route66 has a diary up about today, Flag Day here in these United States.

I was going to post up something I found recently that attempts to explain some recent occurances on the meaning of 'Patriotism', and a tie in with 'route66' diary is appropriate on this day.

Give me that old time religion*

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life just released the results of an indepth survey on Americans and their religion.

Did you know that religion is considered a "vibrant marketplace"? Yes, America, your religion is just another commodity. The faithful are just another kind of consumer shopping around for the religion that best suits his/her individual needs.

Fascinating ... but, the results of the study would seem to indicate that this "commerce" model is failing.

In 1960 John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States after having served a single term in the House and was part way through his second Senate term representing Massachusetts. Relatively young not only to be president of a nation but a world leader his charisma and youthful exuberance brought hope not just to Americans, but the world. How popular was he?

Our Country needs, Hope ... yes very much so.

Our Country also needs Competence in SO many Government Positions of power ... NO more 'Heck of Job -- Brownies' PLEASE!

But the one thing America needs even more than Hope and Competence -- it's Real Leadership!

What is Real Leadership made up of?

More Compromise and Committee meetings? (I hope not)

Media Fanfare and soaring rhetoric? (nice, but ...)

John Edwards is a busy person lately. Speeches, Interviews, Endorsements, Policy Statements, Presidential Forums -- where does he find the energy!

Could it be he is driven to win? Could it be he knows America needs a Fighter in Washington who will speak for us the American People?