“With liberty and justice for all” is a promise bestowed to all of the American people and a soulful reminder of our country’s persistent patriotism. 

Nevertheless, in some people’s minds, this phrase is applicable to everyone until it’s a person who doesn’t look like them.

White nationalism, by definition, is the advocacy of white people, often at the expense of minority groups. Patriotism is the pride and devotion to one’s country. 

Regardless of their extremely opposing descriptions, many far-right members of the Republican Party see these two terms as synonymous. 

These individuals spew hateful rhetoric at those who aren’t white male conservatives, and then claim it’s all for the sole purpose of their undying love and loyalty to America. 

The truth is, those people aren’t demonstrating patriotism, it’s blatant discrimination.

The rise of this political ideology has taken a significant climb during Donald Trump’s first presidency. In an article from The Guardian, reports showed a 55% increase in white nationalist hate groups under Trump. 

One of the clearest problems in mainstream politics today is the lack of action toward these sickening, hate-fueled groups, often dismissing their “opinions” as freedom of speech. 

Discrimination is not an opinion, it is a conscious choice. Racism is not activism.

If we as a society continue to dismiss these issues, we will only move backwards. We’re doomed to be plagued with hatred and division if people continue to see others as superior. 

Destroying others for their ethnicity is not in the margins of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. Using white nationalism as an act of patriotism is completely ludicrous. 

At the end of the day, it will always be true that human rights aren’t selective. During situations of injustice, stay on the right side of history, not the side that pushes an agenda full of hate.