Is Patriotism Only for Conservatives? Debunking the Myth

The famous quote by Samuel Johnson, 'Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel,' has often been misapplied and misunderstood. In the current political climate, particularly in the United States, this quote is frequently invoked to criticize conservatives who, in some cases, align with anti-democratic figures. However, the true essence of patriotism, which is a selfless love for one's country, transcends political affiliations and extends to both liberals and conservatives alike.

The Reality of Real vs. Belligerent Nationalism

Patriotism is fundamentally about a deep and abiding love for one's nation, not simply waving a flag or supporting a political ideology. Both conservatives and liberals, throughout history, have demonstrated genuine patriotism through their actions and sacrifices for their country's well-being. For instance, during World War II, the so-called 'Antifa' of the 1940s were primarily FDR Democrats who fought against the Axis powers, just as many conservatives at the time did after abandoning isolationist policies.

When former President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine, he tapped into a strain of American ideology that devalues traditional democratic values. This has led many conservatives to question the patriotism of those who strive to improve the country, which they perceive as a derogatory attack on its current state. In reality, genuine patriotism often involves advocating for the improvement of one's nation, recognizing its flaws, and working towards a better future for everyone.

True Versus Fake Patriots

Conservatives often lay claim to the mantle of patriotism while simultaneously engaging in actions that undermine democratic institutions. For example, attacking Congress and advocating for theocracy despite the First Amendment clearly demonstrates a dissonance between their proclaimed and actual patriotism. These actions become particularly concerning when one considers that true patriotism should involve a commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting individual rights.

On the flip side, the Democratic Party, while not being apathetic to national sentiment, works to address the needs of the broader populace without resorting to nationalist rhetoric. Republican rhetoric, often characterized by jingoism and isolationism, can be seen as a form of "fake" nationalism. By wrapping themselves in the American flag but not actually contributing to the betterment of the country for all its citizens, Republican leaders appear to be more interested in self-aggrandizement than genuine service to the nation.

Philosophies of Patriotism

There are two diametrically opposed philosophies about what constitutes patriotism: the right, which places significant emphasis on proclaiming one's patriotism, and the left, which values the hard work of improving the country. Right-wing supporters often adopt a more vocal and visible form of patriotism, with flag-waving and nationalist rhetoric, often accompanied by contempt for other countries. In contrast, left-wing supporters believe in a more nuanced and action-driven form of patriotism, focusing on the nation's flaws and working tirelessly to address them.

As a centrist with libertarian leanings, I firmly believe that the left's approach to patriotism is more accurate and effective. Rather than blindly supporting a political ideology, true patriotism involves recognizing the flaws of one's country and working to improve them. It involves advocating for policies that benefit all citizens, even if it means paying a little more in taxes or making other personal sacrifices. This progressive vision of patriotism is more reflective of the diversity of the American electorate and the complexity of the challenges faced by the nation.

Ultimately, the true test of patriotism is not in the words spoken or the symbols displayed, but in the actions taken to improve the lives of all citizens and the country as a whole. Whether conservative or liberal, true patriotism should be about creating a more equitable and just society for everyone, not just for those who are already privileged.