US patriotism Is Important In A Democracy
Kamala Sarup
US patriotism, as in other countries, runs from one extreme to another
among its citizens; that is from fervent nationalism to utter apathy.
Patriotism in the US reaches a high level during a time of war, suchas
what we have seen in Iraq today, although there are many US critics of
this war, especially when the US is not winning.
Nevertheless, for the next few days there will be millions of flags
and buntings displayed all around the US. This week, many TV channels
will show many old war movies. Because of the Iraq war, many autos
have been displaying the yellow ribbon sticker with the
slogan,"Support the troops" for many months, but they become more
convincing on July 4.
However, some Americans are opposing Iraq war.
It is one thing to declare independence and another thing to achieve
it. A long and bloody war was waged before the
U.S. was able to defeat the British in a final victory in 1781. The
Peace Treaty of 1783 between the two countries officially made the
U.S. independent in fact.
Congress approves a Resolution of Independence introduced on June 7 by
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. At this time, from the American point
of view, the colonies cease to exist; that is, they are now
independent (sovereign) states. However, Great Britain views them as
rebellious colonies and attempts during the next five years to subdue
them with force.
If you see the Parliament of England (after March 26, 1707, Great
Britain) passes a series of laws that favor its manufacturing and
trading companies and raise government duty revenues at the expense of
its colonies. These are collectively known as the Navigation Acts.
During the same period, extensions of two British Currency Acts limit
the amount of coinage in the colonies and prohibit their coining of
money, which inhibit intercolonial trade. These laws cause discontent
among the American colonies, particularly the 13 along the Atlantic
seaboard, since they adversely affect their manufacturing and
commerce.An American researcher Stanly stated with me.
Stanly said " On April 19, 1775, Revolutionary War begins with the
battles of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, between about 4,000
patriot ("rebel") minutemen and militia and about 1,800 British
troops. And June 14, at the same year congress adopts the New England
and New York forces and appoints a committee to draft regulations for
a Continental Army. It authorizes 10 companies of riflemen from
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. This is the birthday of the U.S.
Army and the Army Infantry. June 17, battle of Bunker Hill between
about 2,000 patriots and 2,500 British troops occurs.
Patriots are forced to withdraw because of lack of ammunition after
inflicted heavy losses on the British. This battle convinces Britain
that defeating the rebels will not be easy. On October 13, congress
authorizes the fitting out of two vessels to intercept ships carrying
suppplies to British forces. This is the birthday of the U.S. Navy.
November 10, congress authorizes two marine battalions. This is the
birthday of the Marine Corps.
Independenc day and love to the nation is important in a development
and in a democracy. Since many Americans have strong beliefs,
independency day is necessary to protect American values.
Independenc day making the country strong and safer. The connection
between Independence Day and the nation is that they use the values.
But In the U.S., there were many stresses on democracy. The slavery
issue was the most significant and bloody and almost resulted in the
U.S. becoming two countries, North and South of the 36th latitude in
the 1860s.
In the U.S. in the 19th century, democracy and development gradually
reformed so that the people at the bottom gained some share in wealth.
Journalist and Story Writer Kamala Sarup is specialising in in-depth reporting and writing on Peace, Anti War, Women, Terrorism, Democracy, and Development. Some of her publications are: Women's Empowermentin(South Asia, Nepal)Booklet). Prevention of trafficking in women through media,(Book) Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in for Media Activism (Media research). Two Stories collections. Her interests include international conflict resolution, cross-cultural communication, philosophy, feminism, political, socio-economic and literature. Her current plans are to move on to humanitarian work in conflict areas in the near future. She also is experienced in organizational and community development. A meeting of jury members held on 21 March in Geneva has decided to attribute Kamala Sarup, The Conservative Voice, writer, with a Honurable Mention of International Award for Women Issue.
