Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Patriotism should be permanent

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2001 | 8:52 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

America is on a patriotic binge. Let's hope it lasts, because the long haul ahead will demand sacrifices and unity of purpose.

We must put aside the petty but divisive problems that have crept into our society. Already we have heard arguments as to how the country should proceed in the declaration of war against terrorism.

Newspaper columnists, college students, television commentators and a vast assortment of pundits and pontificators are attempting to tell us what and how to think.

Protests against war are possible.

In Berkeley, Calif., firefighters were ordered not to fly U.S. flags on the trucks for fear the rigs could become targets of protestors. Students and anyone else can protest.

That is a privilege of being an American.

But, we would hope the protests remain peaceful without the violence of anti-Vietnam War demonstrations.

How wonderful it was to watch the outpouring of faith and brotherhood at the gigantic prayer for American gathering in New York City.

Our prayers today should be that the patriotic pledges will continue into the difficult days ahead.

And we must guard against rumors. You cannot get all the facts from just one source and without facts one cannot make proper judgments.

There will be times when our government officials will withhold information vital to national security.

We elected men and women to make decisions, and often they will need the benefit of the doubt.

From this day forward, Americans are Americans whatever their religion or race.

Bigotry and hatred has no place in our society as we take up arms against those who thrive on fanaticism and evil.

What lies ahead? Who knows? The future is not engraved in stone, but Americans must face our future as one nation, indivisible, under God and with liberty and justice for all.

During World War II there was a slogan, "loose lips sink ships."

I think of it every time I hear a self-styled expert on television explain our military might.

In one recent broadcast, the commentator showed mockups of ships and planes and gave vital statistics such as crew numbers, costs, mileage, speed, weapons on board and when they were leaving along with the destination.

If that wasn't enough, we were told to surf the net for more information.

Maybe it frightens our enemies. Then again, do we reveal too much?

If anyone can set an example of "business as usual" it's the telemarketing business.

Those recorded calls never stopped coming, even at the height of the nation's tragedy.

One call was especially intriguing: "Are you prepared for the unexpected?"

UNLV football coach John Robinson was named athletic director just in time.

I doubt he would have earned such glowing reports with the Rebels now 0-3, having lost the first three games of the season.

It's not so much losing, but most fans and sports writers acknowledge it's the way the games were lost.

Fans are a fickle lot and coach Robinson could lose their support unless the team gets turned around and starts winning games.