Understanding the Patriot's Code and Pirate's Code
The numbers 1-10 in each code feature opposing ideas. The same item in each code should be compared before going on to the next number. Pick a number and compare the text in each code. To help facilitate understanding, what follows is a brief description of each item in the respective codes.
1. Self and America vs. Self then America
It is healthy for America when citizens are motivated to improve their position in life. After all, to live primarily for the benefit of one's country would be akin to communism in which the state is supreme over the individual.
Yet, to be motivated solely by personal gain is also not good for our country because America would be overrun by Pirates. The best situation is for citizens to make choices that serve themselves as well as America. By seeking a win-win solution, citizens remain supreme while fortifying and preserving their nation.
2. Restore America vs. Change America
Patriots honor the recipe that made America successful. They know it is special and they discourage others from changing it. Pirates do not know there is a recipe, do not care there is a recipe, or they aim to change it.
Pirates admit they are working to create a different America. In other words, they do not truly love America. What they truly love is their vision of what they think America should be.
Most foreign enemies are not looking to invade, defeat and occupy America. They merely want to destroy our position of dominance in the world. Asking the following question is revealing. Are those willing to change America's recipe for success really any different from our foreign enemies?
3. Depth and Distance Vision vs. Surface and Short Term
The founders of America were philosophers and students of political science and history. After much time and effort, they formed a republic as opposed to a democracy. The republic they formed provides a perfect balance of autonomy for the states, while empowering a central authority to manage matters of common interest.
This unique and effective government proved to be the lone winner out of the thousands that have been tried throughout history. If we continue to alter the recipe in pursuit of seemingly attractive short-term gains, we will render America ineffective before eventually destroying it. The foundation of America has become riddled with cracks because of surface and short-term thinking. If we are to save America, we must look deep and think long term.
4. Character Matters Most vs. Results Trumps Character
A strong and noble character is the surest way to performance excellence. This is why Patriots believe the character of the individual matters most. It is especially important for leaders to demonstrate strength of character because it is human nature for citizens to reflect the standards set by those in a leadership position.
In contrast, Pirates measure success only by results. They will not admit character matters because they would have to modify their self-serving bad behavior.
5. Right Trumps Wrong vs. End Justifies the Means
Patriots believe righteous behavior is its own reward and bad behavior cannot be justified. They believe, if we continually do the right thing, truth and justice will prevail eventually. Even should truth and justice remain elusive, those committed to righteousness enjoy an innate peace that comes from doing the right thing.
In contrast, Pirates believe winning is everything, rules are made to be broken, and a noble motive is the only justification needed to circumvent the law. This creates the appearance they believe they are above it.
6. Play by the Rules vs. Work the Loopholes
Patriots know a civilized society is based on the assumption 99% of citizens will follow the law. If enough citizens violate society's laws, chaos (anarchy) results. As such, Patriots advocate all citizens must follow the same set of fair and equitable laws.
Because Pirates have different “Values” (#4 and #5 of the Pirate's Code), they need to employ a different (cooperating) strategy. Finding ways around the rules (working the loopholes) is the logical byproduct.
7. Expose Truth vs. Muddy the Water
Because the recipe that made America strong works, Patriots are on the winning side of any debate regarding if we should attempt to change it. This makes it easy for Patriots to keep the issues clear.
In contrast, those who want to change the recipe that made America successful will become exposed if they allow issues to become clarified (the waters to clear). They cannot allow others to see their ideas are in opposition to the recipe that made America the most successful nation in the world.
8. Civility in Discourse vs. Character Assassination
Patriots are inclined to remain civil in debate because the recipe responsible for America's success is easily defended with history, logic and reason.
In contrast, Pirates are no longer able to justify changing the recipe. Every attempt at improving the recipe over the last 80 years has proved disastrous. Without history on their side, in desperation, Pirates resort to the tactic of “shooting the messenger.” Attacking the character of their opponents is their only means of creating a different America.
9. Straight Talk vs. Spin and Roll
When coming to the defense of America, a Patriot needs only to rely on straight talk. The recipe that made America strong does not need to be justified, excused or camouflaged. It needs merely to be restated so those who have forgotten it are reminded of its power and importance.
In contrast, faced with a losing argument causes Pirates to change the focus of a debate. By doing the “spin and roll,” Pirates are able to sidestep unwanted facts and arguments that would otherwise expose their ideas as dangerous to America.
10. Take Responsibility vs. Blame Others
Patriots find it easy to take personal responsibility when proven wrong because they have the recipe of America to cushion their fall.
In contrast, Pirates are quick to blame others when proven wrong because they have very few arguments at their disposal. The recipe that made America strong is supported by history and verified with analysis. It must be discouraging for Pirates to be faced with an insurmountable task, causing them to feel they are being affronted by some vast conspiracy.
How to apply the Patriot's Code
The Patriot's Code should be used to promote the characteristics of a Patriot while shunning those of a Pirate. Here is how to use the contrasting codes:
Suppose two people are debating. If one person should work from the Pirate's Code, the other would cite (1) the name of the code, (2) the category with number and (3) the item description.
For example, suppose a candidate for president is asked why he or she, while Secretary of State, refused to rescue U.S. citizens and diplomats despite the fact they pleaded for help on multiple occasions in the face of an imminent attack by terrorists. If the candidate responds by saying, “That's old news!”, a Patriot should reply, “Pirate's Code, Tactic 9, Spin and Roll. The question has never been answered.”
Although this process will likely annoy the person who is working from the Pirate's Code, it will encourage both participants in conversation to conduct themselves as fairly and civilly.
Top
