George,

A mantra of Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain is "I put my country first." His intention is to convey the idea that this is the noblest thing a person can do. But is it?

From my childhood, growing up in rural Alabama, my parents taught me to put God first. That teaching was reinforced by community people. More than three score years later I continue to put God first.

Many conservative evangelical Christians claim to put God first, even though they have not criticized Senator McCain or withdrawn their support from him.

On that Friday in November 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated I had just arrived in Boston when I received the news that President Kennedy had been shot. Robert Welch, founder of the John Birch Society had invited me to speak at a "God, Family and Country" conference. Intrigued by the theme of the conference I accepted the invitation. Of course, I did not deliver my speech because like many other events on that infamous day it was canceled.

This is my allegiance and commitment list of the four most significant attractions in my life.

God. I put God first. He is the Supreme Being, Creator and my Lord. I do not wear a cross to declare my adoration for God. Other people will know that I love Him when they experience my love. God is love.

Myself (Uriah J.Fields). I put myself second. This is self-love, not narcissism. Self-love is healthy and the basis of my love for others and God. I admire a person who has self-love. That is the best indication that he loves me.

Family, (the extended family). I put family third. Family consists of my parents, siblings, relatives and all the children of Grandpa Adam and Grandma Eve. Technology has made Planet Earth the World House but too many humans have not accepted that reality.

Country. I put country fourth. To those who question my partiotism, as some have, I say, "This is my America too." I am proud to be an American despite slavery, segregation, racial discrimination and disenfranchisement that Americans of African descent, of whom I am one, have experienced. I am America. I hope that you are.

I put God first and my country fourth. Today I am ready to defend America, if necessary, just as I did during my four-year stint in the Army during the Korean War. I do not need to wear a cross to declare my love for God. Nor do I need to wear or hoist a flag to declare that I am a patrotic American.

Uriah J. Fields (Electronic mail, October 19, 2008)