Gary Hart on patriotism

To honor the 4th of July, a number of the sites I visit posted thought pieces on patriotism, what it means to be an American, and general reflections that seem appropriate at this time of year.

There was one that stood out that I wanted to recommend. Gary Hart, the former Colorado Senator and two-time presidential candidate, has a blog at which he posted an interesting item about dissent in contemporary politics. It’s well worth reading.

“What is there about right-wing conservatism that demands to decide who is and who is not an American?” Hart asks. “It’s beyond arrogance. If it weren’t so dangerous it would be laughable.”

At a time when more and more conservative political voices insist that their ideological foes are “traitors,” and our criticisms are “treasonous,” Hart’s short essay seemed poignant.

The holiday may have come and gone, but I’d still encourage you to go check this out.