A Congressman from Texas on the question at hand
In the Name of Patriotism (Who are the Patriots?)
***
The original American patriots were those individuals brave enough to resist with force the oppressive power of King George. I accept the definition of patriotism as that effort to resist oppressive state power. The true patriot is motivated by a sense of responsibility, and out of self interest—for himself, his family, and the future of his country—to resist government abuse of power. He rejects the notion that patriotism means obedience to the state.
***
It is dissent from government policies that defines the true patriot and champion of liberty.
***
We currently live in the most difficult of times for guarding against an expanding central government with a steady erosion of our freedoms.
***
The true patriot challenges the state when the state embarks on enhancing its power at the expense of the individual. Without a better understanding and a greater determination to reign in the state, the rights of Americans that resulted from the revolutionary break from the British and the writing of the Constitution, will disappear.
Time is short but our course of action should be clear. Resistance to illegal and unconstitutional usurpation of our rights is required. Each of us must choose which course of action we should take education, conventional political action, or even peaceful civil disobedience, to bring about the necessary changes.
But let it not be said that we did nothing.
***Patriotism is more closely linked to dissent than it is to conformity and a blind desire for safety and security.
United States Congressman Ron Paul’s speech in the House of Representatives on 5/22/07
*** = redacted materials.
Read this inspiring speech in its entirety here
