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The True Patriot
Over the course of a generation, patriotism in America has been hijacked by the right and abandoned by the left. But the principles and values of true patriotism – country above self, contribution above consumption, stewardship over exploitation, freedom with responsibility, purpose through sacrifice and service, pragmatism, a fair shot for all – are inherently progressive. The True Patriot, written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), challenges progressives to reclaim patriotism – and spells out just how to do it. This powerful and timely "little red book" combines a manifesto, a ten-principle plan, a model speech, and a moral code. Throughout, it weaves between the words of the authors and excerpts from foundational American texts and speeches, as well as a parade of iconic American images.
130 pages
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 15, 2018
Part of my my New American Idealism, because I'm 100% committed to the ideal of "liberty and justice for all," and the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights. These ideals and principles are central to my conception of what America can and should be. I reserve the right to be critical of this country, its citizens, and its leaders when it falls short of these ideals and when it acts contrary to these principles. This is not a lack of patriotism; it is patriotism.
This book emphasizes the common good and social responsibility. These are important ideas that are often left out of the conversation. At the very least, it's a useful starting point for lovers of justice and equality, the furtherance of which is the duty of every American.
Consider: in the Declaration of Independence, what did Jefferson say was the purpose of Government? I agree with Jefferson on this: the purpose of government is the safeguarding of human rights, and governments are just or unjust according to their attainment of these ends. It saddens and angers me that our conceptions of patriotism and what it means to be American have strayed so far.
This book emphasizes the common good and social responsibility. These are important ideas that are often left out of the conversation. At the very least, it's a useful starting point for lovers of justice and equality, the furtherance of which is the duty of every American.
Consider: in the Declaration of Independence, what did Jefferson say was the purpose of Government? I agree with Jefferson on this: the purpose of government is the safeguarding of human rights, and governments are just or unjust according to their attainment of these ends. It saddens and angers me that our conceptions of patriotism and what it means to be American have strayed so far.
October 11, 2008
This was a good read. I will admit that I didn't agree 100% with everything... and there were even some big words used that I'd never seen before, so it was a little above my vocab level... LOL! But, I did enjoy the book--it was inspiring and I wish more people (politicians in particular) would give it a read and indulge in some self-reflection. You can actually read the book for free on their website: http://truepat.org/bookreader . They wrote the book as a pamphlet, so they really want to get their ideals out there. They do admit to being strong progressive liberals and Democrats. But, that considered, it's a mostly bipartisan, fair, fundamentalist approach, I think.
What I really liked was the foundational American quotes and excerpts from speeches. People don't write like that anymore. The speeches are beautiful. There's also a really nice photo essay of iconic American images in the middle. I got to thinking that maybe I'm not a true conservative as much as a fundamentalist. I really do wish we could get back to most of the basic truths and self-sacrificing mentality of putting the best interests of country and future generations before our own. I found it thought-provoking that the writers felt too many Americans are considering themselves consumers rather than patriots. I have often felt that we younger generations have been slowly poisoned with this attitude of entitlement, everyone for himself, who cares as long as I'm happy, gimme this and that now mentality--these writers hit those things on the head in this mini book. These selfish attitudes are tearing the country apart.
As we stand still watching times get scarier and more difficult, the authors of this book challenge us to take action. They paint a pretty picture:
"Imagine the pride our children and their children will take in us, if we make the hard decisions today to restore American credibility around the world to strengthen the social fabric at home. Picture it: history books that describe these times--our moment--as the 'Pivot Generation,' the era when things could have gone bad and instead turned around, enduringly, for the good.
"We are Americans. By definition, we believe in something better. We can imagine it. Now we must demand it. And when we do, we will set this country firmly on the path to progress.
That, my friends, is the true meaning of patriotism."
They go on to provide questions to ask yourself to reflect upon your own level of true patriotism:
• What is your moral code and what are your guiding principles?
• What does patriotism mean to you, your friends, and your family?
• What can you do to demonstrate stewardship, contribution over consumption, mutual obligation or any other tenets of true American patriotism? Consider the ripple effect of these acts.
• What will you do to encourage, even become, the kind of public leaders that exemplify the spirit of true American patriotism?
I do recommend reading this little book. Read it before the election next month, educate yourself, choose the lesser of two evils running for president, and make your voices heard, not only on November 4th, but within your communities as well.
What I really liked was the foundational American quotes and excerpts from speeches. People don't write like that anymore. The speeches are beautiful. There's also a really nice photo essay of iconic American images in the middle. I got to thinking that maybe I'm not a true conservative as much as a fundamentalist. I really do wish we could get back to most of the basic truths and self-sacrificing mentality of putting the best interests of country and future generations before our own. I found it thought-provoking that the writers felt too many Americans are considering themselves consumers rather than patriots. I have often felt that we younger generations have been slowly poisoned with this attitude of entitlement, everyone for himself, who cares as long as I'm happy, gimme this and that now mentality--these writers hit those things on the head in this mini book. These selfish attitudes are tearing the country apart.
As we stand still watching times get scarier and more difficult, the authors of this book challenge us to take action. They paint a pretty picture:
"Imagine the pride our children and their children will take in us, if we make the hard decisions today to restore American credibility around the world to strengthen the social fabric at home. Picture it: history books that describe these times--our moment--as the 'Pivot Generation,' the era when things could have gone bad and instead turned around, enduringly, for the good.
"We are Americans. By definition, we believe in something better. We can imagine it. Now we must demand it. And when we do, we will set this country firmly on the path to progress.
That, my friends, is the true meaning of patriotism."
They go on to provide questions to ask yourself to reflect upon your own level of true patriotism:
• What is your moral code and what are your guiding principles?
• What does patriotism mean to you, your friends, and your family?
• What can you do to demonstrate stewardship, contribution over consumption, mutual obligation or any other tenets of true American patriotism? Consider the ripple effect of these acts.
• What will you do to encourage, even become, the kind of public leaders that exemplify the spirit of true American patriotism?
I do recommend reading this little book. Read it before the election next month, educate yourself, choose the lesser of two evils running for president, and make your voices heard, not only on November 4th, but within your communities as well.
June 22, 2008
A refreshing pamphlet, in the style of "Common Sense," that liberates the notion of Patriotism from Neo-Conservative flag-waiving and chest-thumping, and asks us to embrace a new progressive patriotism as a means for restoring America's standing in the world and renewing our commitment to the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
October 19, 2017
The authors have done a good job of exhorting the citizens with a solid dose of patriotism. I agree with some other reviewers about The True Patriot being preachy at times. But the collection of excerpts from speeches and essays is absolutely splendid. And it did make me want to read more about how conservatives and liberals think and operate.
December 29, 2015
"The True Patriot" truly sucked balls.
October 21, 2020
It's like Mao's Little Red Book adapted for American progressives who want to take back the flag from conservatives and then leverage America's civic religion to promote moderate-left values of fairness and mutual aid.
Published before Trump and even Obama came along by former Clinton White House staffer Eric Liu and Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, the book's critique of political polarization was prescient.
The authors want to bring liberals and conservatives together around shared values of freedom with responsibility, fairness with a reward for hard work, and national strength based as much on moral power as military power.
When they use the word "moral," they don't mean bedroom issues like gay marriage or abortion, which they see as private concerns. Instead, they mean civic morality, caring for your fellow citizens and holding not just the poor but also the rich to standards of fair contribution.
What Liu has come to call "civic sermons" are interspersed with quotes from founding fathers old and new, ranging from Washington, Lincoln, and the Roosevelts to MLK and the Kennedys. Art including Washington Crossing the Delware and the marines raising the flag during WWII situate this book aesthetically in the tradition of American greatness.
To liberals, the authors say don't be afraid of traditional American values:
"Liberals have told us much about what is wrong with America and all that remains broken...But over time too many liberals have forgotten how to speak--from the heart--of the greatness of this nation, the deep reservoir of resilience and earnestness and endurance and optimism that will enable us to overcome anything."
To conservatives, the message is don't worship the free market but instead, be true to those traditional values of mutual aid.
"There are too many people who call themselves conservative today who are preaching selfishness, narrowness, hatefulness, and fear; who have replaced the word of God with the hand of the market. That is not you. That is not what you want to protect and preserve. You are a conservative for good reasons: because there is no substitute for tradition and its timeless truths."
I found "The True Patriot" refreshing. While avoiding a weak equivalence of both sides--the authors do make a case for the issues promoted by their side, from fairness for people of color and immigrants, to making the rich pay higher taxes, to fighting climate change--the book does invite a dialog between the two sides based on a common meeting ground of shared American values and beloved traditions.
In the end, Hanauer and Liu agree with conservatives that America is exceptional. "For all our failings, America has been th eobject of more hopes and dreams of more people from more places than any country in human history. But the question is this: How can we be worthy of such hopes?"
"The True Patriot" hopes to inspire all Americans to pursue lives of civic virtue rather than private gain and hopes to bring us together across partisan divides to become "The Pivot Generation" that, at the time when our nation threatened to follow a dark path, we pulled together to turn things around.
Published before Trump and even Obama came along by former Clinton White House staffer Eric Liu and Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, the book's critique of political polarization was prescient.
The authors want to bring liberals and conservatives together around shared values of freedom with responsibility, fairness with a reward for hard work, and national strength based as much on moral power as military power.
When they use the word "moral," they don't mean bedroom issues like gay marriage or abortion, which they see as private concerns. Instead, they mean civic morality, caring for your fellow citizens and holding not just the poor but also the rich to standards of fair contribution.
What Liu has come to call "civic sermons" are interspersed with quotes from founding fathers old and new, ranging from Washington, Lincoln, and the Roosevelts to MLK and the Kennedys. Art including Washington Crossing the Delware and the marines raising the flag during WWII situate this book aesthetically in the tradition of American greatness.
To liberals, the authors say don't be afraid of traditional American values:
"Liberals have told us much about what is wrong with America and all that remains broken...But over time too many liberals have forgotten how to speak--from the heart--of the greatness of this nation, the deep reservoir of resilience and earnestness and endurance and optimism that will enable us to overcome anything."
To conservatives, the message is don't worship the free market but instead, be true to those traditional values of mutual aid.
"There are too many people who call themselves conservative today who are preaching selfishness, narrowness, hatefulness, and fear; who have replaced the word of God with the hand of the market. That is not you. That is not what you want to protect and preserve. You are a conservative for good reasons: because there is no substitute for tradition and its timeless truths."
I found "The True Patriot" refreshing. While avoiding a weak equivalence of both sides--the authors do make a case for the issues promoted by their side, from fairness for people of color and immigrants, to making the rich pay higher taxes, to fighting climate change--the book does invite a dialog between the two sides based on a common meeting ground of shared American values and beloved traditions.
In the end, Hanauer and Liu agree with conservatives that America is exceptional. "For all our failings, America has been th eobject of more hopes and dreams of more people from more places than any country in human history. But the question is this: How can we be worthy of such hopes?"
"The True Patriot" hopes to inspire all Americans to pursue lives of civic virtue rather than private gain and hopes to bring us together across partisan divides to become "The Pivot Generation" that, at the time when our nation threatened to follow a dark path, we pulled together to turn things around.
November 29, 2023
The True Patriot
PAMPHLET
by Eric Liu
Contents:
A Politics of Purpose
The Patriot's Moral Code
True Patriotism: A Manifesto
Patriotic Values And Policies: A Ten-Principle Plan
True American Patriotism: A Speech to America
Ask What You Can Do
.... operate in our daily lives from the precept that if you don’t like something then you must either offer an alternative or shut up.
True patriots believe that freedom from responsibility is selfishness, freedom from sacrifice is cowardice, freedom from tolerance is prejudice, freedom from stewardship is exploitation, and freedom from compassion is cruelty.
Freedom without an equal chance to enjoy it is no freedom at all.
It is time to return to true patriotism.
What does it mean today to be patriotic?
Patriotism means pride.
But true patriotism is earned pride: It means appreciating not only what is great about our country but also what it takes to create and sustain greatness. It means being proud of how we treat each other, how we plan for the future, and how we meet challenges and threats.
True patriotism celebrates the hard choices needed to create more opportunities for more people, and the values that guide those choices.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Let America Be America Again
July 1936
O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—
The land where every man is free.
The land that’s mine—
The poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s, ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!
An ever-living seed,
Its dream
Lies deep in the heart of me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
~ Thomas Jefferson
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind.
~Voltaire
PAMPHLET
by Eric Liu
Contents:
A Politics of Purpose
The Patriot's Moral Code
True Patriotism: A Manifesto
Patriotic Values And Policies: A Ten-Principle Plan
True American Patriotism: A Speech to America
Ask What You Can Do
.... operate in our daily lives from the precept that if you don’t like something then you must either offer an alternative or shut up.
True patriots believe that freedom from responsibility is selfishness, freedom from sacrifice is cowardice, freedom from tolerance is prejudice, freedom from stewardship is exploitation, and freedom from compassion is cruelty.
Freedom without an equal chance to enjoy it is no freedom at all.
It is time to return to true patriotism.
What does it mean today to be patriotic?
Patriotism means pride.
But true patriotism is earned pride: It means appreciating not only what is great about our country but also what it takes to create and sustain greatness. It means being proud of how we treat each other, how we plan for the future, and how we meet challenges and threats.
True patriotism celebrates the hard choices needed to create more opportunities for more people, and the values that guide those choices.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Let America Be America Again
July 1936
O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—
The land where every man is free.
The land that’s mine—
The poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s, ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!
An ever-living seed,
Its dream
Lies deep in the heart of me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
~ Thomas Jefferson
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind.
~Voltaire
December 19, 2019
I'm not from USA. I don't know much of it's history or it's foundation. But the values the authors speak about should be global values, we all must take responsibility in politics, demand politic responsibility from others, define and act by our principles, and try to be better by improving our contributions to our communities.
This quote will stick with me:
"The best and worst thing about living in a democracy is that it always gives us the leaders we deserve. That's why if we want great leaders, we must demand great citizenship of ourselves."
This quote will stick with me:
"The best and worst thing about living in a democracy is that it always gives us the leaders we deserve. That's why if we want great leaders, we must demand great citizenship of ourselves."
Read
March 22, 2017The idea of there being a patriotism that is progressive in making life better for all is appealing. The book sort of felt like a pep session. I read it all, because it was short and because it does point in a direction I like. I am not rating it, because I thought the writing was pretty bad even though the authors seemed to be well motivated to encourage us toward not asking what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country. I did benefit from hearing where both liberals and conservatives could improve.
So there is something to hear and think about here which is kind of dressed up and overdone, I think.
So there is something to hear and think about here which is kind of dressed up and overdone, I think.
September 13, 2020
Not worth your time
This book seems to say that the system is broken because of your inaction if you’re a liberal and if you’re conservative, you’re wrong and need to stop being selfish. I agree with several of the ideas presented and the majority of the 10 tenets proposed by the authors, but as a whole work, this is simply more leftist propaganda.
This book seems to say that the system is broken because of your inaction if you’re a liberal and if you’re conservative, you’re wrong and need to stop being selfish. I agree with several of the ideas presented and the majority of the 10 tenets proposed by the authors, but as a whole work, this is simply more leftist propaganda.
Read
February 4, 2024A manifesto for both a form of progressive patriotism and the language with which to sell it.
The manifesto itself is short, and supplemented by texts and excerpts of historical speeches and other documents.
I like this very much however it may be somewhat obsolete or optimistic given what we now know from MAGA voters.
The manifesto itself is short, and supplemented by texts and excerpts of historical speeches and other documents.
I like this very much however it may be somewhat obsolete or optimistic given what we now know from MAGA voters.
May 16, 2017
A most excellent pamphlet
Simply put, without guile or agenda, a call to action for all Americans, regardless of affiliation. Well worth the time to read!
Simply put, without guile or agenda, a call to action for all Americans, regardless of affiliation. Well worth the time to read!
March 18, 2021
Eh... not my kind of reading.
Especially in post 2020 era, this book feels dated.
Especially in post 2020 era, this book feels dated.
July 9, 2024
Their polemic is a bit sophomoric, but it’s interspersed with legendary quotations from heroes like Lincoln that are wonderful.
May 13, 2008
I liked the premise- that patriotism is love of country and concern for its well-being, so dissent shouldn't be confused for disloyalty or weakness. However, the book got a little ahead of itself with its rhetoric. It's a call to arms for progressives, so it was bound to turn me off when I disagreed with any of its positions. I gave the book credit because it addressed a problem that has pushed the progressive movement to the fringe of society, and because it got me thinking about a few issues(see below). I docked it because I got bogged down by some of the details of their plan, and because it read like one of the great speeches of yore without ever having been a great speech of yore.
(below): I agree that the progressive notion of patriotism has been around since the revolution, and that it is a more authentic and productive interpretation of patriotism. I also agree with the notion that a person shouldn't be forgetful of the people around them that aren't as successful. A person shouldn't gauge his success by the amount of money he has made, but rather by the lives he has improved. I think one of the criticisms of the liberal or progressive movement today is that they have failed to balance the need for a social safety net with the need for a meritocracy. It boils down to this: You shouldn't be able to get something for nothing, but if you work hard you should be able to get enough.
(below): I agree that the progressive notion of patriotism has been around since the revolution, and that it is a more authentic and productive interpretation of patriotism. I also agree with the notion that a person shouldn't be forgetful of the people around them that aren't as successful. A person shouldn't gauge his success by the amount of money he has made, but rather by the lives he has improved. I think one of the criticisms of the liberal or progressive movement today is that they have failed to balance the need for a social safety net with the need for a meritocracy. It boils down to this: You shouldn't be able to get something for nothing, but if you work hard you should be able to get enough.
May 30, 2012
This slim volume -- the authors call it a pamphlet -- has as its goal to show that true patriotism is progressive, and the left has just as much claim to the term as the right.
This premise is intentionally provocative, but the content itself is reasonable and well thought out. The authors define their own view of what a progressive, morally founded patriotism would look like and, while I can quibble with the details, their vision far exceeds the milk sop that comes from the too-flexible seeming members of the left or the for-show morality common on the right.
I encourage you to read it for yourself. It's available free online[1][2], or if you prefer physical books, the printed version is an aesthetically pleasing physical item.
[1] http://truepat.org/
[2] http://truepat.org/book/read
This premise is intentionally provocative, but the content itself is reasonable and well thought out. The authors define their own view of what a progressive, morally founded patriotism would look like and, while I can quibble with the details, their vision far exceeds the milk sop that comes from the too-flexible seeming members of the left or the for-show morality common on the right.
I encourage you to read it for yourself. It's available free online[1][2], or if you prefer physical books, the printed version is an aesthetically pleasing physical item.
[1] http://truepat.org/
[2] http://truepat.org/book/read
June 30, 2008
The timing for reading this book is obvious, but what is not so obvious is that this book is written by a couple progressives who I don't easily identify with. I really liked the intent of the book and for the most part I thought the content was great as well. (Sometimes I think they took some shots at conservatives, but that's fine.)
Anyway, it's a quick little read (130 pages) and I think you'll appreciate the concept of the book: pull together some of the most inspiring words of America's leaders and from that foundation try and articulate what patriotism really is and how true patriots are guided by values and principles.
Anyway, it's a quick little read (130 pages) and I think you'll appreciate the concept of the book: pull together some of the most inspiring words of America's leaders and from that foundation try and articulate what patriotism really is and how true patriots are guided by values and principles.
May 31, 2008
An awesome little book - booklet, really - containing a number of primary documents on what has made and what makes America great (quotes from the Declaration, Gettsburg address, Roosevelt's four freedoms, etc), thoughts on progressive patriotism, and ten principles of progressive patriotic values:
1. American exceptionalism
2. Responsibility for the common good
3. Equality of opportunity
4. Patriotic capitalism
5. Mutual obligation
6. Service to Country
7. Stewardship
8. Common sense virtue
9. Tolerance and common cause
10. Pragmatism
1. American exceptionalism
2. Responsibility for the common good
3. Equality of opportunity
4. Patriotic capitalism
5. Mutual obligation
6. Service to Country
7. Stewardship
8. Common sense virtue
9. Tolerance and common cause
10. Pragmatism
September 20, 2023
If everyone in the country read this book, we might be able to hear each other. Though it's so clearly, openly, and honestly from the "progressive" tradition I can see the Libertarian types seizing up and not being able to process the content without resentment.
Sometimes it was "preaching to the choir," since I agreed with every word. But I think if liberals/progressives/confused people read it they'd understand how it's a powerful thing to love our country instead of feeling ashamed of us.
Sometimes it was "preaching to the choir," since I agreed with every word. But I think if liberals/progressives/confused people read it they'd understand how it's a powerful thing to love our country instead of feeling ashamed of us.
August 16, 2014
A quick read, and engrossing little manifesto, though your mileage will vary depending on how much you agree with the politics and positions put forth in it. But, I'd highly recommend it for anyone who considers themselves a Progressive or Liberal (like me) who beleives that Patriotism is more than slapping an American flag on our car bumper, shouting "support the troops" while simultaniously engaging in selfish individualism.
January 11, 2016
this manifesto might be better titled the socialist patriot. it is definitely intended to bolster the resolve of the left rather than to convince the right of a change in ideology. if anything, this book seems to be an argument against the ideas of Ayn Rand's obectivism, though references conservatism as its counter agent. As with most manifestos, it intentions and goals are good but gets too swept up in ideology to make a convincing argument.
August 6, 2008
A fantastic book that really encouraged me to think about - what it is to be a patriot in our country. I have seen Eric speak and feel strongly he and the co-author do their best to tell the story of patriotism from both partisan angles. It was a quick read that left me wanting to have the conversation with others - what does patriotism mean to you?
July 21, 2015
Great bedside book. Put it on your nightstand and just digest a little at a time. Watching the John Adams miniseries on HBO got me interested in looking back at how the founding fathers viewed the issues we are wrestling with today, and this is a great companion piece to that. Great for anyone who is looking to become a more informed citizen.
September 17, 2012
I really "got" this book. It is an important message and update in civics for Americans of all ages and regardless of political leaning. I'd love to share a copy with every one I know. to that end, you can access it and read it free on line: http://www.truepat.org/book/read - or like me, get it from your local library.
August 31, 2010
Kind of disappointing. I agree with all the points the authors make, but there's no new ground being explored here; Nat Hentoff was writing about these issues a generation ago, and this slender (heavily padded, but still slender) volume is pretty much Mom-and-apple-pie stuff.
September 14, 2008
Useful good read about how progressives should and can take back the issue of patriotism (sadly, the Valerie Plame case on its own wasn't enought)and use it to win. Also available here: The rue Patriot
July 3, 2009
A doctrine or manifesto on patriotism, this pamphlet lays out a case for progressives to take back the mantle of patriotism that conservatives have owned for the past 40 years, and may explain to some degree why Obama is so appealing beyond the liberal democratic base.
May 10, 2012
This is a very small and susccint and insightful pamplet ne book to offer another suggestion for true citizenry. The writers are both Progressives however they are pragmatist first and foremost. A quick read with some very powerful but simple ideas.
October 22, 2008
this should be required reading before anyone is allowed to vote in the current election. everyone on my christmas list will be getting a copy. love reading and rereading it.
September 9, 2010
Great pieces of wisdom, loved the slant of the two authors, appreciated their quest for real patriotism, and liked what they came up for their moral code. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews