About this episode
The episode explores the tension between healthy patriotism and toxic nationalism in the context of America's 250th birthday.
"America — love it or leave it." That's a bumper sticker slogan that sums up the long-standing tension between patriotism and the exercise of constitutional freedoms. As the nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday we explore where healthy patriotism ends and toxic nationalism begins. We discuss how "America First" could sometimes lead to a slippery slope towards tyranny.
People in this episode
Host: David Martin Davies
Topics covered
- patriotism
- nationalism
- constitutional freedoms
- tyranny
- America's history
Keywords
- patriotism
- nationalism
- constitutional freedoms
- tyranny
- America First
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: "America First"
Places: America
More episodes of The Source
- Fewer students, tighter budgets push Texas districts to shutter schools · June 10, 2026 · 50 min
- Medical professionals focus on health challenges facing San Antonio’s growing unhoused population · June 9, 2026 · 26 min
- Survey finds mental health concerns remain widespread among young adults · June 9, 2026 · 26 min
- Water rates, voting and Barkley banter test San Antonio mayor · June 8, 2026 · 37 min
- Screwworm cases in South Texas trigger emergency · June 8, 2026 · 26 min
- Is America entering a new Gilded Age? · June 4, 2026 · 49 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Source podcast page.