Dissent and Reform Are True Patriotism, Not Performative Flag-Waving

Columnist argues that questioning authority and working to improve the country are more patriotic than blind obedience to the government.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The author argues that true patriotism involves more than just waving flags and supporting the military without question. They believe that dissent, reform, and working to improve the country are acts of real patriotism, even if they challenge the government's policies and actions. The author cites historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. as examples of patriotic Americans who stood up to their own government to create positive change.

Why it matters

This commentary touches on the ongoing debate over what it means to be a patriotic American. The author's perspective challenges the notion that patriotism is simply about unwavering support for the government and military, arguing instead that questioning authority and working to improve the country are equally, if not more, patriotic acts.

The details

The author has been reflecting on the concept of patriotism, particularly in light of current events like wars, elections, and sporting events that often prompt displays of patriotism. They argue that true patriotism involves more than just waving flags and singing the national anthem - it requires actively working to improve the country by questioning the government's actions and offering better solutions. The author cites historical figures like abolitionists, suffragettes, and civil rights leaders as examples of patriotic Americans who stood up to their own government to create positive change, even though their dissent was sometimes criticized as unpatriotic at the time.

  • The author has been reflecting on the concept of patriotism recently.

The players

Harriet Tubman

An abolitionist who risked everything to help end government-sanctioned legal slavery in the United States.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A civil rights leader who advocated for change and bettered the country through his activism.

Glen Hooks

The author of the commentary, who lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with his family.

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What they’re saying

“I can love my country without loving every policy and action my country undertakes. Working for change doesn't automatically make me a socialist or a communist. It makes me someone who cares about making our country a place where we live up to our actual lofty ideals.”

— Glen Hooks (nwaonline.com)

“When our country falls short of its own laws, policies, and ideals, we citizens should all hold our leaders to account. That's not America-hating. That's the kind of citizen activism that makes our country better.”

— Glen Hooks (nwaonline.com)

The takeaway

This commentary encourages readers to embrace a more inclusive and active form of patriotism, one that involves questioning authority, demanding accountability, and working to improve the country, rather than simply waving flags and supporting the government without question. The author argues that this type of engaged citizenship is the true mark of a patriotic American.