We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. – From The Declaration of Independence

Patriotism is about looking out for the rights of all, not just the rights of some.

Patriotism is following the Constitution and working together to amend it if it no longer serves The People.

Patriotism is always putting country over party.

Patriotism is doing what is right because it is right.

Patriotism is holding people who violate laws accountable and placing no one above the law.

Patriotism is standing against all who wish to take power away from The People.

Patriotism is holding our leaders to a higher standard.

Patriotism is valuing knowledge and education so people can make informed decisions and not fall for lies.

Patriotism is knowing that your responsibility to the country extends beyond the border of your family.

Patriotism is always standing for truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Patriotism is working together to hear all voices and compromising to form a more perfect union.

Patriotism is helping our neighbors because when one of us does better, the general welfare of our society improves.

Patriotism is living noblesse oblige.

Patriotism is forever striving for justice for all and understanding that justice isn’t a one-size-fits-all pursuit.

Patriotism is acknowledging that not everyone is born on an equal playing field and finding ways to support everyone in reaching their goals.

Patriotism is making space for all beliefs, cultures, skin tones, religions, and languages because diversity and inclusion make us stronger.

Patriotism is ensuring everyone has the basic needs for life, including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education.

Patriotism is grappling with the uncomfortable things we have done rather than whitewashing or denying them.

Patriotism is embracing our collective history, acknowledging our faults and failings, celebrating our successes, and understanding that we won’t all share the same experiences or perspectives on the same events.

Patriotism is Ruby Bridges walking into William Frantz Elementary School for the first time.

Patriotism is Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat.

Patriotism is the Suffragette and Civil Rights Movements.

Patriotism is acknowledging that Manifest Destiny was a lie that killed thousands of indigenous people and drove them from their sacred lands.

Patriotism is remembering that the Confederacy fought to enslave black people for economic benefit. Patriotism is remembering that the Confederates were traitors and that the Lost Cause Myth is a lie.

Patriotism is acknowledging that Reconstruction was working, but racism put an end to it.

Patriotism is understanding that no person is illegal.

Patriotism is helping people become legal residents and citizens rather than deporting them.

Patriotism isn’t about limiting the rights of others to expand the rights of a few.

Patriotism is destroying the patriarchy.

Patriotism is welcoming all versions of The American Dream because everyone has the right to define what that means for themselves.

Patriotism leaves no space for sexism, racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, xenophobia, or general hate. There is space enough for all at Patriotism’s table.

Patriotism isn’t about waving a flag, owning guns, or who you voted for. It’s about defending the power of The People, all people, and their life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.