An article titled "My Love for America Is Unconditional," written by David Brooks ,was published in the November 30, 2025 edition of The New York Times. A few definitions follow before my response. America is defined as a continent of North America, South America, and lands of the Western Hemisphere. Patriotism is defined as devotion and vigorous support of one's country. Love is defined as an intense feeling of deep affection and can be used as a noun or verb . It's a feeling of deep affection for someone to be in love with, to be infatuated with that arises out of oneself, or personal ties. And proud, defined as feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities or possessions, or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.
In this article, Brooks wrote that in 2001, 90% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats said they were extremely or very proud to be American. And today, 92% of Republicans say they are proud to be American, while 36% of Democrats do according to a recent Gallup survey. He also pointed out that Gen Z. Democrats say they feel little or no pride in being American compared to feeling very proud. For those respondents, proud refers to self, another , both or something else ?
Brooks goes on to say that his patriotism is more like that of a Republican in that it is unconditional and is based on what America has always been. He added that his patriotism is rooted in the nation's ability to arouse ambition and energy and goes on to quote, an example given by a Frenchman involved in the French - Indian war in the 18th century . And he follows with this energy is related to a force that also produces crassness materialism and from time to time immaturity. He mentioned Abraham Lincoln and then states the "gaudy display of a Donald Trump and the occasional recklessness of an Elon Musk.
Further, he quoted Walt Whitman "Americans have an almost maniacal appetite for wealth." And that Whitman never stopped celebrating the nobility of regular working people. Additionally, he quotes FDR “happiness lies not in the mere possessions of money, it lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of created effort. “ And finished with a statement about Ronald Regan’s optimism, patriotism and hope.
First, there is a difference between love, patriotism and being proud. Love , as a verb, pertains to not only an emotion or feelings, but behavior associated with that object as it is highly inter-personal .Emotions constantly change , related behavior and thinking also changes. With this being so, feelings , thinking, actions and interactions also change in a ratio of positive or negative direction depending upon a multitude of variables associated with another over time . Also, depending on the degree and severity of another’s inappropriate , toxic,or sadistic character orientation that’s expressed in words and behavior, I am unable to love that other who consistently and pathologically lies cheats with threatening and abusive behavior. I do not love thy enemy.
I am an American and marvel at the perseverance, outstanding accomplishments, contributions , and the humanism of so many Americans. Although Benjamin Franklin wasn't mentioned, I recognize his brilliance and moral change when he became an abolitionist. Abraham Lincoln, was the most instrumental humanist president of all time, and second to none. Walt Whitman was a brilliant poet and I applaud FDR's efforts in combating Nazi-ism, but not his political position regarding placing limits on European Jewish refugees. He was morally wrong in that regard.
I agree with Brooks regarding the people of our republic's ambition and energy but find it limiting.,too narrow and not the full story of our republic . Our republic's history is very complex and contradictory and I cannot dismiss Brooks referring to Trump as only being gaudy. Trump, the convicted felon and pathological liar, betrayed the idea and peaceful implementation of democracy and the constitution with his attempt to overthrow the 2020 election results and his constant whining and fraudulent claim about the election. He was and is a pathological liar.
Our elections and peaceful transfer of power, according to the founding fathers, was supposed to be unique . What might Lincoln ,Whitman, FDR and Ronald Reagan ( Iran-Conta Affair) say about Trump’s role in the January 6 riot at the capital? If Brooks' love for Trump is unconditional , that's based on his denial, rationalization, and intellectualization at best.Intellectually, Brooks is no fool? Keep your head above ground and acknowledge reality .
Our Republic’s policies , not America, to be more precise, have been extraordinary at times; and at other times, inhumane ,discriminatory, sadistic and inappropriate. Just recently, there was a murder by Ice in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A 37-year-old mother of 3 children was shot and killed by a murderer working for the president. Brooks, how would you describe that action and Trump’s response ? What about your unconditional love for the Ice, the president and all the sycophants with their lying propaganda ,deceit and fictional stories? How can you be proud of all the lies, corruption, moral failings, criminal behavior and constitutional disregard by this fascist GOP government in America at this time ?
Moreover, Benjamin Franklin, in the 1700’s stated four important behavioral ideals t 1. Be extremely frugal. 2. Endeavor to speak the truth. 3. Apply myself industriously. 4 Speak ill of no man. Brooks, how does Trump and his followers compare and measure up with Franklin’s ideals ? Furthermore, Paul Ekman developed a list of 6 primary emotions that include: 1 anger .2 disgust .3 happiness. 4 sadness, 5 fear and 6 surprise. Pertaining to Trump and his behavior, policies, and statements, I've experienced every emotion except happiness. And, I take exception to your vague and misuse of the word love.Love is an active emotional based interactive act resulting in a response. Your wide range or gross meaning of the word love has lost the clarity and essence.
Reference
Ekman, Paul. Emotion in the Human Face.
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