think is a fair example, it is similar to faith: it cannot be held in the hand, but it is an idea that is real to many. Outward manifestations of patriotism, such as flying the flag or singing patriotic songs, are symbols of that feeling, not requirements or evidence that someone is displaying appropriate enthusiasm.

Because patriotism is an ideological concept, the government cannot legislate patriotism--OR faith. It is a feeling that is unique to the individual, and there are no guidelines for what makes a "good patriot," any more than the government gets to decide who is a good Christian, or a good Jew, or anyone of any other religion. Who would make those guidelines? What would those guidelines entail? If the guidelines were not followed, what would be the punishment? There is no legislation stating that in order to be patriotic, certain laws must be followed and certain songs must be sung, or that certain behavior must be exhibited. There is also no cause to question someone's (or some college's) patriotism because they choose not to play the national anthem. That is their choice, and for whatever reason they have made that choice, their decision must be respected. No reason is necessary or must be given. The government cannot regulate or legislate ideas. We're edging dangerously close to 1984 territory there.

Federal student aid is not predicated upon whether or not a college falls in line with some nebulous definition of patriotism, let alone the definition of some jackbooted talk radio host. Goshen College is not a church, it is a college. It is not run by the Mennonite church, it was founded by people of that faith, much the way Cornell and Johns Hopkins were founded by Quakers, Liberty University was founded by Baptists, and Notre Dame (and many other universities) was founded by Catholics. Any such college or university, and the students who attend, is eligible for federal aid.

Just as we all make our own decisions regarding faith, Goshen College has made the decision to not play the national anthem during their athletic events. I don't question why (although it seems to be based upon the pacifist nature of the founders of the college), and the reason is not important. It is their decision to make, not mine, not our government's, and certainly not Mike Gallagher's. I stand by my statement that Gallagher was way out of line in his remarks against the college, and if any Goshen College students or faculty members happen to read this, I say, "GO MAPLE LEAFS!"