I’m Sick and Tired of This Thing Called “Patriotism” by William Blum

Image by rstrawser via Flickr

by William Blum
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Originally published July 5, 2010
July 4, 2020

Some thoughts on “patriotism” written on July 4

Most important thought: I’m sick and tired of this thing called “patriotism”.

The Japanese pilots who bombed Pearl Harbor were being patriotic. The German people who supported Hitler and his conquests were being patriotic, fighting for the Fatherland. All the Latin American military dictators who overthrew democratically-elected governments and routinely tortured people were being patriotic — saving their beloved country from “communism”.

Put Away The Flags by Howard Zinn

Image by Jagz Mario via Flickr

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Originally published July 3, 2010
July 3, 2020

On this July 4, we would do well to renounce nationalism and all its symbols: its flags, its pledges of allegiance, its anthems, its insistence in song that God must single out America to be blessed.

Put Away The Flags by Howard Zinn

Image by Jagz Mario via Flickr

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Originally published July 3, 2010
crossposted at The Progressive (2006)
July 5, 2019

On this July 4, we would do well to renounce nationalism and all its symbols: its flags, its pledges of allegiance, its anthems, its insistence in song that God must single out America to be blessed.

I’m Sick and Tired of This Thing Called “Patriotism” by William Blum

Image by rstrawser via Flickr

by William Blum
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Originally published July 5, 2010
July 4, 2019

Some thoughts on “patriotism” written on July 4

Most important thought: I’m sick and tired of this thing called “patriotism”.

The Japanese pilots who bombed Pearl Harbor were being patriotic. The German people who supported Hitler and his conquests were being patriotic, fighting for the Fatherland. All the Latin American military dictators who overthrew democratically-elected governments and routinely tortured people were being patriotic — saving their beloved country from “communism”.

Untold Truths About the American Revolution by Howard Zinn

Image by Jim Surkamp via Flickr

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Repost from July 4, 2009
Excerpt from The Progressive, July 3, 2009
July 4, 2018

There are things that happen in the world that are bad, and you want to do something about them. You have a just cause. But our culture is so war prone that we immediately jump from, “This is a good cause” to “This deserves a war.”

You need to be very, very comfortable in making that jump.

I’m Sick and Tired of This Thing Called “Patriotism” by William Blum

Image by rstrawser via Flickr

by William Blum
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Originally published July 5, 2010
July 3, 2018

Some thoughts on “patriotism” written on July 4

Most important thought: I’m sick and tired of this thing called “patriotism”.

The Japanese pilots who bombed Pearl Harbor were being patriotic. The German people who supported Hitler and his conquests were being patriotic, fighting for the Fatherland. All the Latin American military dictators who overthrew democratically-elected governments and routinely tortured people were being patriotic — saving their beloved country from “communism”.

Where Is Your Loyalty?

Image by Lorie Shaull via Flickr

The Essays of The Man From the North by Rivera Sun
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Originally published May 1, 2017
July 1, 2018

For all the avowed patriots who demand my Pledge of Allegiance and salutes on Loyalty Day, Fourth of July, and other patriotic, militarized holidays, I fling this question to your hearts: how deep and far does your loyalty to your country run?

Put Away The Flags by Howard Zinn

Image by Jagz Mario via Flickr

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Repost from July 3, 2010
crossposted at The Progressive (2006)
July 4, 2017

On this July 4, we would do well to renounce nationalism and all its symbols: its flags, its pledges of allegiance, its anthems, its insistence in song that God must single out America to be blessed.

Untold Truths About the American Revolution by Howard Zinn (2009)

Image by Jim Surkamp via Flickr

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Repost from July 4, 2009
Excerpt from The Progressive July 3, 2009
July 4, 2017

There are things that happen in the world that are bad, and you want to do something about them. You have a just cause. But our culture is so war prone that we immediately jump from, “This is a good cause” to “This deserves a war.”

You need to be very, very comfortable in making that jump.

Peter Linebaugh: The Untold History of Independence Day

Image by Peter Roan via Flickr

Dandelion Salad

TheRealNews on Jul 4, 2014

Historian Peter Linebaugh: The rights and freedoms that we celebrate on the Fourth of July are the product of vast human struggle that remains unfinished.

The Fourth of July Like You’ve Never Seen It Before! by Mike Ferner

Image by Jack via Flickr

Dandelion Salad

Republished with permission from David Swanson at World Beyond War

by Mike Ferner
World Beyond War, June 29, 2017
July 1, 2017

This year, sit back with your favorite beverage or herb, prop up your feet and open your head to consider Independence Day in a whole new way.

A historically critical article about the American Revolution would typically discuss how the democratic promises of the Declaration were left hanging at war’s end, followed by a decidedly undemocratic constitution six years later.

Where Is Your Loyalty?

Image by Lorie Shaull via Flickr

The Essays of The Man From the North by Rivera Sun
Writer, Dandelion Salad
May 1, 2017

For all the avowed patriots who demand my Pledge of Allegiance and salutes on Loyalty Day, Fourth of July, and other patriotic, militarized holidays, I fling this question to your hearts: how deep and far does your loyalty to your country run?

A Leftist Guide to the Fourth of July by Billy Wharton

Image by daveynin via Flickr

by Billy Wharton
Guest Writer, Dandelion Salad
Examiner.com
originally published July 4, 2011
July 4, 2016

A neighbor illustrated the problem with the Fourth of July.  He broke out a new bumper sticker for his car just in time for the annual celebration.  The sticker promoted the US Navy with the slogan, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all those who oppose us.”  This twisted take on the spirit of the day is a perfect illustration of the worst American chauvinism that often pushes leftists and other progressives away from the holiday.  However, as historians such as Howard Zinn have demonstrated, there are alternatives – there is a counter-narrative to American history that represents ordinary people.  The Fourth of July is the perfect opportunity to discover it.

Untold Truths About the American Revolution by Howard Zinn (2009)

Image by Truthout.org via Flickr

Repost from July 4, 2009

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Excerpt from The Progressive July 3, 2009
July 5, 2015

There are things that happen in the world that are bad, and you want to do something about them. You have a just cause. But our culture is so war prone that we immediately jump from, “This is a good cause” to “This deserves a war.”

You need to be very, very comfortable in making that jump.

Put Away The Flags by Howard Zinn

Image by Jagz Mario via Flickr

Repost from July 3, 2010

by Howard Zinn
Writer, Dandelion Salad
crossposted at The Progressive (2006)
July 4, 2015

On this July 4, we would do well to renounce nationalism and all its symbols: its flags, its pledges of allegiance, its anthems, its insistence in song that God must single out America to be blessed.