PATRIOTISM: THE REASONED MELLOWING OF NEWT GINGRICH

Because of my interest as a journalist and occasional commentator on news of the day, I am included in a number of mailing lists from both sides of the Canada/US boarder and political spectrum.  Generally the messages are of a partisan nature, taking sides on a particular issue, typically spouting party lines -- and soliciting financial support.  More often than not I take such releases with a grain of salt.

Newton Gingrich

This morning, however, I received an impressive email message from veteran U.S. politician and former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Newt Gingrich who needs no further introduction here.  The contents were so poignant, topical and applicable to the political climate in North America that I deemed it worthy of Wrights Lane edification.

Here is what Newt had to say:

"In America, we've always had ideological clashes and honest policy debates between opposing parties. I've been engaged in them for most of my adult life.

"But there is a deeper, institutional assault underway by the extreme Left aimed at erasing our past and destroying our principles that is very different. It's a war on our culture, on faith, on the melting pot, on the Second Amendment, on free speech -- on the basic idea of America.

"I'm glad that the American Legacy Center* has decided to focus on this issue in a big way; or in its words, to 'put patriotism back on offense.' I'm glad because if we are to remain a country of citizens rather than subjects, this is necessary and vital...

"As Americans, we are not defined by our race, our religion, our class, or our place of birth. We are defined by a belief in a simple creed, which states that we are all created equal, and endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.

"This creed must be taught to every generation using every possible medium. Unfortunately, too many of our schools are failing to do this, so we as citizens must pick up the slack.

"We need to explain why identity politics will only serve to poison the traditional vision of a melting pot; why religious faith is essential to liberty; why the Second Amendment is about protecting individual liberty, not hunting; and why the thought police are a threat to free speech and expression. These are fundamental principles on which we cannot compromise."

NOTE: Gingrich's controversial personal and political life aside, I do not think that there is even one American or Canadian citizen (Left or Right) who could not honestly agree with the context and premise of his message on this occasion.  Crassly outspoken and gruff in the past, he seems to have softened his demeanor and patronage with age.

Further note of interest: *As a nonprofit, The American Legacy Centre does not endorse or contribute to political candidates. While the Centre regularly weighs in on the positions and records of certain candidates and elected officials, resources do not directly support anyone’s election or defeat.