That argument is old, tired and stupid.
Since 9/11, the nation has been overwhelmed by the rebirth of abject patriotism, complete with overzealous Americanists nearly threatening to throw beatdowns to anyone who flirts with sedition.
That patriotism is based not on pure love for country, but pure unadulterated fear. That patriotism is sad indeed, because it does not allow for opposing thought or reason, or, even reality.
One of the speeches right after 9/11 from the dim-witted man who happens to be president of this nation, drew an uncomfortable line in the sand. In that speech, Bush proclaimed "either you are with us, or with the terrorists."
Perhaps he knows that fear will make people choose. I think he is afraid himself, because he's scaring people here and abroad and forcing them to live in fear.
I have fear as well. But I think my fears are different from the fears of the heretics who want more violence to follow the violence that has visited these shores.
My fear is for humans--not Americans, not Iraqis, not Afghanis, nor any other nationality, but humans. I fear for the lives that will continue to be lost on other soil and potentially here at home, because America is so afraid.
Americans are so frightened that they are willing to follow any plan from anyone who is taking a stand and talking like they can protect this nation, even if that plan includes giving up civil liberties and violating the rights of citizens who may look like the "the enemy."
I've gotten used to the overbearing patriotism, even though there are fewer flags and less "Americans don't live in fear," sentiment, since its not on television as much, but what I won't get used to is the tired old response to criticism of the nation: "love it or leave it."
Okay, enough is enough. Here is my official reply to anyone who wants me to "love it or leave it" as the cost of living in the seat of capitalism, greed and blind allegiance to dogmatic national rhetoric: "Shut up and leave yourself."
Let's deal with some simple realities. I dislike a great deal about this nation, but the same types of selfish, greedy potato-heads who have screwed with America, have screwed with every nation on the planet. There is no pocket or haven from greed and vulture-like enterprise in the name of democracy or some such form of government, which is supposed to be for, by and of the people, but is typically none of those things.
Therefore, no one is going to force me to leave this nation, which is ostensibly more my own birthright than theirs anyway. Their ancestors invaded this land and stole it, or if they came later, were more than likely welcomed with open arms. My ancestors worked the land for its invaders. Now if a Native American asks me to leave, I may have to evaluate things.
My ancestors built this nation and were not only a part of the early commerce, they were product and provided crucial service without ever receiving remuneration. They gave their lives after and/or during having their blood, sweat and tears extracted to promulgate and even to defend America.
I have deaf ears for conversations about someone's grandfather storming the beach at Normandy, when my ancestors stormed foreign lands as well as the southern portions of this nation to secure a freedom they never tasted.
In the words of Paul Robeson: "My father was a slave and my people died to build this country, and I'm going to stay right here and have part of it, just like you. And no fascist-minded people like you will drive me from it. Is that clear?"
Here are some other things that I will not do:
I refuse to wave the flag, I will not stand for the national anthem (unless it begins with "Lift every voice and sing..."), I will not remember the Alamo, and I will never view George W. Bush as a heroic president.
I will not discontinue discussions on whether President Bush was complicit in 9/11, just as I still discuss Roosevelt's possible complicity in Pearl Harbor.
I will not stop challenging both political parties, the voting process or the refusal of a rich, greedy nation to care for its poor huddled masses, still yearning to be free and to get health coverage.
I will never cease to chide consistent foreign policies that ignore or pay lip service to the pain and wretched conditions of Africans and African Americans, yet will fly to the rescue of anyone with cash, oil or "strategic alliance."
America may very well be the best country in the world. But if it is, that position was secured at the expense of too many people, including my own and I am not happy with that, nor did I vote for it to be that way.
From my study of the history of this nation, it was founded by a bunch of people who were disgruntled about the governing they got in one nation and decided to form a "more perfect union." They challenged the government in place, and replaced it with what they thought would be better.
What they thought would be better is a nation where sedition is distasteful to some, but still the right of all.
So, yes, I am an American, but I am not a patriot.
If any overzealous patriot has a problem with that, then, ultimately, you have a problem with America.
I think you should leave.
- Darryl James is an award-winning author who is now a filmmaker. His first mini-movie, "Crack," was released in March of 2006. He is currently filming a full length documentary. James' latest book, "Bridging The Black Gender Gap," is the basis of his lectures and seminars. Previous installments of this column can now be viewed at www.bridgecolumn.com. James can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
