Patriotism is about fighting for the principles and values espoused in the constitution, and working towards improving an imperfect republic, not worshiping the flag.
It’s a fun project and I like the colors, but let’s not pretend that the flag and the idea of ‘patriotism’ are anything other than distractions from the work that needs to be done.
Interestingly, everytime I hear this I feel like the constitution is treated like the bible, some holy book holding the truth. That is very dangerous imo
The Constitution is THE Supreme Law of the land. It literally is the ‘bible’ in how America is to be governed. The difference is that The Constitution has mechanisms within itself for change. This is the opposite of dangerous. It is the reason slavery was abolished, women have the vote, etc. It is a living document and it serves the people.
I would say one of the tenet of the Bible and other holy books is that there are immutable. It's the words of God, and he doesn't make mistakes. (In theory at least, I've heard the Bible's translations haven't always been kind to the original text.)
That's a huge difference with the constitution, a fundamental one I'd say. And, most of the time, the people I see treating the constitution as gospel denies this very important mutability. The founding fathers were right and will always be right. The constitution must not be ammended, it is already perfect.
The constitution is the document that defines the existence of the United States and all of the rights, freedoms, and protections it provides and aspires to provide. It’s not perfect, but it is a heck of a lot better than blind adherence to the flag and whoever waves it.
Seeing as the constitution defines the United States, I think you get a lot closer to the truth when reflecting on it than you do when worshiping the flag or the military or whatever else it is that July 4th is supposed to be about.
It is also important to remember that the constitution is a living document, meant to grow and evolve over time. If there are problems - and there are - it is up to us to change it.
> whatever else it is that July 4th is supposed to be about
The Declaration of Independence; an aspirational document saying why the constitution was needed, and also a big F-you to Britain and tyranny around the world.
It’s a fun project and I like the colors, but let’s not pretend that the flag and the idea of ‘patriotism’ are anything other than distractions from the work that needs to be done.