...patriotism...

Considering the current stakes, I find it ever more important to try and keep the discourse to a healthy and civil manner. I know my politics don't often mesh with my surroundings (except for the bubble that is Lawrence) and because of this I think it's important to listen to as many viewpoints as possible, if only to better understand our fellow (red-state) citizens. I've posted 10 tracks that I feel give a good idea of what America is to different people of the world, admittedly with a slight liberal bent. This is what makes this country the best place for me. To have the freedom, the confusion, and the gut-checking courage to create an ever-evolving idea of a nation that responds to it's citizens immediately and is willing to grow and change as we collectively move into the future, is something that no other citizen has. As Winston Churchill most famously said, "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried." For better or worse, we've got it made. Of course being the big guy out front has it's downsides, but responsibility comes with power. With that in mind, I strongly urge you to keep our soldiers in your mind this weekend. Regardless of the debate over our current overseas deployments, we as Americans should stand strong behind the brave men and women who are willing to sacrifice their lives for a cause so simple as this country. Keep them in your hearts as we wait for their safe return and the cessation of violence around the world.

America: The Book
Forward by Thomas Jefferson
Warner Books

Marvin Gaye
Star Spangled Banner (Live at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game)
NBA At 50
Polygram

The Evolution Control Committee
Star Spangled Bologna
Plagiarhythm Nation, Vol 2.0
Seeland

Eugene McDaniels
Love Letter To America
Outlaw
Atlantic

Blur
Magic America
Parklife
Food

Nas
American Way (feat. Kelis)
Street's Disciple
Columbia

Radiohead
The Gloaming (Would You Buy A War From This Man - DJ Shadow Remix)
Would You Buy A War From This Man Picturedisc
FTW-001

Trick Daddy
Amerika
Thugs Are Us
Slip-N-Slide

The Honeydrippers
Impeach The President
Impeach The President 12"
Funky Delicacies

Bruce McCulloch
That's America
Shame-Based Man
Atlantic