Misplaced Patriotism

     It's been quite some time since I've written anything. A failing computer has played a small part in this dearth, but the great underlying reason is a simple inability to say anything sensible about my world or my thoughts on it. The Bible clearly states that Christians are to expect persecution. Nevertheless, persecution when it comes can be difficult to reconcile with a healthy self-image. I've never had a problem with being called a holy roller or a Bible thumper. I've always enjoyed not fitting in the popular mode. I am also at home with the knowledge that I am a bit of an as--, er, that is, a disagreeable sort of person. Likewise, I've gotten comfortable with being a narrow-minded, racist, sexist, homophobe.

     Names and labels don't bother me. Some people say I go out of my way to garner the virulent recoil which I so often encounter. Those people are wrong. My opinions have always been delivered along the way; no detour was ever necessary. What has occupied my mind of late is the frustration and anger I feel watching the blind, lock-step parade of the unthinking that is driving the country into ruin. The piecemeal destruction of our personal freedoms has given me new insight on those who take to fenced compounds.

   These feelings are disturbing because I long ago gave up pledging allegiance; singing the national anthem or honoring the old oath to support and defend a country which no longer exists. I thought myself a true stranger and pilgrim without country. At this late date, to find smoldering embers of patriotism still within my heart is disconcerting.

     I shouldn't care that the President pays no heed to the law or that he encourages foreigners to invade. But, I do. I shouldn't care that we, as a people, are spending our way into perdition. I do. I shouldn't care that children today are bereft of manners, education, or sense of history. Yet, I do and this is troubling.

     The irony is that years ago I told people to quit trying to work America into the events foretold in the Revelation. I was certain that before the end comes America, if it exists at all it, will be a third rate country. Being right is not all it's cracked up to be.