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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRobert Reich: "True patriots work to improve the U.S. government, not destroy it."
Patriotism July 4, 2012
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True patriots don't hate the government of the United States. They're proud of it. Generations of Americans have risked their lives to preserve and protect it. They may not like everything it does, and they justifiably worry when special interests gain too much power over it. But true patriots work to improve the U.S. government, not destroy it.
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When arguing against paying their fair share of taxes, some wealthy Americans claim "it's my money." They forget it's their nation, too. And unless they pay their fair share of taxes, Americans can't meet the basic needs of our people. True patriotism means paying for America.
So when you hear people talk about patriotism, be warned. They may mean securing the nation's borders, not securing our society. Within those borders, each of us is on our own. These people don't want a government that actively works for all our citizens.
Yet true patriotism isn't mainly about excluding outsiders seen as our common adversaries. It's about coming together for the common good.
MORE:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/patriotism_b_1648855.html
Wounded Bear
(58,706 posts)Reich is such a treasure.
4th law of robotics
(6,801 posts)probably just going to enjoy the ride.
pipoman
(16,038 posts)Reich talking about patriotism is like Limbaugh talking about freedom...a joke. Pretty sure a patriot wouldn't support destroying the US labor market and supporting the wishes of the 1% while serving as US labor secretary..he is a traitor to the very people he was appointed to protect...please Mr. Reich, explain your duplicity when it comes to patriotism, eh?
pansypoo53219
(20,995 posts)but not paying for stuff is not exception. NOT BEING ABLE TO FIX BRIDGES does NOT make us exceptional. POTHOLES AND INFERIOR ELECTRIC GRIDS ARE NOT EXCEPTIONAL. trying to stall progress is NOT exceptional.
TAX CUTS ARE NOT EXCEPTIONAL.