Patriotism isn't about the strength of your politics

As I near age 80 on July 27, I embrace Independence Day with fondness, as shoulder-to-shoulder we stand united in freedom. John Adams, our second president, envisioned such patriotic celebrations. On July 2, 1776, he wrote the day be “… Commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It will be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to another, from this time forward forever more.”

Within days, our Founding Fathers would embark on an effort inspired by our sovereign creator, as our country miraculously defeated the powerful forces of Great Britain.

On this Fourth of July, where are we? What about the Patriot Act, which became law during the presidency of George W. Bush, after Sept. 11, 2001? Today, how do we balance the need for national security with sacred privacy rights – the heart of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution?

The Patriot Act drove a stake through the heart of the Bill of Rights. Republicans and Democrats had lined up on both sides of the issue. When they eventually came together, then-Sen. Barack Obama opposed the act’s far-reaching power.

Today, President Obama’s position is startlingly different from his views in the Senate. He not only endorses the original provisions of the Patriot Act, he extends their reach. In fact, some evidence suggests that FBI record requests have skyrocketed 1,000 percent under Obama.

Pundits and commentators from both political parties do not know how to “spin” this, except to divide our country, even on this special day of patriotism. While our Founding Fathers encouraged spirited debate on all issues, George Washington cautioned against the dangers of partisan politics. Our first president warned, “in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.”

Both political parties acknowledge Washington’s warning today, even as they invoke patriotism while they sacrifice key aspects of privacy to protect citizens young and old from the terror that seemingly lurks in every school and at all public gatherings.

On this Independence Day, I recall the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes: “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!”

Holmes’ vision can prevail if we set aside partisanship and recognize God’s power to intercede for us, even as his mighty hand did in our country’s infancy.

If we are to stand shoulder to shoulder today, as we did in 1776, we must trust God and ignore the endless chatter and one-upsmanship of political parties. Then how sweetly we could sing “The Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and “This Land is Your Land.”

Russell Troutman is a lawyer in Winter Park