True Patriotism: An Independence Day Reflection

July 4, 2008

Guest Post by Morbo

Some of the sharpest differences between liberals and conservatives relate to patriotism.

Conservatives believe it’s easy to be a patriot; liberals know why it’s sometimes hard. It’s not hard because America is a bad place or because it’s not easy to love one’s country. It’s hard because being a true patriot means we must elevate reason over base emotions, tamp down our worst impulses and always remember that our Constitution is more than mere words on paper.

Conservatives believe all a patriot has to do is wear a flag lapel pin or fly a flag outside. Liberals understand that manipulating a symbol is not the end of patriotism; it’s just the beginning. The hard part is what comes next: honoring and living up to the promises behind the symbol.

As Independence Day approached, I got to thinking about what it means to be a true patriot. I came up with this list. It is by no means exhaustive but could make a good start:

Respecting the rights of others: Being a patriot means listening to those with whom one strongly disagrees and respecting their right to make an argument that may seem ill-considered, simplistic or even offensive. A true patriot seeks open debate on all issues. The true patriot isn’t afraid to speak his or her mind and often does so in impassioned language; the true patriot has strong opinions and is not afraid to defend them — but he or she never backs censorship or says some ideas are so dangerous that they cannot be aired.

Protecting the rights of the accused: Being a patriot means we extend the full protection of the law to those accused of crimes – even when it looks almost certain that they are guilty. A true patriot supports extending this protection even to those who hate our nation and have attacked it. A true patriot does not applaud the imprisonment of people without trial. A true patriot regards habeas corpus as near sacrosanct. A true patriot supports trial by jury and the right to adequate representation. He or she is appalled by vigilantism and trusts our judicial system to do its job. Torture and indefinite detention? Not on the watch of the true patriot.

Giving everyone an equal shot: Being a patriot means being an egalitarian. The true patriot gives more than mere lip service to equality. The promise of our country is that all must have equal opportunity, and with this comes to recognition that government has an obligation, and indeed the duty, to rectify historic patterns of discrimination and the ingrained denial of access to opportunity. The true patriot deplores the idea that government is merely a tool to improve the lot of the already comfortable.

Supporting our Constitution: Being a patriot means honoring the basic structures of our form of government. True patriots know why barriers to voting must be torn down. They remain engaged in democracy even when their candidate loses. True patriots voice opposition to court decisions with which they disagree but do not support schemes to strip the courts of their power or upset the fundamental balance between the three branches of government that is crucial to our system.

Acknowledging our need to work together: Being a patriot means understanding that “public” is not a dirty word and that we’re all in this together. The true patriot understands that those of wealth and means have often achieved success because they relied on public institutions, tax incentives and favorable government policies and programs. True patriots do not object to giving back. They do not oppose paying their fair share of taxes so that all may enjoy good public schools, public libraries, public transportation, public parks, etc.

Rejecting a politics of fear: Being a patriot means never accepting a measure of fear from the state. The true patriot feels fear, as we all do from time to time, but he or she seeks to rise above it, not wallow in it. A true patriot does not accept a government that plays on basest fears, exploiting them as an excuse to diminish our rights. The true patriot demands a government that inspires us to reach for what is best in all of us, not one that urges us to give in to our worst impulses.

Understanding our role in the world: Finally, being a patriot means being a citizen of the world. One can love his or her country and truly believe its institutions and practices are the best while still acknowledging the need for international cooperation and a foreign policy that is based not on fleeting unilateral demands and threats but a real spirit of working together that honors our shared experience on the only planet we have. The true patriot recognizes that force is sometimes necessary but knows that war is a last resort, not the first option.

Anyone can fly a flag. Anyone can wear a lapel pin. The true patriot does these things from time to time, but his or her patriotism is not determined by these mere actions alone. Rather, the true patriot is tested in this way: When the system is out of order and when our nation falls short of meeting the promises outlined in its governing document and system of laws, the true patriot does not just shrug his or her shoulders. He or she speaks out and goes to work. And the true patriot does not stop until things are made right.

I submit this final test is the one conservatives have failed most miserably. Rather than assail an administration anchored in repression, fear and blind nationalism, they have embraced it.

So, on the 4th of July, consider these issues and ask yourself: Despite all of their flag-waving, their use of quintessentially American symbols and their reliance on nationalistic rhetoric, have conservatives really been acting like true patriots lately?

‘Nuff said, Steve. Well done.

  • Brilliant. Not a quibble in sight.

    In summary:

    A true patriot is a true human being.

  • Morbo;

    Superb. It’s a vision for this country.

    Redefining ‘liberal’ as someone with ideals instead of someone whiny and complaining is the best gift to this country and to the world.

    Posts like this are a reason I keep coming back here and sending friends this way.

    D

  • Maybe if some conservatives read this post – which is highly unlikely – they’ll realize their fearless leader from 7 years ago started fascism.

    Sure the majority of the country has rejected the Bush administration, even some true conservatives, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that fascism is not part of the conservative doctrine.

    Morbo: you did an excellent job in explaining the differences. I would add the magnetic “support the troups” ribbons on cars as well, it goes so well with their lapel pins.

  • What is a patriot? MSNBC has, a young woman, as co host named Mika Brzezinski. I guess daughter or some relation to this Zbigniew Brzezinski.
    A politically connected person that offers some extraordinary prophecies in his writings that are copy righted in 1970. Way before the Internet. I offer them here for hopefully intelligent discussion to wonder how American Journalism is turning and we have little understanding of the efforts and skills of those that might just want to deceive the electorate for power and money.

    For me just learning Mika is dedicated in this writing by this man, Between two ages, who has an interesting twist with patriotism, many might like to take a look. Brzezinski writes that America is in the middle of a revolution. His Marxist views are a bit scary for me. I am not sure what Marxism is. Did you know that America is turning in a revolution? I didn’t! Currently I am reading it and it is some pretty thoughtful transcending ideas, but, some not easy to agree with but anyway the download. Please understand I am not being an advocate to over throw the government however one should wonder is this Mika Brzezinski an advocate to that? Or MSNBC an advocate…

    What is happening here?

    Between Two Ages – Zbigniew Brzezinski

    Oh yes hats off to Steven Benen for the element of patriotism like them all, though for me there is much more.

  • Hear! Hear! Morbo.

    Recall Mark Twain: Patriotism is supporting your country all the time
    and the government when it deserves it.

  • Lovely. Thanks. After the 2004 election, I wanted to write a Handbook for Real-Life Democrats: Who We Are, What We Represent (it was so clear that the Republicans had reframed us into something weak and strange, that too many — including elected Democratic officials — didn’t seem to have a better answer). This is perfect. Thanks.

  • As long as we’re invoking Twain, as we should, let me add this:

    “In a monarchy, the king and his family are the country; in a republic it is the common voice of the people. Each of you, for himself, by himself and on his own responsibility, must speak. And it is a solemn and weighty responsibility, and not lightly to be flung aside at the bullying of pulpit, press, government, or the empty catch-phrases of politicians. Each must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, and which course is patriotic and which isn’t. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide it against your convictions is to be an unqualified and inexcusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label you as they may. If you alone of all the nation shall decide one way, and that way be the right way according to your convictions of the right, you have done your duty by yourself and by your country — hold up your head! You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

  • Every year about this time, the local grocery stores carry these nifty softy cookies that have something like a quarter of an inch of icing on them. They tend to be decorated seasonally — green icing, say, with red sprinkles for Christmas. Around the Fourth, they have white icing, with red and blue sprinkles. And they are labeled “Patriotic Cookies.”

    I keep meaning to write to the distributor and ask respectfully exactly what it is that makes these cookies patriotic. Because I’ve always understood patriotism to require more real effort than either baking or consuming cookies.

    But what do I know?

  • In order to understand the kind of patriotism Morbo describes so nicely, it might be necessary to acknowledge that America was founded largely upon liberal ideals. Therein lies one of the many contradictions of conservatism; in promoting their brand of patriotism, conservatives reject many of the ideals at the core of the country they claim to be supporting.

    Off to a BBQ at the home of some conservative friends. Promised my wife I’d behave. Wish me luck.

  • I keep meaning to write to the distributor and ask respectfully exactly what it is that makes these cookies patriotic. Because I’ve always understood patriotism to require more real effort than either baking or consuming cookies.
    Republicans know that every time you eat one of those cookies a terrorist dies.

  • Since Morbo is contrasting liberal vs. conservative notions of patriotism, I find it curious that he did not mention service to country. It is no secret that conservatives equate military service with patriotism. I see no reason to cede this to the political right wing.

    There are many ways to serve our nation, besides enlisting in the military. But, we should not fail to recognize those that choose to serve in this manner. Whether we as individuals believe in the rectitude of our nation’s military actions, our men and women in uniform carry out our collective will. Today would be a great day to thank a vet for their service to our country. They served so that others would not have to.

  • Republicans know that every time you eat one of those cookies a terrorist dies.

    In that case, I’m stocking up! Did I mention they have like a quarter-inch of icing? And sprinkles???

  • Respecting the rights of others will, from time to time, mean respecting the rights of those who are the victims of “those with whom one strongly disagrees….”

    Protecting the rights of the accused will, from time to time, mean rejecting the rights of those we disagree with in order to reinstate the rights that they have denied others.

    Giving everyone an equal shot cannot work in a society headed by an Unitary Executive Extremist, when he denies that “equal shot” to even so much as one of our fellow citizens.

    Supporting our Constitution does not mean the same thing as supporting a tyrannical administration and its crimes; the two are often blended by those who would, first and foremost, do away with that Constitution, were they given the chance.

    Acknowledging our need to work together is an ideal that can only be reached if (1) all sides are willing to work equally toward an agreed-upon goal. Working together is not the same as repetitive capitulation to the threats and demands of a Unitary Executive Extremist.

    Rejecting a politics of fear will, on occasion, require more than words. Talking the talk is good, but sometimes we must be prepared to walk the walk. The events that this exceptional day celebrates were the result of those extraordinary individuals acknowledging that. They “pledged their lives, their liberties, and their fortunes” to that end—and to do anything less today—232 years later—is to enable the politics of fear by embracing it.

    Understanding our role in the world requires nothing less than to uphold our role in the world. We cannot spread democracy—or even declare with a modicum of honesty that we believe in it—if we cannot protect and defend it here within our own boundaries. Overthrowing a tinpot dictator or a corrupt government half-way round the world becomes painfully hypocritical, when we lack the intestinal and political audacity to do so at home. Encouraging political dissent elsewhere becomes a lie when we allow our government and there “state-run media” to ridicule stifle, and “photoshop” that dissent in our own land.

  • Well Done, Morbo.

    I would add that a patriot must also realize that for all their brilliance the founding fathers were not omniscient. While adhering to the rule of law, except in the case of open civil disobedience and accepting the consequences, the patriot must work to legally ensure that antiquated portions of the constitution are corrected. A rigid, vague, virtually immutable constitution becomes more of a curse than a blessing as the centuries pass.

  • Morbo,

    Brilliantly said. To follow, may I suggest a discussion on the differences between nationalism and patriotism?

    Nationalism, according to Merriam-Webster online:
    Function: noun
    Date: 1844
    1: loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups

    The definition of Patriotism, same source:
    Function: noun
    Date: circa 1726
    1: love for or devotion to one’s country

    So, nationalism is exalting your nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of your own national culture and interests above all others. Seems awfully imperialistic. Patriotism is simple love for your country.

    How is the difference in definition made real in action?

  • Sorry Morbo, but I find your article too long winded.

    The difference is simple;

    So some, patriotism is never questioning your country, even if it is in the wrong.

    To others, patriotism is never failing to question your country when it is in the wrong.

  • Let me add something that all too often gets lost: the President takes the following oath:

    “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

    Note that he does not swear to preserve, protect and defend the United States, but the Constitution. So when some wingnut justifies ignoring the Constitution in order to defend the country from the “Islamic menace,” he’s just revealed a fundamental ignorance of the system the Founding Fathers set up, and their wisdom in how they did it. “Preserving” the country by ignoring the Constitution loses both. And a true patriot understands that.

  • Very well said. Your words helped me make sense out of all the ridiculous right wing spin. Or pin.

  • I recently had an amazing conversation with someone who was one of the activists that brought about the independence of the nation of Slovenia from the former Yugoslavia. He mentioned that everyone who was working for independence knew that if their efforts to break away were unsuccessful, the communist party members in the region had established lists of those involved in the movement to have them shot for their agitation in the aftermath. I thought at that moment that that was true patriotism.

    But he recounted another moment, one when in a meeting of those pushing for independence, a voice spoke up asking, “So what gain is in it for us should we prevail?” The gentleman I was listening to said he stood up in the meeting and said, “This is not about our gain, and we should gain nothing but our independence.” That is when I truly understood what patriotism is.

  • Re: 6&7

    Brzezinski writes that America is in the middle of a revolution. His Marxist views are a bit scary for me. I am not sure what Marxism is.

    Meglamania, where do you get the idea that Brzezinski has Marxist ideas? Here is the lead paragraph of the article on him in Wikipedia (You might want to read more):

    Zbigniew Kazimierz Brzezinski (Polish: Zbigniew Kazimierz Brzeziński, pronounced [ˈzbigɲev bʐɛˈʑiɲski]) : (born March 28, 1928, Warsaw, Poland) is a Polish-American political scientist, geostrategist, and statesman who served as United States National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. Known for his hawkish foreign policy at a time when the Democratic Party was increasingly dovish, he is a foreign policy realist and considered by some to be the Democrats’ response to Republican realist Henry Kissinger.[1]

    I think you’re being really alarmist. One think you need to know is that “revolution” just means rapid change, and does not necessarily imply violence or overthrow. In my opinion, given what has happened in and to our country since June 2001 makes some rapid change a very good idea.

  • “Patriotism, like Christianity, is about opposing the Estate Tax.”

    Just as patriotism must be more than lapel pins, magnetic car stickers, and red-white-and-blue cookies, Christianity be more than mere acceptance of a set of propositions. For patriotism and Christianity, what matters is what one does for God or country, not how one draws attention to hm/herself.
    .

  • A fine and inspirational piece of writing. In a day when gasbags dominate the airwaves with their wretched hate/fear gibberish it is a breath of “fresh air” to read your sentiments!

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