Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." – Mark Twain

Here we are, on our most patriotic holiday, our hallowed Independence Day, when we not only celebrate the founding of our country, but all the freedoms that our founding fathers set forth. Last year, friends were quite broken-hearted, finding it hard to be patriotic in the face of the news that children were being separated from their families and held in cages. On these pages a year ago, I asked you to maintain your patriotism and optimism.

Now it's a year later. Children within our borders are still in cages. Crowded cages. Dirty, squalid cages. And we have the Ego-in-Chief planning an expensive, taxpayer-funded "Salute to Me America" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. We suspect that it will turn into a re-election rally, violating all kinds of laws and principles. America's supposed might will be on display in the form of tanks and jet fighters. Echos of communist China and the Soviet Union, revived more recently in Russia by Vladimir Putin. Such displays have not been desired or needed by proud Americans. It feels artificial, dictator-y, transparent. It feels like nationalism more than patriotism. In short, a military parade feels Un-American. This year, it's harder than ever to feel patriotic. Indeed, a Gallup poll this week found that American pride has hit a new low.

Bill Bramhall

I ask you again, please, dig deep and find your patriotism. Find that kind of patriotism that means supporting the country's ideals, its potential, its best. We know that over the last 243 years, we've made great progress. We have more progress to make, and we can't give up now. As James Bryce said, "Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong."

Patriotism means hope.
Patriotism means optimism.
Patriotism means participation.
Patriotism means effort.
Patriotism means resilience.
Patriotism means resistance.


What does patriotism mean to you?

As Adlai Stevenson II said, "Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." And so, let us be steadily patriotic today, and tomorrow, and the day after that. Let us support the country all the time, even when the government doesn't deserve it. It is our patriotism that WILL save the United States of America.

Engage in meaningful celebrations today. Do not watch the EgoFest. Do some self-care. Spend time with friends and family. Fly your flag today for the potential it holds. You know....

Ann Telnaes