Posted on 07/04/2016 4:44:21 AM PDT by HomerBohn
Robert Reich wants Americans to be vigilant this July 4 against “exclusive patriotism” that “asserts a unique and superior ‘Americanism.’”
(Daily Caller) – Former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration and current University of California Berkeley professor Robert Reich wants Americans to be vigilant this July 4 against “exclusive patriotism” that “asserts a unique and superior ‘Americanism.’”
“We hear a lot about patriotism, especially around the Fourth of July. But in 2016, we’re hearing about two very different types of patriotism. One is an inclusive patriotism that binds us together. The other is an exclusive patriotism that keeps others out,” Reich writes.
Reich claims that “we’re now hearing a strident, exclusive patriotism. It asserts a unique and superior ‘Americanism that’s determined to exclude others beyond our borders.”
Reich, who served as Bill Clinton’s secretary of labor from 1993 to 1997, cites supporting tax cuts, building a border wall and celebrating entrepreneurship as examples of “exclusive patriotism.”
“Donald Trump famously wants to ban all Muslims from coming to America, and to build a wall along the Mexican border to keep out Mexicans,” he says. “Exclusive patriotism tells us to fear foreign terrorists in our midst — even though almost every terrorist attack since 9/11 has been perpetrated by American citizens or holders of green cards living here for a decade or more.”
“Inclusive patriotism instructs us to join together for the common good,” he says. “Such patriotism requires taking on a fair share of the burdens of keeping America going — including a willingness to pay taxes.”
“Exclusive patriotism,” on the other hand, “celebrates the acquisitive individual and lone entrepreneur. It tells us that taxes on the wealthy slow economic growth and deter innovation.”
“Trump wants to reduce the highest income tax rate to 25 percent from today’s 39.6 percent. No matter that this would result in higher deficits or cuts in Social Security, Medicare and programs for the poor. They’re supposedly good for growth.”
Reich goes on to ask, “So will it be inclusive or exclusive patriotism? A celebration of ‘us’ or contempt for ‘them’?”
“Inclusive patriotism is our national creed. It is born of hope. Mean-spirited, exclusive patriotism is new to our shores. It is born of fear,” Reich writes.
Reich endorsed Bernie Sanders in February but has since instructed Sanders’ supporters to “Be prepared to work hard for Clinton if she gets the nomination.”
Earlier this year, he wrote an article for Salon calling Trump a “21st century American fascist.” “Trump’s entire foreign policy consists of asserting American power against other nations. Mexico ‘will’ finance a wall. China ‘will’ stop manipulating its currency,” he wrote.
Yep and on this lovely day I think I'll drive the 5 miles to the nearest Iroquois reservation and buy some untaxed fireworks and a pack of untaxed smokes. Maybe even fill up with a couple gallons of untaxed gasoline for the long trip home. Starve the beast.
He is such a pussy! America is the greatest country ever ..... now if the democrats continue to destroy us we should soon celebrate their demise! GO TRUMP!
He is such a pussy! America is the greatest country ever ..... now if the democrats continue to destroy us we should soon celebrate their demise! GO TRUMP!
He should strap his tiny self to a couple of bottle rockets, take off, and explode.
Philosophically.
Good for you! Happy 4th to you and your family.
We’re sittin’ around grilling and I’m making red, white and blue shortbread for dessert.
the weak
and the frightened
are always opposed to exceptionalism.
Sounds yummy! Have fun. I’ll be visiting family later this afternoon as well for a Cookout at Mom and Dad’s. I get to bring the red wine to go with the pasta. :-)
Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15.
Ronald Reagan
I would love to debate this arrogant and misguided elitist. It’s absolutely ironic and blind for people like Reich, who think they are superior because of the college they went to, their pedigree, and who the rub elbows with, to actually lecture the rest of us about not being proud about our heritage. What an absolute buffoon. Honestly, the blind stupidity of these people who think they are among the smartest in the world is amazing. It’s extremely insulting to be lectured by people like this.
That’s fantastic! I never heard that quip! Oh, for a return of the Gipper...such happiness in the 80s.
Not to quibble, but Reich isn’t a towering bore.
He is a stupefying bore.
he cannot be said to be “towering” in any sense of the word.
Glad you like it. I’ve read it many times here on FR. Your post reminded me of it and no better day than today to quote it. BTW Happy 4th from a Freeper north of the border.
To equate the importance of Independence Day with paying more taxes exposes this man’s gross ignorance of American history.
May the Spirit of ’76 live in our hearts and minds forever.
Well, I’ll wish you a happy 4th too. Are you an American?
Yes, this dude is boring and has always been boring. Never had a real job.
>>Robert Reich wants Americans to be vigilant this July 4 against “exclusive patriotism” that “asserts a unique and superior ‘Americanism.’”
Screw you, dwarf. Murrica!!
Thanks to the US Navy, I’ve been to quite a few countries. They all have their charms, but compared to the USA they all SUCK.
It’s always interesting and revealing that the two things that will get a Progressive stuttering and spitting mad are patriotism (for the USA) and an absolute belief in the Word of God (real God, not alluh).
Not exactly but maybe in spirit. Australian by birth and lived most of my life in Canada.
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