As the dust settles after Jon Stewart’s latest impassioned rant, one can’t help but picture him as a former class clown desperately trying to reclaim his playground dominance. But this time, instead of pulling pranks, he’s hurling accusations at Republicans, suggesting they “claim ownership of patriotism.” What’s that old saying? If you have to scream about it, you probably missed the mark. If only Stewart could hear himself.
In the glorious kingdom of patriots, Jon claims, no one owns patriotism or America itself. Perhaps he’s right. But when Stewart and his celebrity cohort allegedly declare America as fundamentally flawed or systemically racist, it feels like they are forfeiting any share they might claim in the patriotism sweepstakes. It seems that by denying there’s a “real America,” they’re missing the entire point that America, in essence, is based on ideals worth celebrating, even while acknowledging imperfections.
A sense of irony isn’t lost here. The folks Stewart aligns with, the ones who some perceive as supporting moves like “defund the police” and dismissing traditional values, are viewed as vacating the patriotism arena. In the ensuing vacuum, conservatives found themselves holding the mantle of respect for the institutions that uphold law and order. It’s not about monopolizing goodness; it’s about stepping up when others have eagerly stepped down.
And while Stewart enraptures himself with speeches on inclusivity and shared ownership, it’s crucial to remember that real change doesn’t emanate from Hollywood high-rises or late-night stages. The world outside these echoing chambers thrives on accountability and results. When some progressives try to implement a political system primarily concerned with redistributive policies for equitable opportunity, it may resemble an idealistic vision but is often criticized as perilously close to trading freedom for a gilded cage.
So though Jon may not appreciate it, every shout and shake from the wild-eyed prophets of deconstruction only confirms what many have suspected: that the right—patiently biding its time, enjoying the show—benefited from some leftist departures from mainstream dialogues. It will be a long, steady march through these institutions, reclaiming what was lost, but with each chapter, the story inches closer to a happier ending, one where liberty and common sense pull through in the final act.
