What is patriotism?

7/2/2018

This entire week you will see people wearing all varieties of red white and blue, decorating with the stars and stripes, and even making menus to reflect our nation's colors. People screaming "'merica!" and blowing up fireworks. People attending parades and waving flags. This is patriotism, right? Well, no. Back when I was teaching a high school government class I read an article by Lawrence Reed that changed my perspective on what true patriotism is.

Freedom—understanding it, living it, teaching it, and supporting those who are educating others about its principles. That, my fellow Americans, is what patriotism should mean to each of us today.

The article, written in 2003, make a great case for true patriotism and warns about the dangers of false patriotism. I am weary of political debates in which the sides claim to have America's best interests in mind and claim that the others just hate her and want to see her burn. Look back at history; the founding fathers were passionate about their beliefs and debated vehemently with those who disagreed. Each saw their vision for the future to be the best. That has been the case throughout our history and continues today.
I propose that this Independence Day we lay aside our differences and celebrate the freedom we have to share those opinions. We have much to be concerned about, but we also have much to be thankful for. We live in a society in which we can openly speak and not go to jail. We can flaunt our political opinions on our shirts and the bumpers of our cars. We can write about and post about our beliefs on social media. We can travel around the country and visit monuments, landmarks, and museums celebrating our history.
How can you be patriotic this Independence Day? Spend some time this week or month learning about those who fought for our freedom. This is not only the founding fathers, although they would be good place to start. Learn about those who fought for civil rights and equality. Learn about the hero scientists who created medicines and vaccines that have saved countless lives. Learn about those who invented things that drove American industry and made us the superpower we are today. In short, celebrate freedom.

Below are a few of my favorite books about Americans and stories that are worthy of getting to know. The links are to Amazon, but if you can buy it at your local independent book store that would be even better.

John Adams by David McCullough is a thick read, but I fell hard for this founding father. McCullough is meticulous in his writing and crafts an excellent biography.
Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin is about Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School. Sheinkin writes about the origins of football (your mind will be blown in amazement), the impressive athletic feats of one of the greatest athletes of all time, and the tragic treatment of the Native Americans.
Miss Spitfire by Sarah Miller is a novelization of Annie Sullivan's life, but it is accurate. The novelization just makes it enjoyable and easy for younger readers. Annie Sullivan brought language and human companionship to Helen Keller. Helen Keller was able to achieve great things, but she would never have been able to achieve greatness without Sullivan.
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough is an excellent biography and story of these fascinating American innovators. He writes about the power of ingenuity and the benefits of hard work.
Raid of No Return by Nathan Hale is a graphic novel about the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo after Pearl Harbor. I cried. Yes, I cried while reading a graphic novel aimed at middle schoolers. Don't judge me.
Alexander Hamilton's Guide to Life by Jeff Wilser is a wise cracking tongue in cheek look at this suddenly popular founding father. If you are interested in him, but don't have the time to read the Ron Chernow book, which is also excellent, start with this fun, easy read.
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis is a historical fiction but it is a powerful written work that describes the evils of slavery. No, the focus is not on the brutality or the cruelty although that was very real. It emphasizes that slavery was wrong because it was taking freedom from another human. I was deeply moved.
The American Spirit by David McCullough (are you seeing a pattern here) is a collection of speeches published after the 2016 elections was intended to reground readers as to who we are and what we stood for. It is excellent and readers of any poiltical leaning would find it invigorating.