Open Left

I love these clips! (0.00 / 0)

But I'm not sure about your phrase "progressive patriotism".  The very word "patriotism" is loaded enough as it is.  Why add on a layer of politics?

As a movement, American conservatism is beyond the pale. But at the same time, many Americans who call themselves conservatives are fine, intelligent people.  Why push them further toward the dark side by suggesting that "progressives" possess the patriotic truth?  

Shouldn't we instead be encouraging these folks either to join us, or -- perhaps better -- to start making "conservatism" a philosophy worth considering again?

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by: rwm @ Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 17:00:01 PM CDT

In A Word, NO! (4.00 / 1)

That's what we've always been told we should do.  It's supposed to be the open-minded, tolerant, progressive way.  But it's, you know, a lie!

And haven't we had enough of lies already?

The majority of liberals/progressives fought for American freedom. The majority of conservatives fought against it.  The majority of liberals/progressives fought to abolish slavery.  The majority of conservatives fought against it.  The majority of liberals/progressives fought for women's rights--from the right to vote to full equality across the board. The majority of conservatives fought against it.

The same pattern repeats over and over again throughout our history.  Ours is the philosophy of equality--of liberty and justice for all, theirs is the philosophy of special privilege--of "liberty" and "justice" as the property of the chosen few.  Ours is the philosophy of inclusion, and theirs is the philosophy of exclusion.  Therefore, it is not we who are excluding them from American patriotism.  It is they who are excluding themselves.  We just need to be honest, and clear about it.  And in doing so, in making thing clear, we actually doing them a favor.  Making it possible for them to choose the American way, and no longer be deceived.

And for those who don't want to change?  Well, conservatives are always telling us how wimpy we are, and how tough they are.  Well, good.  If they're so tough, they can handle the truth.  Our philosophy is what this country was founded on, and where its best and highest values come from.  Theirs is not.

Of course they are welcome to change their philosophy at any time. I am not condemning them as people.  I am just telling them that their philosophy is fundamentally at odds with the highest ideals of what our nation stands for.

Am I supposed to lie to spare their feelings?  Well, how many conservatives think that people should do that?  

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 17:21:14 PM CDT

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Very well stated (4.00 / 1)

the whole thing, but in summary:

The majority of liberals/progressives fought for American freedom. The majority of conservatives fought against it.

this is exactly why I got so mad that we (liberals, progressives) allowed the corporate media to paint last year's big fight against continued erosion of the FISA laws as purely a "liberal/lefty" agenda item. We've got to start doing a better job of fighting to positions these issues as "Constitutional" values, as core "American" values.

To illustrate how deeply ingrained this twisted conventional wisdom is about what's "patriotic" and what's not, recently XM/SIRIUS radio renamed their liberal and conservative talk stations from "America Left" and "America Right " to "SIRIUS Left" and "SIRIUS Patriot". Need I say more?

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by: Oaktown Girl @ Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 17:42:06 PM CDT

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I questioned the phrase "progressive patriotism" (0.00 / 0)

And I still do. It's unhelpful and dangerous to suggest that progressives (or anyone else) -- can or should define "patriotism."

And what purpose is served? Indeed, many self-defined "conservatives" were among those in the compassionate crowds depicted above.

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by: rwm @ Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 20:16:22 PM CDT

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So? Many Conservatives Believe In Liberal Values (0.00 / 0)

This isn't news.  I've been writing about it for years.

It's time they learned where ideas like "freedom of speech", "freedom of religion" and the "right to vote" come from.

In fact, when it comes right down to it, Jesus was a liberal, and it's time they learned that, too.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 20:38:44 PM CDT

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Conservatives as "They" (0.00 / 0)

I was trying to draw a tactical distinction between movement conservatives and persuadable self- defined conservatives.

Believe me, there's nothing I like to do more than rant and rave about American wingnuts.  I hate them.  I rip them daily on my fabulous blog.

http://partisandawn.wordpress....

I just don't want to get into a battle with them over the meaning of patriotism.

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by: rwm @ Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 21:04:39 PM CDT

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Why Not? (4.00 / 1)

I just don't want to get into a battle with them over the meaning of patriotism.

That's precisely what I want to do.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Sun Jul 05, 2009 at 08:46:43 AM CDT

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