Patriotism
Up until September 11, 2001, I had only had a few lucid moments of patriotism in my life. I was proud to be an American when I saw a drunk during Fourth of July celebrations in Tulsa years ago and knew that I had the freedom to tell him to leave his daughter alone (I was only a young teenager then and didn't actually say anything for fear of drunken retaliation, but knowing that I had the freedom made me proud). While watching docudramas about life in some countries, I have felt glad to be where I am. Most of the time, however, I hated the government.
Politicians
I didn't like the whole politics of politicians. The waving of hands and the melodramatic speeches seemed very fake to me. They were annoying overall. The whole Clinton fiasco had left a bitter taste in my mouth [no pun intended]. I mean, he was a good enough leader, but not the kind of man I could look up to.These attacks on America changed things for me. I had voted for Bush, but only because I liked the other guy even less. He didn't strike me as interesting, powerful, or even "American." His reaction after the attacks were quite genuine. He was sitting in a chair, appeared tired, and responded questions without "political" answers. I've seen Texans with pride before -- never have I seen an American with this much pride. I liked him.
Collin Powell was another one. I've liked him since I first saw him. I would've voted for him in the presidential election had he run. When he was giving a press conference shortly after the attacks and responded to a reporter with, "That's a stupid question" (or something of similar meaning), I absolutely fell in love with him. General Powell would have gotten a large share of the votes had he run for president a few years ago, but I'm not sure if he'd win. Now, I think he'd have a pretty good chance if he ran -- Bush would be his only real competition. They work well as a team, so if he waits until after Bush's two terms as prez, I'd definitely vote for him.
911 changed my feelings.
I am very patriotic now (at the dawn of 2004). I am proud to be an American. My pride stems from knowing where I live and knowing that there are people in this world who are standing up for my rights, not even knowing me. I don't agree with our rebuilding of Iraq, but I do agree that we should have gone over there and destroyed Saddam.
My brother-in-law enlisted in the army just before 911 and he's in Iraq now. He's sacrificing a lot to be over there. He could be here in Kansas watching movies, eating burgers and playing video games, but he is not. He's serving. I'm proud of that.
Flags
The Stars and Stripes have never been something I used often. Now, though, I plan to buy a flag to display outside our home and get a smaller flag to display inside our home. It has actual meaning for me now.