When you think of patriotism, which party comes to mind? For many it’s the Republican Party. Why is that? It’s because the Republicans made an effort to claim patriotism and it’s definition. Patriotism has come to mean wearing an American flag lapel pin, fighting for ones country in the military and loyalty to country by never criticizing, no matter what.

This is not the definition of patriotism.

Patriotism is love and devotion to ones country. How this is expressed is as varied as there are people on the planet. In the USA we have many rights and responsibilities as citizens to hold our country to high standards – that is patriotism – a love so deep, devotion so constant that no one will bring down what we value.

Consider unions and how they have risen and fallen in the last 150 years. Hard fought rights by many that were beaten, jailed and killed to improve the lives of all American workers. Corruption infiltrated unions causing a wedge between worker and union which created a gap where business owners could take advantage and weaken union strongholds.

Citizens coming together to demand fair treatment is an inalienable American right and a patriotic stand. No one wants to return to the work conditions before unions and no one wants corrupt unions to unfairly treat businesses. The solution is in transparency and balance.

How will you express your patriotism? Inform your legislative representatives of your values and standards for this country. Support your local unions, teacher unions and other workers that are treated unfairly. Get to know the issues, be informed and share your opinion. Vote. Be informed about your local school district, town, county and state issues. Keeping America great is about maintaining our gains and fighting for our country.

The restaurant was closed where my friend and I were going to meet for breakfast. I called her to create a new plan, watching for her to come from my left. As we talked she said she would turn around. I said but you’re not even here yet. She replied, yes I am, I am on your right.

I was looking for her to come from the scenic route to my left. She chose to come down the main highway on my right. I would take the back roads every time. I love the countryside, get easily tired of highway driving, and would always opt for trees, rivers and cows.

It’s easy to assume everyone thinks like me and shocking at times to find out “they” don’t. It’s time to let go of the idea that politics and religion are taboo topics. This came into being when it was decided that people became too angry and out of control to have a civil conversation.

Civil conversation is what will save this country.

Begin to reach out to those that voted other than you did this year. Not to convince them of your point of view, but to understand their point of view. We need to find common ground. We need to hear about the lives of others and the reasons for their choices. There will be some who will not be able to have a civil conversation and you can walk away from those, but do persist and find people you can talk with – and listen.