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About this quote

What does it mean?
True patriotism involves protecting one's country from the overreach or errors of its own government.
In plain terms
A real patriot defends the nation even against its government.
What can you take from it?
Patriotism includes holding government accountable.

Where it applies

  • protests
  • elections
  • political dissent

Putting it to work

  • challenge unjust laws
  • participate in democracy

Questions to consider

  • Who is the enemy of the state?
  • What defines patriotism?

Another view

This definition conflicts with traditional views of loyalty.

More from Edward Abbey

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  3. The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

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