With the holiday safely behind us, perhaps now is the time to take a look at the latest obnoxiousness from the Associated Press. Rather than taking the day off to enjoy a cookout and some fireworks, AP reporters Gary Fields, Margery Beck, and Rebecca Boone set themselves to the task of explaining to the nation why the word “patriot” has become “problematic.” You might be wondering how a word like that could trigger even the most sensitive snowflake. I certainly was. But if you guessed that it has something to do with oppression, racism, and white supremacy, award yourself an extra can of non-Bud Light beer. Because that’s right where they went with it. (Daily Wire)
The Associated Press kicked off the Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday with an article explaining why the word “patriot” has become problematic in recent years.
In the article, the outlet argued that the word had been overtly political and taken up by extremist groups, used in ways that made it less about love for the country and more about hatred for certain minority groups.
“The term ‘patriot’ in America has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying meanings, while also being appropriated by white nationalist groups,” the outlet tweeted along with a link to the full piece.
The term ‘patriot’ in America has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying meanings, while also being appropriated by white nationalist groups. https://t.co/UO2stwBz51
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 4, 2023
In order to determine exactly who it is that has “coopted” the word, the AP cites the Southern Poverty Law Center. (Not coincidentally, one of the most hate-filled, unpatriotic organizations imaginable.) They also cite a “historian” who declares that “extremist groups” have begun to “lean less toward a commitment to democracy and more to the notion in the Declaration of Independence that there is a ‘right of revolt,’ and that becomes patriotism.”
Imagine that. People celebrating a nation that was founded in an act of defiance against tyranny might want to remind potential modern tyrants about the Tree of Liberty from time to time. Perish the thought.
The Daily Wire described the timing of the article’s release, coming on Independence Day, as “suspect.” It’s far more than suspect. It’s obvious. It was an intentional jab at conservatives designed to drive up hate clicks while simultaneously pushing the progressive Democratic agenda they endorse, both of which are good for their business model.
Here’s a thought to keep with you every day, not just on the 4th of July. There are plenty of people out there who are trying to tear down the American way of life that most of us took for granted when we were growing up. Those people are not patriots. They are part of the sadly growing number of people (though thankfully still not a majority) who cannot bring themselves to say that they are proud to be an American and live in the United States. They are not “fixers” of anything. They are disruptors.
If you lean in the opposite direction, don’t hide your light under a bushel basket. If you’re a patriot, make no apologies. Be loud and proud. There are more people like you out there than the mainstream media would have you believe. Wear that badge with honor and call out the weasels when you see them.
