Synopses & Reviews
Over the course of a generation, patriotism in America has been hijacked by the right and abandoned by the left. But the principles and values of true patriotism — country above self, contribution above consumption, stewardship over exploitation, freedom with responsibility, purpose through sacrifice and service, pragmatism, a fair shot for all — are inherently progressive. The True Patriot, written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), challenges progressives to reclaim patriotism — and spells out just how to do it. This powerful and timely "little red book" combines a manifesto, a ten-principle plan, a model speech, and a moral code. Throughout, it weaves between the words of the authors and excerpts from foundational American texts and speeches, as well as a parade of iconic American images.
Synopsis
Its been hijacked by the right and abandoned by the left, but the principles of true patriotism country above self, responsible stewardship, equality, shared sacrifice and service are inherently progressive. The True Patriot challenges progressives to retake patriotism. Written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine, it presents a manifesto, ten-principal plan, and moral code that reframe the concept of patriotism and return politics to what it once was: a civic virtue and responsibility that fueled the countrys founders.
About the Author
Eric Liu was a speechwriter for president Bill Clinton in his first term and White House deputy domestic policy advisor in the second. He is the author of
The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker and
Guiding Lights: How to Mentorand Find Lifes Purpose. He has been a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC. In 2002, Eric was named by the World Economic Forum one of the 100 "Global Leaders of Tomorrow." He lives in Seattle, where he teaches at the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Affairs, and hosts an acclaimed television interview program called
Seattle Voices.
Nick Hanauer is a successful entrepreneur based in Seattle. He was a founding investor in Amazon.com and served on the companys board of advisors. He founded and served as CEO of Avenue A Media and is a partner in Second Avenue Partners, a management, strategy, and investment group for early-stage companies. He is active in city, state, and national politics. He co-founded the League of Education Voters in Washington State.