The True Meaning of American Patriotism

It's rather straightforward: a true American patriot is someone who supports the founding values of the country. Period. This belief isn't about ostentatious displays of flag waving, gun toting, or political affiliation; it's about the everyday actions that contribute to the betterment of the nation.

The False Idol of National Pride

Many Americans pride themselves on their national pride and patriotism, much like the Germans did in the 1930s. It's important to distinguish between genuine patriotism and sentimentality that can lead to harmful ideologies. True American patriotism is rooted in values of justice, freedom, and unity.

True American Heroes

When it comes to heroes, the list of true patriots who have dedicated their lives to these values is long. Denmark Vesey, Upton Sinclair, Crazy Horse, Mother Jones, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Robert F. Kennedy, John Brown, Chief Joseph, and countless other civil rights activists and Union soldiers all stand as examples of selfless individuals who fought for a better America. Most of these names are not widely known, yet they played crucial roles in shaping the country we know today.

A Day-to-Day Manifestation of Patriotism

True patriotism isn't just a grand statement or glorious display. It is the everyday actions of ordinary people who work towards the betterment of their nation. From teachers in schools to garbage collectors, healthcare providers, and warehouse laborers, these unsung heroes quietly work towards a more just and equitable society. They make the world a little better every single day, not through grand gestures, but through the small acts of kindness and service that they provide.

The True Measure of a Patriot

A patriots isn't measured by their display of flags, guns, or political affiliations. The true measure of a patriot is the good they do for others. Being a true patriot means:

Sacrificing for the betterment of the nation Having the ability to rationally discuss topics and compromise for the greater good Helping neighbors and fellow citizens who are having hard times Being active in your local community Voting in every election Excluding others based on their actions, not on their background or skin color Contributing to your country in some way, shape, or form

The Problem with the Word 'Patriot'

Sadly, the word 'patriot' has lost its original meaning and has become a political football. It is often used as a weapon to discriminate against and harass those who do not meet someone else's arbitrary set of qualities, conditions, viewpoints, or actions. This is particularly troubling when used in the context of political affiliations. Examples of this include:

The words 'good Muslim' or 'good Christian' can be misleading, suggesting that there might be something in 'not being patriotic enough.' Samuel Johnson famously said, “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel,” highlighting the danger when patriotism is used to cover up moral shortcomings.

The word 'patriot' has become so overused and misused that it often fails to convey its original meaning. It is important to use the term with care and to understand its true significance, which is about the love and commitment to one's nation, its values, and its people.