The Political Changes Patriotism Didn't Bring

By Richard C. Harwood from the October 21 issue of The Christian Science Monitor

In his opinion piece, Richard C. Harwood argues that the sense of activism and civic responsibility felt by Americans in the wake of 9/11 has dwindled. "There is hard work to do if we choose not to squander the feelings of community activism," he writes.

Harwood suggests that the newly discovered patriotism had few long-lasting effects, and instead manifested itself in flag-waving at sports events—Americans are now more patriotic, and generally have greater trust in government, but this pride doesn't reach very deep with 17% voter turnout in the 2002 primary elections and "acrimonious and shallow" political races.

"Citizens," says Harwood, who runs a nonprofit, nonpartisan group concerned with the public life of Americans, "must move beyond complaining about the state of politics and take responsibility for informing themselves on issues, talk with their friends and neighbors, and get involved to make things happen."

To view the article, visit ://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1021/p11s01-coop.html.

For more information about AAC&U's projects on civic engagement, see www.aacu.org/issues/civicengagement/.

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