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Over the course of a generation, patriotism in America has been hijacked by the right and abandoned by the left. But the principles and values of true patriotism – country above self, contribution above consumption, stewardship over exploitation, freedom with responsibility, purpose through sacrifice and service, pragmatism, a fair shot for all – are inherently progressive. The True Patriot, written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), challenges progressives to reclaim patriotism – and spells out just how to do it. This powerful and timely "little red book" combines a manifesto, a ten-principle plan, a model speech, and a moral code. Throughout, it weaves between the words of the authors and excerpts from foundational American texts and speeches, as well as a parade of iconic American images.
Anonymous
Posted August 19, 2008
I am a conservative man by nature and political affiliation. I am no where close to being described as a liberal of any kind. I am now rereading this book a second time in the past week. I am not ready to respond yet, which by the way, is a good thing. This book has caused me to focus altogether on my own principals, moral codes, and thought processes. I may not agree with all that these authors stand by, but agree to make a serious effort of understanding their well thoughtout points of view regarding this country. I can't say they didn't make a case for their views of country, moral code, and creating the patriotic spirit as defined by our ancestors. I urge everyone to read this book once and then twice. Then, prior to responding, consider the contents with serious thought before taking pen to paper.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 19, 2008
This little, easy to read book, has done something for me none other has done in a long time. It has made me want to do something for my country after I had almost given up hope for America. It is not a partisan swipe at anyone's political enemies but, it is a regenerating look at what America and Americans are all about. Every red blooded American will want to spread the good word about this great little book. I am going to be more involved in my local community.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.katiekatPD
Posted July 21, 2012
To quote a judge who long ago said: 'I don't know what pornography is but I know it when I see it'. That's about the best thing I can say about these fellows. They have done the classic thing that all people who avoid absolutes do; they merely re-define words. They falsely define both 'liberals' and 'conservatives' very adroitly.
They use no standards [well maybe]. They try to imply standards by inserting speeches and comments from times past, JFK; FDR; Susan B. Anthony; Teddy Roosevelt to name a few. These are well used to my mind as 'smoke-screens' to attempt the lending of substance to their identification of the so-called True Patriot.
Their 'fix' is to energize people to enter into dialogue with others and have them define what they mean [that's OK by itself] but without a Standard such as the Constitution and/or [Heaven forbid!] the Ten Commandments and the Bible it is just more opinions and platitudes. If you read it, you will see that perhaps Obama has read it and is using phrases that are direct quotes from these fellows [in fact I'm sure of it].
I think it's the same old stuff started back in the Garden and perpetrated throughout history and woven into the fabric of modern America: 'Hath God said?'
yogiobearkf
Posted June 25, 2012
I have plagiarized the overview from the page in the Barnes&Noble catalog of books because it is the most clearest, spot on review of the book. The book has given me the confidence to trust in my own thinking of what it means to be an American. The book has shown me that my thinking is right on track, to stand up for my opinions and that there are other Americans out there who are of like mind. There are also Americans out there who don't have a clue which is a sad commentary on our education system. I can say, unequivocally, that True Patriot should be required reading. Hanauer & Liu for president and vice president.
Over the course of a generation, patriotism in America has been hijacked by the right and abandoned by the left. But the principles and values of true patriotism – country above self, contribution above consumption, stewardship over exploitation, freedom with responsibility, purpose through sacrifice and service, pragmatism, a fair shot for all – are inherently progressive. The True Patriot, written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), challenges progressives to reclaim patriotism – and spells out just how to do it. This powerful and timely "little red book" combines a manifesto, a ten-principle plan, a model speech, and a moral code. Throughout, it weaves between the words of the authors and excerpts from foundational American texts and speeches, as well as a parade of iconic American images.
Anonymous
Posted June 11, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Over the course of a generation, patriotism in America has been hijacked by the right and abandoned by the left. But the principles and values of true patriotism – country above self, contribution above consumption, stewardship over exploitation, freedom with responsibility, purpose through sacrifice and service, pragmatism, a fair shot for all – are inherently progressive. The True Patriot, written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), challenges progressives to reclaim patriotism – and ...