American Pride

“For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback… not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."

These words of Michelle Obama have received a lot of attention in the media. It is significant that most of the flap over her words has come not from Obama's immediate rival, Hillary Clinton, but from Cindy McCain and other conservatives. This small point highlights a big problem in politics. Pride has become synonymous with patriotism. Patriotism is a word that implies action. Someone who is patriotic not only loves her country but is willing to serve it and fight for it. Pride is a feeling, often a dangerous one. I have heard so many responses to Mrs. Obama's comment along the lines of "I'm ALWAYS proud of my country, no matter what." And therein lies the problem. If you love your country, then you want to see it become the best it can possibly be. That can't happen if pride gets in the way of pointing out the problems we have, the mistakes we have made. Rhetoric and lapel pins apparently have become more important than action.

I read this comment on a post on Mark Elrod's blog:
"Call me crazy, but perhaps Mrs. Obama was speaking as a Black woman for whom very much of this national-cultural experience has in fact been shameful, and perhaps she’s experiencing pride as a page of history turns with resolve. Of course, I don’t know her, but I can imagine some macro-relief and joy in this awfully significant moment in history when a Black man and a Woman duke it out in hard scrabble politics for a legitimate, mandated prize. It’s new, and perhaps her pride is too." - JRB

Couldn't have said it better myself.

My hope is that we Americans will love our country enough to want to make it the best it can be, work doggedly to bring about the changes that need to be made, and, like Michelle Obama, reserve our pride for those moments in our nation's history that merit pride.

I've added a few elements to my blog: The Cost of War counter, favorite books, websites, and blogs. I will try to update these periodically. First I'll give a few very brief reviews of some of the books I recommend.

Mountains Beyond Mountains
I can't say enough good things about this book, or about Dr. Paul Farmer. What sets him apart from most medical "missionaries" is his incredible compassion for his patients. He is funny, profane, brilliant, and driven. The book primarily involves his work in Haiti, but you can learn more about his organization, Partners in Health at www.pih.org.


Surprised by Joy
I've read every book C.S. Lewis has written, and this one is my favorite. It tells the story of his early life, and his journey from childish belief to atheism to genuine faith. This is the book that made me fall in love with C.S. Lewis.

The Case for Christianity
The Lewis book I recommend most frequently. It was also published under the title Broadcast Talks. This tiny volume can be read in a sitting, and presents an intelligent, logical case for belief in Jesus.

If God is Love
A radical book about universal salvation. You may not agree with the authors, but it will challenge you to think and to live more compassionately. I'm a big fan of Philip Gulley.

The Irresistible Revolution
One of the most challenging books I have read in a long time. Challenging because I cannot disagree with his philosophy, but I am not ready to put it into practice.

The Language of God
Francis Collins led the Human Genome Project. In this book he makes a compelling case for both Darwinian Evolution, and faith in Jesus Christ. DNA is the Language of God. A beautiful case for the coexistence of faith and reason.