I trust that you are familiar with my Republicans on Parade series, in which I have exposed over fifty of the miscreants that make the Republican Party what it has become. I want to start a new series featuring Democrats and Progressives. I could put people like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley, Alan Grayson, or Rachel Maddow on parade, but I want to go for something more off the beaten path. Whether or not this series succeeds is completely up to you, because I’ll need your help to do it. You are the patriots I want to feature.
First, what is a patriot? Tea Baggers claim to be, but they would tear down the country, making them anti-patriotic. Some people think that patriotism is the belief that we are better than everyone else. It is not. That is exceptionalism. Some people think that patriotism is supporting whatever this country does, right or wrong. It is not. That is nationalism. Authentic patriots are people who love their country so much that they are willing to do whatever they can to make it better, even it that means opposing its current policies. I want to feature you, because that’s the kind of people you are. The reason I did not call it Democrats on Parade is to open it up to people in other countries.
I want to write, or better yet, want you to write, an article about something you are doing and how it could make things better. It could be anything from organizing a national demonstration to helping out in an old folks home, from running a candidate’s campaign to helping people register to vote, from helping clean the environment to stealth flatulence in an elevator full of Republicans. Nothing is too big or too small. Including a picture or video of you doing it would be ideal!
Paraded Patriots will be announced with a graphic like the one above and listed in the sidebar here at Politics Plus.
Use the contact me link in our blog roll, reply to me here, or send me a Care2 message to arrange for your participation. I hope you will make this project a big success.
17 Responses to “Introducing Patriots on Parade”
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What a wonderful idea! I think it might be difficult to get our fellow Patriots here to blow their own horns. I know I don't like to do it.
That's the biggest problem, but we need to do it.
Tom I have to agree with Patty. It is just like Warren,Sanders or even Presidents like Cater or even Obama. It is not about them but what they can do for all Americans.
All that said I will give it some thought. Because even the smallest thing is important and i agree with that.
The everyday heroes are the ones that make the biggest difference.
The only problem I see is the one that Patty alludes to. Real patriots are humble, even self effacing. Overcoming that will be challenging at best.
As real patriots remain silent, Republicans domionate the conversation.
The word "Patriot" left a sour distaste in my mouth ever since bushy urged the passing of the "Patriot Act" in 2001. See how closely the words, dates are in "You're either with us, or against us" are as a prelude to the passing and signing of the "Patriot Act". The word "Patriot" was bastardized by bushy & the gop ever since the signing of the "Patriot Act".
I would much prefer a better word to describe the good Democrats other than "patriot". Perhaps "Democrats on Parade" in maintaining the party name like "Republicans on Parade" or perhaps change it to "Progressives on Parade".
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President George W. Bush, in an address to a joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001 said, "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You're_either_with_us,_or_against_us
Oct. 26, 2001: President Bush Signs PATRIOT Act
Bush signs anti-terrorism act giving the govt. greater surveillance powers.
http://abcnews.go.com/Archives/video/oct-26-2001-president-bush-signs-patriot-act-14820463
"You're either with us or against us." G.W.Bush
"Don't ever forget. Bush, at the climax of his hubris, went before the people of this nation and almost suggested that they were guilty of treason if they opposed his war against Iraq. He suggested we were enemies for our opposition."
"This, more than anything else, compels me to offer him no mercy in the court of public opinion or a court of law. He and TeamBush invaded another nation, not under the guise of national defense, but purely for personal want and gain. An offensive war for plunder and profit that cost precious lives, innocent lives, and uncounted misery."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022396593
Jim, please see Thursday's Open Thread.
I like this idea … A LOT! Good to focus the spotlight on people or actions doing good things – no matter what their leanings or backgrounds are.
In fact I just emailed you a suggestion.
Thanks. Please see Thursday's Open Thread!
I like it and am looking forward to the responses you receive. My main focus is on animal protection and rescue, so I am not sure I have anything to contribute here.
Does animal protection make things better? If so, I'm interested.
On the other hand, spay or neuter s Republican and you get a lifetime achievement award!! 😉
Animal protection does make things better. People who are cruel to animals are also cruel to people. If I could spay and neuter Repubs, I would have all ready started.
Then you are a hero. Just don't send ME to the vet!!
I'd do that but then nobody would be left alive! But then, if there were only Republicanus/Teabaggers in the elevator, would that be so bad. Hey TC, there's where you can help after eating some of your famous green chilli! . . . that is in addition to Politics Plus and the work you do with "your guys".
I certainly like the idea but ideas might be hard to come by since many don't like to toot their own horns.
If they just explain it to me and provide me the pics, I'll do the tooting.
So true Patty…..