What is Real Patriotism?

For too long, the idea of patriotism has been twisted, even weaponized. It’s time to reclaim it.

Patriotism isn’t about blind obedience. It’s not about serving one man or one party. And it’s certainly not a loyalty test. True love of our country means defending liberty, demanding justice, and protecting democracy for everyone. And it means telling the truth. That’s the America I was raised to love and protect.

For almost three decades, I worked as a broadcast journalist at ABC News. In that job, I tried my best to present the facts—and the truth that facts reveal. That’s what I’m doing now, here on Substack and on other platforms.

Real Patriotism is about remembering that our love of country is strongest when we tell the truth about what is really happening in our land. Real patriotism is strong enough to tell the truth without fear or favor. That is the only kind of patriotism, I believe, that will unite us once again.

Where else can you find me?

beehiiv is just one of my homes. You can find me posting about politics, my kids’ travel sports, Chicago teams, and (sorry) Bob Dylan on Instagram, X, Threads, and Bluesky. You can also email me any tips at: [email protected]

I’m grateful to each and every one of you for being here, for reading, for commenting, and for sharing your ideas with me. I want to especially thank those of you who have decided to become paid subscribers and support my journalism directly. Without you, telling these stories would not be possible.