For decades I have witnessed the slow erosion of American
patriotism. This once great nation has morphed its view of what is patriotic
into a narrow-minded definition that features ignorance, bigotry, corporate
dominance, and a culture of violence.
Across America individuals are flying the flag, declaring
that:
“Real Patriots” are reclaiming our “Christian nation”.
That “real patriots” support unrestricted access to the guns
that are killing our children.
That "real patriots" support unregulated capitalism
That “real patriots” oppose marriage equality.
That “real patriots” support the removing of the history of
slavery from our schools.
That “real patriots” choose the well being of a small mass
of cells over the rights of women.
That “real patriots” believe men have the right to control
the bodies of women.
Well I have news for you, I am a Real Patriot and I am liberal. I believe in individual rights,
equality, free speech, science based education, well regulated corporations,
and unrestricted civil liberties. Your attempts to re define the word “Patriot”
stinks of extreme right wing nationalism. You are in good company. From
National Socialists in Germany to white supremacy groups and the West Boro
Baptist Church you have lots of “idols” to look up to in your struggle.
Today, I reclaim the
title of Patriot. Real Patriots understand that extreme conservatives in
this country have a long history of opposing every social accomplishment this
nation has made. Abolishing slavery,
women’s suffrage, the civil rights act, access for disabled Americans were all
opposed with the extremist assertion that granting rights to others somehow erodes the rights of those of privilege.
The time for these lies is over. Your sickening waving of
the flag that you would so willingly erode the meaning of offends me. You are
not the patriots, you are the haters, the narrow minded and the filth that has
caused immeasurable human suffering in our nations history. By waving the flag in your attempts to restrict the rights of others you dishonor every brave American service member who has ever died for the concept of freedom.
I love my country for its’ history of acknowledging an ever
expanding definition of justice, freedom and equality. I
am a Patriot and I will confront your desecration of the American march to
social Justice at every turn; for
Patriots you are not
3 comments:
Preach it, Peter!
its time we as Liberals , Progressives, Socialists, and pure Leftists reclaim our rights as Patriots in America
As an army vet and witch, I have purchased a Bennington flag to fly instead of the don't tread on me ensign... let the right wingers figure out the reverse 15 stripes instead of the 13...1876 with 15 stars.
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