Why is it that so many conservatives and the media define the term "liberal patriot" to be an oxymoron? In truth, fighting for civil rights, peace, and justice have been a part of the progressive American tradition for over a generation. We should set the record straight and that is what I argue in "The Liberal Patriots."
What is patriotism, this value that conservatives find liberals to be lacking? Webster's definition is "love for or devotion to one's country." Conservative strategists have attacked liberals who claimed that the Patriot Act was denying ourselves liberty, as "unpatriotic." They have called those that were against the invasion of Iraq as "unpatriotic." They now call all of those who wish to pull out our troops of the hell hole that Iraq has become as "unpatriotic."
I can only speak for myself and the people I know and I can say with absolute certainty that no one that I know has supported or attacked any initiative because of a lack of "love of country." I have been raised in this country as everyone else. I have benefited from a free public elementary and high school education. I have a passion for the democratic process and the egalitarian American ideals (that haven't always existed for everyone) of one man/woman and one vote, of social mobility, racial equity, of our political system in which the poor have risen to hold the highest office in the land (Andrew Jackson), and where we are free to say and write what we want without fear of governmental oppression.
I love the ideals of this nation because they are liberal ideals. Our nation is a liberal democracy, the first of it's kind. Our founding fathers were mostly Christians as conservatives claim, but they did not set out to create a nation based on one church because they themselves were outcasts of a religiously oppressive society. They compromised, they debated but in the end they stood united under a constitution whose ideals would instigate republican revolutions across Europe and around the world. It's longevity was the product of built in safeguards against the consolidation of power and the elastic clause, which many of the "literal readers of the constitution" seem to forget about. While I don't often vocally express my affection, my exercise of it's freedoms in my view is the best possible way to show my appreciation of the freedoms of our nation.
Now, when one questions my patriotism or questions yours we can not stand by and cede to them the moral high ground. A patriot should not hesitate to question the policy of their government if that person has reason to believe that it is ineffective or if there are better options that are not being acted upon.
If the government lies or spreads misinformation by intention or accident, it is a patriot's duty to speak out. Our country is a greater thing than any one politician or group of officials and if they are in any way damaging the credibility of our country it is our duty to reveal their untruths and to hold them accountable.
If one question's ones devotion to the armed forces tell them that we disagree with the way they have been implemented and managed, not them themselves. To serve one's country benefits the rest of us and in no way should anyone who chooses that life be attacked for doing so. Our young patriots don't choose wars, our politicians do. If we disagree with the war, we are in no way disagreeing with the troops, for they are doing their duty. But if we find the politicians failing in their duties to our country and the troops then we have the obligation to hold them accountable.
Finally, if one questions me as to "put up or shut up" on the issue of national security I am only too willing to give them my view on what should be done against Al Qaeda. We treat Al Qaeda as a nation that can declare war and be attacked in a conventional war. This is a an untruth, as our experience in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown us. If we are to attack Al Qaeda we should not do so conventionally, but attack their ability to attain the resources necessary for their survival. These resources are financial. WMD's, and human. If we secure the loose nuclear material floating around the world, we would score a victory. If we deprive corrupt regimes their oil revenues by pursuing alternative energies we strike a second damaging blow. If we work with stable and friendly governments to modernize their region and improve the standard of living of their citizens, then we improve our own reputation and hurt the terrorists. And finally, if we deprive them of the targets that our troops provide, we damage their ability to train and recruit the next generation that they need to survive. These strategies will be less costly financially and in terms of casualties than our current strategy, and I am certain that it would be more effective.
Liberals, we know we are true patriots so let us show our patriotism. It is much more meaningful to fight for what our constitution stands for than to wave a flag or follow our leaders zealously. Protest, write editorials, post videos on YouTube, get educated, and get involved. Show your pride because our beliefs are the moral bedrock of America.