National Chairman's Letter

On Patriotism

October 2001

Dear Members and Friends of the Independent American Party,

Our IAP National Mission statement begins: "Our mission is to promote respect for life, liberty and property; strong traditional families; patriotism; ...." Let's talk about patriotism.

America has been a patriotic nation from the Revolution through World War II. And then patriotism waned. We had a resurgence of patriotism during the Gulf War in 1991; and again following the infamous terrorist attacks on America September 11.

But is today's patriotism the same as that of past centuries? Certainly there is a love of country and a hate of terrorism. Can this surge of patriotism match that of early patriots? Can it unfold in resolve to defend our Christian heritage? Will it swell in resolve to defend our nation's freedom and sovereignty against all forms of tyranny?

The true patriot loves God, his family, and his country; loves freedom; and loves the Constitution, the flag, and all that is good in America. And is willing to fight for them.

Our early schools encouraged patriotism. The textbooks included "The Lives of the Signers" about their lives and sacrifices; and "Washington's Farewell Address" which emphasized the importance of religion and morality. American history was taught as it unfolded.

Our patriotic hymns include the phrases:

• "My country, tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty;"
• "Oh, beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years;"
• "Our fathers' God, to thee, Author of liberty;"
• "Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light;"
• "God shed his grace on thee."

We honor our servicemen from all wars and conflicts -- knowing that those who fought and died in Korea and Viet Nam made no less a sacrifice than those who fought and died at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, or Normandy. We feel tears in our eyes at the sight of Old Glory, and a lump in our throat at the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.

But patriotism has been under attack!

In our schools, there is a downgrading of American heroes and distorting of American history. Kids read that our founders were atheists, agnostics or deists; and land-owners with selfish interests. Many school functions allow no Pledge of Allegiance. Schools now have a United Nations Day and a pseudo UN organization. Our enemies know that the destruction of a child's love of country and patriotism is the first educational step towards world citizenship.

As our nation falters and our leaders fail to measure up, we lose our respect for government. Many voters are apathetic because of disillusionment; being turned off by politics; a feeling of helplessness to do anything about it; and indifference or ignorance. Our citizenship roles have become blurred as we are less able to identify the good in America.

Consequently, we have lost much of our patriotism. There has been little respect for the flag or Anthem, or for our servicemen and women. Soldiers and even nurses who served in Viet Nam were actually spit upon when they returned to America. No wonder they weep when they see the Wall.

For the luke-warm patriot:

•  Mark Twain said: "In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, Brave, Hated, and Scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, For then it costs nothing to be a Patriot."

•  "Nothing is less worthy of honor than an old man who has no other evidence of having lived long, except his age." (Seneca)

•  "Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty." (Thomas Jefferson)

•  Samuel Adams said: "If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."

And for the true patriot:

•  Someone said: "To be born free is a privilege. To die free is an awesome responsibility."

•  "The greatest glory of a freeborn people is to transmit that freedom to their children." (William Harward)

•  Ezra Taft Benson said: "The God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government. And he has sent other choice spirits to preserve it."

•  James Madison said: "Resistance to tyranny is service to God."

I urge all of you to actively join the Independent American Party in our patriotic cause for America!

Yours for Freedom!

Bruce Bangerter
IAP National Chairman