Colin Kaepernick Is Being Blackballed by Billionaire NFL Owners. Here’s Why.

By Colin Jenkins Jun 15, 2017 Patriotism is a key tool for the owning class. To them, the quarterback's refusal to stand for the national anthem—a nationalistic ritual—threatened to undermine the whole capitalist system. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Parade

By Charles Bragg Sep 6, 2016 Dig deeper

Truthdigger of the Week: Colin Kaepernick, for Refusing to Stand During the National Anthem

BLANK Sep 3, 2016 In his act of protest against racial injustice in the U.S., the San Francisco 49ers quarterback has taken a lot of hits. But he’s not backing down and has succeeded in igniting an important debate. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

I Have Never Stood Up for the National Anthem—and Never Will

Sonali Kolhatkar / Truthdig Sep 1, 2016 No country is worth pledging blind allegiance to. Patriotism, nationalism, anthems, flags and syrupy words about "love of country" are constructs aimed at fostering unquestioning obedience from people lucky enough to be deemed citizens.Patriotism, nationalism, anthems, flags and syrupy words about "love of country" are constructs aimed at fostering unquestioning obedience from people lucky enough to be deemed citizens. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

The Five Principles of Patriotism (Video)

Robert Reich / Truthdig Jul 3, 2016 We talk a lot about patriotism, especially around July Fourth, but we also need to take to heart its five basic principles. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Emerging Choice in 2016

Jeff Danziger / Truthdig Jun 30, 2016 Dig deeper

This Fourth of July Let’s Choose Patriotism That Stands for Inclusion Over Exclusion, Hope Over Fear

Robert Reich / Truthdig Jun 29, 2016 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. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Budweiser Is Renamed ‘America’ for the Election Season

Staff / Truthdig May 11, 2016 Belgian-owned beer company Anheuser-Busch’s announcement has met with mixed reactions. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Lie of Patriotism

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Apr 4, 2016 A U.S. ranger who served in Afghanistan and a Marine who was in Iraq put light on the dangerous myth that America has built around its "warriors." Now, in acts of civil disobedience, they are determined to right the wrongs of war. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

VIDEO: Is Right-Wing Populism the New Normal?

Staff / Truthdig Jan 8, 2016 While it might be tempting to view the political success of Donald Trump as something uniquely American, Guardian journalist Gary Younge explains that "most Western nations have their own Trump: a racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic demagogue appealing to a mix of nationalist nostalgia, patriotic myth, class grievance and economic insecurity." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Paying for Patriotism

By John Kiriakou / OtherWords Nov 12, 2015 The Pentagon shells out millions for sports leagues to "support the troops" with cheap stunts. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

How to Thank a Veteran on Veterans Day

By Dick Conoboy Nov 11, 2015 Please don't call us "heroes." Honor our service by telling us you participate in our democracy. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )