The word “patriot” gins up different meanings to different people in different situations. For instance, while George W. Bush was president, it was the left’s “patriotic duty” to criticize and question every single move he made. Now, when someone questions an action taken by the Obama administration, the reverse seems to be true: “How unpatriotic to question our elected leader.” But I would like to put forth my definition of the word. In my mind, a patriot is one who puts up while others shut up. That’s it, nothing profound, nothing Shakespearean. A patriot is a citizen who understands the ideals and values this country was founded on and is not afraid to speak up when we digress away from said values and ideals.

The Constitution is nothing more to the left than a suggestion of ideals to strive for as long as it doesn’t contradict their larger agenda. This explains the duplicitous nature of their using the Constitution when it suits them but screaming bloody murder when it’s used against them. A true patriot will stand firm, point to the law of this land and say, “Here’s the basis for my belief, take it or leave it.” Much like a Christian points to the Bible, or a Jew the Torah, a true patriot will not avert their eyes away from the source of our rights, the outline of our national identity, and choose a path of self over country.

This level of sacrifice comes most fervently in the form of voluntary military service. Anyone who is brave enough to put on the Kevlar and stand a post is alright by me. These are true patriots. I come from a long line of patriots. My maternal grandfather was a Word War I veteran. I’ve had uncles in both Word War II and the Korean War. My father was in the National Guard. I tried to go into the US Navy but failed the physical and now I’m too old and broken-down. My service record will have to be made with words and not bullets. I’m okay with that.

So here’s what I propose. I will declare a war on the left with my words alone. Consider this the shot across the bow of the left’s ship of state. I pledge my intellect, in whatever form it may take, to bring this country back to the roots that made it great to begin with. We are better than this, our current state of affairs, and we will be again.