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Dear John,
What does it mean to love America? Republicans claim they do, but...
In this video, I have tried, I’ve really tried, to imagine what they are referring to.
But I keep coming up short (ahem). There must be something -- how they care about the people, the cities, the rural areas, the land, our history and principles -- there must be some ways we can see how they love America.
As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July tomorrow, it’s a chance for us to reflect on what loving our country is really about. Check out this week’s video as I think about this question and expose how Republicans really feel about America, then please share it with your friends on social media and help us expand our reach.
Republicans claim to love the American people, yet they consistently oppose raising the minimum wage, paid family leave, and student debt relief -- reforms that most Americans believe would improve their lives.
So what do they love? Our great cities, where 80% of Americans live?
Maybe not. Trump says: “Leave Democrat cities. Let them rot.”
Okay, so do Republicans love rural America? If they did, they wouldn’t try to cut funding for Medicaid expansion, for rural infrastructure, and food stamps, which rural communities rely upon even more than cities.
They must love American history, right? Freedom of speech? Separation of church and state? Hmmm... maybe those aren’t their strong suit either.
Some of us have a different definition of patriotism. We see it as loving freedom: actual freedom. The freedom to speak and think and assemble and unionize, to love whom you love, be who you are, read what you want. Freedom from gun violence, corporate greed, and pollution.
We believe true patriots don't put loyalty to their political party above their love of democracy.
With Independence Day parades, BBQs, and fireworks happening throughout this extended holiday weekend, I hope you’ll watch our new video and consider what each of us can do to take back patriotism from those who just don’t get it.
Let’s reclaim the true meaning of patriotism together.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
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