Message from Sound Vision Team: American Muslims and the patriotism puzzle

The vast majority of U.S. adults indicate they are at least moderately proud to be Americans, but as they celebrate the Fourth of July this year, fewer say they are extremely proud than at any point in the last 16 years.
[...]
It is unclear to what extent, if any, the presidential campaign that now pits two controversial and widely unpopular nominees against each other could be a factor in Americans' expressed pride. A year ago -- long before the presidential field was set -- there were signs that patriotism was declining further.
Millennials' greater reluctance than young adults before them to say they are extremely proud to be an American may also be a factor in the new low and, if so, could signal further declines in patriotism in the years and decades ahead.”
-Gallup poll, July 1, 2016
While some feel that patriotism means support for “my country, right or wrong”, many others differ.
We saw that this past weekend, as hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country marched to protest our nation’s zero-tolerance immigration policy - one that has led to children being jailed in cages after being torn away from their parents. Some would question whether this could even qualify as “patriotism”. But a slogan that became popular at protests across the country during the Vietnam War over 50 years ago said it best: “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism”.
And protest is as American as baseball and apple pie.
This Fourth of July, we need to ask: Where do American Muslims fit in the patriotism puzzle?
We enjoy the security, safety, freedom of religion, and material comforts of our nation. But what have we done to become true patriots, to speak up for it, and against it when it is taking the wrong course?
This Fourth of July we must assess our patriotism and ask ourselves: What kind of commitment to America will benefit our children, our fellow Americans, the world, and us? Which patriotism can we espouse and be accountable for when we meet our Maker? Which patriotism will heal the wounds of America and the world as we witness our government committing wrongdoing?
This Fourth of July, as you enjoy the barbecue and fireworks, please take time to consider these questions, and to pray for our country.                           
May Allah make America a just nation, and a true beacon of hope and freedom for the world.
Peace,

                               
Sound Vision Team

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