As a member of the growing opposition movement to war with Iraq, I have
reflected on the meaning of patriotism.  Patriotism is difficult when I
recognize that the concept seems to hide the hearts of one people from
another.  Moreover, my studies of Americašs role in the world have
sorely challenged my personal sense of patriotism.  From the federal
governmentšs support of brutal dictatorships to corporate exploitation
of the poor, I find little evidence to swell my breast with patriotic
fervor.  Now, I am asked to support a war that is clearly immoral and a
violation of international law.

Because I question such a war, The Mining Journal labels me unpatriotic.
 Worse, I am a threat to the country, a partisan of terrorists.  The
editors would have me believe that patriotism amounts to unquestioned
acceptance of authority, abdication of my human capacity for critical
thought, and blind obedience to the efficacy of violence in solving
human affairs.  Should I accept this definition of patriotism, I believe
I must shave my head, put on a camouflage uniform, and goose step my way
about town.  Well, I suppose there is an historical precedent.

No.  I reject The Mining Journalšs definition of patriotism.  My
opposition to the war does not make me less a patriot than the editors
who choose to quote Rush Limbaugh and limit their understanding of the
world to the pronouncements of FOX News.

My opposition and defiance to the administrationšs war plans follows in
the best tradition of political dissent in this country.  Americans have
always challenged the authority and presumptions of government.  Are we
to stop now because the conservative right has decided that dissent in
this instance equates weakness in the face of the supposed enemy? 
Twenty-two years ago, I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the
United States as a soldier in the Army.  I was willing to die then and I
am willing to die now for the Constitution.  I am not, however, willing
to die for the promotion of multinational corporate profits, advancement
of U.S. imperialism and militarism around the war, and uncritical
acceptance of authority.

I will not sit idly by as my country, in my name, kills thousands,
brings untold misery to millions, and denies the very freedoms to
billions that I now enjoy.  I will be the best of patriots and I will
say NO!

Marcus C. Robyns