Subject: What is a Patriot? A July 4th Reflection & Call to Action 

As we celebrate Independence Day, I invite you to a conversation about patriotism. Start by looking closely at the attached photo, titled “What is a Patriot?” Then, take a moment to ask yourself: Does the leader of our country measure up to these values?

Reflection on This Independence Day

There’s no better day than the Fourth of July to reflect on the state of our Union, our democracy, and what it truly means to be a Patriot.

As a 1981 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a 2002 Distinguished Graduate of the National War College, and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, I am deeply troubled. Our nation’s core ideals are under siege. Worse yet, the concept of patriotism has been hijacked by some to serve personal ambitions — not the needs of our country.

Today, we celebrate our freedom. Yet we watch as large segments of our population are openly oppressed. Under the Trump Administration, Latinos, Blacks, and LGBTQ communities bear the brunt of policies that strip away protections and dignity. Tomorrow, it could be other groups. Many Latinos are now awakening to a painful truth: 55% of Latino men voted for Trump — only to face harsh betrayals.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, writing for The New York Times on June 27, 2025, reported that in just two months, this administration has unraveled 60 years of hard-won civil rights. Civil Rights Offices across federal agencies — the EPA, VA, Homeland Security, Social Security, and more — are being dismantled. Without these safeguards, Black Americans and other marginalized groups are left exposed to discrimination with virtually no federal recourse.

Meanwhile, the usual checks and balances in our government have nearly vanished. Today’s Republican Party is largely defined by unwavering loyalty to Trump, abandoning their constitutional duty to act as a check on executive power. The recent passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is a stark example: media reports say it will strip 17 million Americans of health insurance and cut or eliminate SNAP benefits (formerly Food Stamps) for over 42 million people. That means more poor children — of all races — will go to school and bed hungry.

I grew up on welfare and Medicaid in the ghettos of New York City. I know exactly what this life is like. Today, it just got much harder for millions of struggling families.

And to make matters worse, our Supreme Court appears determined to hand even more power to this rogue President — at the expense of our democracy. America is on a fast track to ruin.

But here’s the good news: We the People still have the power to stop it! 

Love of Country Means Demanding Better

Like many of you, I love America. The author and Civil Rights leader James Baldwin put it best: “I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

Every true Patriot should take these words to heart. Loving this country means holding our leaders accountable to the promises set forth in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

A Call to True Patriots

Now is the time for true Patriots to stand together and peacefully fight to save our nation. If you believe this is normal — it is not. Too many Americans are underestimating this existential threat.

Let these words guide us as we fight the good fight: 

“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.”
— President Theodore Roosevelt 

“There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution.”
— Congresswoman Liz Cheney 

“A good leader tries to embody the best qualities of his organization. A good leader puts the welfare of others before himself. Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities. Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in front of our children, humiliated us on the world stage, and divided us as a nation.”
— Admiral McRaven, former Commander of U.S. Joint Special Operations Command

Act Now!

• Register to vote. Make sure your family and friends are registered too.
• Make your voice heard. Contact your elected representatives. Demand they uphold the Constitution.
• Support organizations fighting for civil rights and voter protection. 

Our country needs us — more than ever.

Col. Eric Garvin’s Blistering Close-Out on Thought Brothers Podcast 

In this powerful 6-minute segment from the latest Thought Brothers episode, guest host Col. Eric Garvin (USAF, Ret.) delivers a blistering and thought-provoking answer to the show’s final question:

Using a bold checklist of what a real patriot does NOT do, he challenged every listener to rethink what patriotism truly means in America.

If a patriot defends the Constitution, respects veterans, and unites the country—then ask yourself:

–Who are we really calling a patriot these days?
–Can you claim patriotism while undermining democracy?
–Are actions louder than flags and slogans?

From the U.S. Constitution to veterans’ respect, rule of law, and national unity—this message cuts deep and pulls no punches.  This short video clip WILL challenge your perspective.

WATCH. THINK. RESPOND.

Colonel Eric Garvin (USAF, Ret.) is a 1981 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a 2002 Distinguished Graduate of the National War College. With over 30 years of military service, Col. Garvin brings firsthand knowledge of leadership, sacrifice, and what it truly means to serve one’s country. Colonel Garvin doesn’t just talk patriotism—he’s lived it. His voice carries the weight of service, sacrifice, and principle in a time when those words are often thrown around too easily.

You Can Watch The Entire Thought Brothers Episode Below

The Thought Brothers Podcast features three diverse men who rotate as Host and talk about relevant and current topics of interest to a diverse audience of men and women.  The Thought Brothers consists of William “Bill” Spivey, a retired FBI Special Agent, Christopher “C.J.” Johnson, a Social Media Commentator and Carlos Prillman, a Financial Analyst.

Their goal is to:

• Objectively discuss issues of interest to our community
• Inspire a “Call To Action” and model the appropriate behavior for others
• Educate, motivate, provide a sense of caring towards those who are less fortunate
• Have fun!