rumitoid

In what and whom we place our loyalty is not to be inherited or protected by traditions of any nature. The definition does not help very much in that regard: "the quality or state or an instance of being loyal." This says nothing about its essence or root. Of course, loyalty should not be given blindly, as to a f**g, political party, a religious faith, or any person or organization; for me, loyalty demands questioning all aspects of such dedication, what are the principles, values and ideals each hold. None will be perfect yet, in my mind, loyalty means thoughtfully and respectfully mentioning where I feel they may have gone astray from their core tenets. Whomever or wh**ever I would chose to give my loyalty to would welcome criticism and address it; it would be part of my criteria.

But then there is also the quality of our loyalty, how we express it. For me, this should reflect the principles, values and ideals each hold. Yet that presents a plethora of problems. The N**is fanatical "loyalty" to Hitler (which I do not feel exactly falls under loyalty but is more a psychological defect) meant following their fuhrer's belief about imprisoning and k*****g 8 million Jews. (Sort of turns loyalty into a vice.)

For me, the quality of loyalty, to be a virtue and not a product of a mental disturbance, needs to express to some degree of the highest humanitarian standards at the center of our existence. Maybe too much to ask of sports fans. "Go Giants, die Cowboys!"

My last chewing of mind fed, Loyalty in the moment usually means passion, enthusiasm, energy, and pointed direction. In my decades of experience, that often usually means immediate stalwart defense, a lack of patience, some sneering, blaming, threats, and other unfortunate but understandable reactions. Usually, after the initial shock, a few calmer heads prevail, and sadly, not enough here at OPP. On both sides. Let us all let T***h overcome, no matter how much it can hurt. We need to embrace our critics.