The True Patriot

Ebook
On sale Jun 05, 2012 | 136 Pages | 978-1-57061-870-3
An essential read for both progressives and conservatives, this ‘little red book’ challenges modern patriotism, calling for a return to the ideals on which our democracy was founded
 
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.
 
Written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), The True Patriot 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.
Eric Liu is the co-founder and CEO of Citizen University and executive director of the Aspen Institute Citizenship and American Identity Program. His books include You're More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen's Guide to Making Change Happen and The Gardens of Democracy. Eric served as a White House speechwriter and policy advisor for President Bill Clinton. He is a correspondent for TheAtlantic.com and his TED Talks on citizen power and voting have been viewed nearly 3 million times. Follow him at @ericpliu. View titles by Eric Liu
NICK HANAUER is a Seattle-based serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author and activist with a knack for identifying and building transformative business models. In 2007, he co-authored The True Patriot with Eric Liu and co-founded The True Patriot Network, a non-partisan group committed to furthering patriotic ideals. He also co-founded the Washington State League of Education Voters (LEV), a non-partisan statewide political organization focused on promoting public education, where he serves as co-president. View titles by Nick Hanauer

About

An essential read for both progressives and conservatives, this ‘little red book’ challenges modern patriotism, calling for a return to the ideals on which our democracy was founded
 
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.
 
Written in the pamphleteering style of Thomas Paine (Common Sense), The True Patriot 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.

Author

Eric Liu is the co-founder and CEO of Citizen University and executive director of the Aspen Institute Citizenship and American Identity Program. His books include You're More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen's Guide to Making Change Happen and The Gardens of Democracy. Eric served as a White House speechwriter and policy advisor for President Bill Clinton. He is a correspondent for TheAtlantic.com and his TED Talks on citizen power and voting have been viewed nearly 3 million times. Follow him at @ericpliu. View titles by Eric Liu
NICK HANAUER is a Seattle-based serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author and activist with a knack for identifying and building transformative business models. In 2007, he co-authored The True Patriot with Eric Liu and co-founded The True Patriot Network, a non-partisan group committed to furthering patriotic ideals. He also co-founded the Washington State League of Education Voters (LEV), a non-partisan statewide political organization focused on promoting public education, where he serves as co-president. View titles by Nick Hanauer