For 2012 Irene has started In God We Still Trust – A 365 – Day Devotional written by Dr. Richard G. Lee.  On January 2nd, Patriotism is defined . . . “Noah Webster’s An American Dictionary of English Language, 1828: patriotism n. Love of one’s country; the passion which aims to serve one’s country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity.  Patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen. 

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Diction, Eleventh Edition, copyright 2004 patiotism, n. Love for or devotion to one’s country.

Note how the definitions have changed.  With its objective actions, Noah Webster’s patriotism is very different from the vague, subjective patriotism of one who only feels love for his country.  True patriotism is not just an emotional feeling; it is action.

Webster’s original definition starts with a love for country, but moves to specific actions; service to country, defense starts with a love for country, but moves to specific actions to country, defense of country, protection  of the rights of country, maintenance of the laws and institutions of country, and preservation of religion and morality in public and private life.  This kind of patriotism puts the needs of the country above personal and partisan desires, as well as above the favor of foreign nations.  ”

The men of Judah . . . remained loyal to their king.  2 Samuel 20:2

With the 2012 Elections approaching, research the candidate you are voting for and know where they stand on the issues important to you.