Thoughts on Patriotism

Here are some quotes on patriotism as we celebrate the 4^th of July.  The thoughts of previous leaders and commentators is an invitation to reflect on what the US has become and encourage critical thinking at this moment in history. 

Patriotism at the expense of another nation is as wicked as racism at the expense of another race…Let us resolve to be patriots always, nationalists never.  Let us love our country, but pledge allegiance to the earth and to the flora and fauna and human life that it supports – one planet indivisible, with clean air,…soil and water; with liberty, justice and peace for all.

William Sloane Coffin

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

Howard Zinn

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

Mark Twain

The real patriots are those who…carry on a lover’s quarrel with their country.

William Sloane Coffin

We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what’s in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.

Barack Obama

Patriotism consists in not waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.

James Bryce

Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.

Charles de Gaulle

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.

Alexi de Tocqueville

You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality.  Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.

 Malcom X

Patriotism is love of country. But you can’t love your country without loving your countrymen and countrywomen.  We don’t always have to agree, but we must empower each other, we must find the common ground, we must build bridges across our differences to pursue the common good.

Cory Booker

I do this real moron thing, and it’s called thinking.  And apparently I’m not a very good American because I like to form my own opinions.

George Carlin

I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

James Baldwin

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.

Edward Abbey

We are adrift with nationalism, misplaced pride and prejudice.  We have a petty, selfish, incompetent leader in the White House who brings out the worst in so many people.  Patriotism is not blind loyalty.  It is a loving critique of the moment, a willingness to speak truth to power, a willingness to stand out in a crowd as you call out leaders for their misguided notions.  This is not a time to be silent and complacent.  Truth patriots love their country and are not afraid to criticize their government. Happy 4th of July.