By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Fourth of July, once a day of national celebration, is now overshadowed by a growing sense of disillusionment, with national pride reaching a new low according to recent polls. This shift reflects a broader pessimism, influenced by bipartisan failures like the War on Terror and the 2008 economic crisis. The current political climate, particularly the efforts to undermine birthright citizenship, has further eroded faith in the American dream, echoing Frederick Douglass’s critique of celebrating liberty while denying it to many. The decline in patriotic sentiment is evident across different demographics, indicating a profound shift in the national mood and a questioning of what once made America great.
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Fake patriots are destroying everything that made America great, or at least, that’s the increasingly common sentiment. These individuals, often loudly proclaiming their love for country, seem to be actively dismantling the very foundations upon which America was built. They wrap themselves in the flag, yet their actions betray a profound misunderstanding of the principles of liberty, equality, and justice that are supposed to define this nation. They’re the equivalent of that person who can’t stop talking about being a vegan. You know the type.
These “patriots” are often driven by a toxic blend of nationalism and self-interest. They are the ones quick to cry “treason” at any perceived criticism of their views, but often seem to be the very ones undermining the Constitution, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. They mistake blind loyalty for genuine patriotism, failing to grasp that true love of country demands critical engagement and a willingness to hold those in power accountable. It’s not about what you are born into, or what attributes you’ve been given, but what you do with your life.
Trump and his allies in right-wing media have played a significant role in cultivating this environment. For years, they have stoked the flames of resentment, blaming “others” – people of color, scientists, unions, “liberals,” and “coastal elites” – for the country’s problems. These are the ones who make us feel as though we’re being divided. Ironically, many of the loudest voices in this chorus are themselves far from the working-class base they claim to represent, residing in the very “elite” circles they so readily condemn.
The issue is clear: too many people are easily persuaded by words alone. They are easily persuaded to believe in lies of liberty. These so-called patriots are more accurately described as nationalists, as they are proud of their country no matter what it does, fostering an environment of blind arrogance that leads to war. These are MAGA domestic terrorists. They are actively working against the best interests of the nation, driven by fear, anger, and a desperate desire to cling to a past that never truly existed.
We must recognize that this country was founded on genocide, built by slavery, and maintained by class war on the backs of the poor and middle class. The people who are ruining the country have no shame. The real patriots are the ones who don’t stand for kings or taxation without representation.
The consequence of this behavior is a steady erosion of the values that once made America a beacon of hope for the world. Things like the very idea of democracy, truth, justice, are being destroyed by the individuals who seem to be the most proud of it. If their personality is tied up with where they were born, or the pride of their skin colour, or grand historical events they didn’t participate in… they’re probably morons of the highest order with no self-won pride of their own.
The true patriots are the ones who are engaged in civil discussions, and not yelling at each other.
Instead of focusing on the negative, maybe it’s time for the liberals to embrace gun ownership. Guns is literally the only leverage gop voters have. There is a thin line between hate and love, just like there’s nobody gayer than somebody who won’t shut up about how evil being gay is. Nobody hates Americans more than Americans bitching about America.
The situation requires a renewed commitment to critical thinking, a willingness to challenge the narratives being peddled by those in power, and a clear-eyed understanding of the forces that threaten to unravel the fabric of our society. We must recognize that the path forward requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, and a relentless defense of the principles of liberty and justice for all. We can’t afford to let the fake patriots continue to destroy everything that made America great.