Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards appeared in Missoula, Montana yesterday, speaking at the University of Montana. His message was clear: He wants the chance as the next President to help lift America up to a higher standard.
In particular, Edwards wants to broaden the definition of patriotism beyond the small militaristic vision it now occupies. “We need a president that asks Americans to be patriotic about something other than war,” Edwards said.
What else besides war could Americans be patriotic about than war? How about being responsible stewards of American land, water and air? New West reports that “Edwards said he would ask Americans to conserve in their homes, offices and cars.”
Restraining wasteful use of America’s natural resources for the sake of the common good has a lot more to do with genuine progressive patriotism than sending off American resources and citizens into an unnecessary war, to be destroyed.
(Source: New West, September 4, 2007)
