Recent surveys have made me a bit concerned. These are surveys confirming a significant decline in patriotism. In fact, our love of country is at an all-time low. Patriotism is defined as “love for country or devotion to one’s country.” It would be easy to go down the academic rabbit hole here and contrast “patriotism” with “nationalism,” the latter being “my country right or wrong.” That’s not me as I know we’re not perfect. However, I also understand the difference between an absolute comparison where one judges to an ideal, nonrealistic standard of perfection, and a relative comparison where we judge against available options. 

When did loving your country and appreciation of all of its opportunities fall out of favor? In history, we learned the proud proclamation of Nathan Hale: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” My, how far we’ve come or is it how far we’ve fallen? Are our Fourth of July celebrations little more than a parade of second-tier recycled politicians? The headlines of President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech will note the well-known, “Ask not what your country can do for you …,” but the real message continued on, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.” Great cautionary message to send the world, yet here we sit today with the erosion of that sentiment. 

Is it the ubiquitous cultural wars and condemnation of success that has fueled the erosion or even the death of patriotism? When we want to see the direction of societal thought, a trend if you will, simply look at the pulse of those in the queue. This would be the next generation to come. Unfortunately, only 29 percent of Americans state they are extremely proud to be American, according to Gallup. However, shockingly only 18 percent of those age 18 to 34 are proud of our country and the trend reflected in Figure 1 is disconcerting at best. 

So, why is it that “older” Americans love their country more? 

Here’s my take:

Could it be that as you live longer, you appreciate more? As you age, do you see more, read more, travel more, experience more, and thus become better-positioned to appreciate more, including the unparalleled opportunities of our great country? A country whose economic and social structure is anchored in meritocracy, which has enabled our entire PVF and metals distribution community to not only exist but thrive and prosper while we create jobs. It’s a social structure that rewards those who take risks and on, and on. We are also a country anchored in the rule of law as is often punctuated by my good friend Barry Zekelman.

What if we had the wrong name or even the wrong bloodline? What if we had to be related to a king or seek the king’s permission to be in business? Few of the next generation realize that those countries exist. Yes, as you are free to criticize our government, please know in other countries it brings you imprisonment or execution. At least have the intellectual capacity to separate a government and its officials from this wonderful country of opportunity. Do those not proud of our country and freedom realize that simply expressing such dissension in other countries can literally lead to death? My God, in the USA you can even legally burn our flag … just don’t do it in front of me.

Voltaire captured it perfectly: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Throughout the world there are places where women must hide to study under a blanket and candle. In other places, forced female circumcision is the norm. Others yet, where those educated are targeted as they are seen as a threat to the incumbent government. I have traveled in those countries and can bear firsthand witness.

A democracy is such a wonderful blessing. For those of us born here or are the product of courageous immigrants who made great sacrifices and incurred great risk to give their children a better life or, in many cases, a chance for life! How do we not all scream patriotism from the mountaintop? 

As democracies emerge throughout the world, you might recall the purple thumbs of those allowed to vote for the first time. Yet we sit in this wonderful country of opportunity and have an ever-growing chorus of victims and complainers. Just think, throughout this world of 8 billion people, 80 million are currently starving to death, 4 billion people are living on less than $2 per day, 1.4 billion have no electricity, 1.1 billion can’t read or write, and 720 million have no access to a drink of clean water. 

Yet, 71 percent of us are not proud to be an American! Understand the life you bitch about is the same life others dream about. In our organization, colleagues can stay and be happy or leave and be unhappy. What is not an option is to stay and be cynical. On that note, for those not happy with our country, I suspect the same option exists. 

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain