July 4, America’s Independence Day, is the annual occurrence for United States patriots to unabashedly display their patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue clothing, flying the Stars and Stripes from their vehicles, displaying the National Colors in windows and on doors at their homes, and attending celebratory parades and fireworks displays. More importantly, it is the perfect day for all Americans to read the Declaration of Independence for themselves and to their children, absorb its meaning, and ponder its significance.

Patriotism is not a one-day each year positive feelings exercise of national pride. It is a lifetime commitment to one’s country. In our nation, one can denounce politicians and remain a patriot, one can despise politics and remain a patriot, one can dislike government policies and remain a patriot. However, one cannot denigrate the United States and be an American patriot.

Far too many of this country’s educators, politicians, newspersons, and those who identify as activists, bloggers, commentators, influencers, podcasters, and talk show hosts have implanted in some Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Zers, and Gen Alphas the idea that America as a nation is a bigoted, homophobic, islam-o-phobic, oppressive, racist, white supremacist, xenophobic regime. Several nouveau politicians and their supporters believe this dogma and machinate the only corrective solution is a new form of government. This is not Patriotism! Nor is it Patriotic.

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