Patriotism isn’t just about waving a flag, quoting the Constitution, or calling out what’s broken. Those things have their place, sure. But real patriotism? It starts with the stuff that doesn’t make headlines. The quiet, unglamorous, everyday choices we make to improve the world we actually live in.
We talk a lot about what our government should do. What leaders should change. And we’re not wrong to demand better. We should stand up for what’s right, push back against injustice, and protect the values we believe in. That’s part of being a citizen. But if we’re not willing to change and do better ourselves, what are we really asking for?
It’s easy to spot the problems. It’s harder to be part of the solution.
So if you’re wondering what you can do, start small. Seriously. Pick up trash that isn’t yours. Check in on an elderly neighbor. Visit a nursing home and talk to someone who hasn’t had a visitor in weeks. Buy a pizza and share it with someone sleeping on the sidewalk. Coach a local softball team. Sit through a city council meeting even if it’s painfully dull. Vote. Show up. Be there. Contribute.
Because if we can’t do the small stuff, the stuff that builds trust, care, and community, then we don’t stand a chance fixing the big stuff.
Being a patriot isn’t about waiting for someone else to save the country. It’s about showing up like it’s yours to protect, every damn day.
As a hero of mine (Leo Gisi taught me in my youth) leave the world a little better than how we found it.
I’m not even an optimist, but every little bit counts.
The Algorithmic Heretic 
Leave a comment