My definition of a patriot doesn't boil down to a catchy phrase. I think a patriot, in whatever country s/he/it finds her/him/itself is one who is mindful of the good one can bring to that country in its efforts to become or remain an ever-increasingly good place to live, for all.

In Juneau, Alaska, there is a current controversy. In the July 4th parade, there was a man in a whole-head mask of Bush. He carried a plaque that read: I think I served. On his chest and back were the phrases: Commit Troops. Cut Benefits.

Well! The debris hit the fan. A myriad of letters to the editor are debating the issue fore and aft. Some are saying that that person was "UnAmerican." "Unpatriotic". "Disrespectful." "Cowardly". "Confusing to children". "Blatantly political" (Ha! As if the bunting and pictures and the military contingents and politicians running for office weren't!). At this point, the parade committee has said that from now on, they will monitor for "appropriate" activities and entries. And of course, most of us are saying Fie upon you!, that there is no more appropriate forum for dissent than an occasion that addresses and celebrates our nation, good and bad.

One of my favorite lines in the song 'America, the Beautiful' is "(May) God mend thine every flaw". With the proviso that it is man who must mend the flaws, I think it's a wonderful precept.