The morning after this past election night, Pulitzer-Prize-winning writer Thomas Friedman penned a column in which Michael Sandel, Harvard University political philosopher, noted that a new politics "must also be about a new patriotism -- about what it means to be a citizen." Students should blog in their own words their beliefs of what this means. In other words, what does it mean to be a citizen, looking ahead? What should this new patriotism look like? What should we be able to expect from all citizens?

In my opinion, being a citizen in the future is not complicated. It will not change from what it really takes right now- loyalty to the country and its ideals. The ideals that were so eloquently written in the Constitution should be espoused by every person in the United States- we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These ideals should define us. We should strive to work together for the benefit of not only our country, but the global community. Some argue that President-elect Obama's socialistic tendencies will be the downfall of our capitalistic market; however, I believe that it is entirely unpatriotic to leave people in the gutter. As I have experienced first hand, the destitute people are in need of help, and if those who are more fortunate are not willing to give it, they will never rise up. It should be expected that, on a smaller scale, we emulate the actions of philanthropists such as the Gates family or Warren Buffett. Therefore, we should follow the wise words (in paraphrased form) spoken by Senator McCain in his concession speech- we should now work together with our new President to bring America back to its former glory. Bipartisanship is the key to our recovery.