This slim volume -- the authors call it a pamphlet -- has as its goal to show that true patriotism is progressive, and the left has just as much claim to the term as the right.

This premise is intentionally provocative, but the content itself is reasonable and well thought out. The authors define their own view of what a progressive, morally founded patriotism would look like and, while I can quibble with the details, their vision far exceeds the milk sop that comes from the too-flexible seeming members of the left or the for-show morality common on the right.

I encourage you to read it for yourself. It's available free online[1][2], or if you prefer physical books, the printed version is an aesthetically pleasing physical item.

[1] http://truepat.org/
[2] http://truepat.org/book/read ( )

The idea of there being a patriotism that is progressive in making life better for all is appealing. The book sort of felt like a pep session. I read it all, because it was short and because it does point in a direction I like. I am not rating it, because I thought the writing was pretty bad even though the authors seemed to be well motivated to encourage us toward not asking what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country. I did benefit from hearing where both liberals and conservatives could improve.
So there is something to hear and think about here which is kind of dressed up and overdone, I think.

I first saw this book in a National Review Magazine. Democrats that wanted to truly reach above partisan politics and have an informed discussion. To the Author's credit they admit up front that they are "progressives", their word not mine. Basically I can't argue with the virtues they wish to bring back to this country. It's the old question of what separates liberals and conservatives. They admit the liberals are wrong, but take is softly on the left, and hammer the right as hijacking patriotism. There is nothing new here. While I agree with the end state they wish to reach I disagree with their methods, which are old fashioned Democrats. Raise taxes on the wealthy, more money for education, blah blah blah. The same story I have been hearing my entire lifetime and while the money spent per student goes up, the quality goes down. It's big government arguments made with some nods given to conservative ideas, without the shrillness that has infused politics that last 12 to 20 years. Not a bad book, but nothing common sense shouldn't tell most people.” ( )

2/13/23