Author Mark Twain stated, “Loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to government when it deserves it”. In his farewell address, George Washington expressed the importance of putting America above any local or foreign identity. We disagree with Washington's absolute take on patriotism as this may create a populous which blindly adopts the decree of an unjust government.
A big concern during the time of Washington’s farewell address was the fear of Americans identifying more closely with their states than with the national government. This fear was forwarded by events such as the creation of the Articles of Confederation and, later on, the Toledo and Civil Wars. Today, many people are divided in different ways, and we, in contrast to George Washington, agree that this divide is warranted.
Washington declared that America has the “right to concentrate your affections”. During the Vietnam War, there were several anti-war protests that took place. Most famously, at Kent State. Many viewed this as unpatriotic, however, …show more content…
During World War II, the fear of messages being intercepted was great. In an attempt to avoid this, more than 400 Navajo Indians were recruited to relay messages in their tribal language. This was highly successful, and it was a large contribution to the Allied Powers. Despite the atrocities historically committed against Native Americans, the Code Talkers used an important part of their culture to help fight for the well-being and security of America.
Today, Washington would have far less to fear. People are recognizing that national identity, state identity, and local identity should be balanced. This is exerted through programs such as Boys and Girls Scouts. The groups are held at a local level, and they are able to identify themselves with their states and their nation. The Boys Scouts’ Oath includes the phrase, “to honor my nation”, reflecting Washington’s
A big concern during the time of Washington’s farewell address was the fear of Americans identifying more closely with their states than with the national government. This fear was forwarded by events such as the creation of the Articles of Confederation and, later on, the Toledo and Civil Wars. Today, many people are divided in different ways, and we, in contrast to George Washington, agree that this divide is warranted.
Washington declared that America has the “right to concentrate your affections”. During the Vietnam War, there were several anti-war protests that took place. Most famously, at Kent State. Many viewed this as unpatriotic, however, …show more content…
During World War II, the fear of messages being intercepted was great. In an attempt to avoid this, more than 400 Navajo Indians were recruited to relay messages in their tribal language. This was highly successful, and it was a large contribution to the Allied Powers. Despite the atrocities historically committed against Native Americans, the Code Talkers used an important part of their culture to help fight for the well-being and security of America.
Today, Washington would have far less to fear. People are recognizing that national identity, state identity, and local identity should be balanced. This is exerted through programs such as Boys and Girls Scouts. The groups are held at a local level, and they are able to identify themselves with their states and their nation. The Boys Scouts’ Oath includes the phrase, “to honor my nation”, reflecting Washington’s