Patriotism is the one word you hardly hear associated with Dr. King, or Obama for that matter

[BeyondGeography]

And that shows you just how far we still have to go.

The founding documents, which contain language so holy about the rights of man as to inspire belief in a higher power, are what have animated so many leaders in our country, and King was no different. You can find many examples of Dr. King being asked by white reporters whether his last acomplishmet was a "victory for black people," So often, his first response was to gently point out that anytime civil rights, equal opportunity and justice are advanced it's a victory for the American people. When King was delivering that message, there wasn't much of an audience for it, but he was playing for keeps.

What has always amazed me about my fellow white people in the country is how few of them acknowledge the desperation of being de facto second-class citizens in a capitalist economy, the awful legacy of slavery, and the need for consolation that results from the systemic exclusion and punishment that is inflicted on racial minorities. King found solace in his faith and the fact that the religious principles he held so dear were reflected by our most cherished principles. King gave his life so that those principles could be advanced. That's heroism which transcends race. That's making our country better in every sense of the word. That makes us more powerful, in the constructive sense of soft power and the real respect that it commands around the world. Those are the deeds of a patriot. But, four decades later, too many white people still can't get past the physical aspect of his race to appreciate these essential human outcomes.

The fact that a few out-of-context quotes from Obama's pastor have cast a cloud of doubt over Obama's own obvious love for this country shows just how far we haven't come. We're far more inclined to focus on the absence of a lapel pin, or whether his hand was over his heart during the singing of tha national anthem.

As we head toward November, patriotism will be the big issue again. In fact, the MSM assumes this will Obama's greatest challenge, proving his love for his country, especially when he's toting that truth-telling wife of his personal baggage cart and competing against a white war hero. Obama has said he looks forward to the debate and to demonstrating what true patriotism really is, which tells me he has thought deeply about this paradox. Don't be surprised if there's another teaching moment like we had on March 18, this time on patriotism. And don't be surprised when Barack Obama hits it out of the park once again.

[K Gardner]

1. You've hit this one out of the park. K&R

[MNDemNY]

2. Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

[Lobster Martini]

3. Recommended. Much to think about. Cheers. (n/t)

[FrenchieCat]

4. And we must be aware and write to the big and small media ......

because they are the ones setting that agenda. They are the ones largely responsible for the divisions in this country at this time. They will be getting my full attention come when Obama is the nominee. This will be a challenge that we can win.

And yes, Obama is just the person to spell out that patriotism is more than just mere symbols and empty words.