Good morning. I am getting a late start of things. I have been thinking lately of patriotism and what it means. One of the most patriotic things you can do is vote. It was no more than 40 years ago - 40 - that people in America were still dying for the right to perform the simple act of voting.

This weekend we celebrate our nation's independence, and we are still fighting for that very right.

A patriot forces change in order to make this country better. A patriot questions the status quo. A patriot raises all Americans up. A patriot is one who loves the American experience and knows that in its flaws we can strive to be a better country by fixing what is broken.

Those who marched for civil rights are patriots; those who fight to save our Constitution are patriots. We have patriots today walking among us. They don't need a flag pin or purple bandaids. They have the courage to risk it all for our country. Our soldiers are not the only patriots, and we must stop the co-opting of patriotism for politican gains.

Patriotism was striking in Birmingham. Patriotism is sitting down and performing acts of non-violence to end injustices. Patriotism is what drives each one of us to commit random acts whatever they may be to make this country a better place -- not for a few -- but a better place that lifts every American up.

Patriotism forces the change that might never happen if no one speaks up. Someone has to be the rabble rouser; otherwise, no one will pay attention.

Go -- be a little patriotic today.

:heart: and :peace:

Raine