Question Obama’s Policies, Not His Patriotism
July 2, 2008
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama gave a speech Monday on patriotism. That he felt the need to says something about our polluted politics.
For too long, those on my side of the political spectrum have behaved as if those on the other side love their country less than we do. This distinction is based on policy differences. I reject that notion.
Many of my liberal friends have served in the military, or had parents who did. They pay their taxes and care for the future of the country as much as I do. That they have different ideas about how to make the country better doesn’t mean they love America less or not at all.
My friend, Bob Beckel, and I wrote about patriotism in our book, Common Ground, the paperback version of which comes out later this month. Bob loves America. I know him well and travel with him. On some things we agree. On others we don’t. He’s a Democrat. I’m a conservative. He opposes the Iraq war. I think we must finish the job as this war is more than just Iraq. We both love America. I think Obama does, too. Now can we get back to debating which policies are best for America?
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
Originally published July 02, 2008.
