President Trump has declared today, May 1, Loyalty Day, a day also dedicated to international workers’ rights, in what sounds on first impact to be an Orwellian holiday dedicated to love of one’s country — with all the mandatory overtones one would expect, given the current divisive climate present in the United States.
May 1, the president declared, should be a day “for the reaffirmation of loyalty” to the United States; and that fealty to this nation — obedient citizens are encouraged to display the Stars and Stripes — should usurp any recognition in unison with some 80 or so other countries of the struggles faced by workers around the world.
For as frighteningly nationalistic as the name implies, Loyalty Day is not Trump’s brainchild.
In fact, once Loyalty Day garnered congressional approval in 1958, the oppressively patriotic holiday has been officially proclaimed by every president from Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959 through Barack Obama — Trump just carried on its pretext “intended to replace” International Workers’ Day.
Interestingly, Loyalty Day’s history stretches back as far as 1921 — when the first Red Scare gripped the nation, and suspicions immigrants might not have America’s best interests at heart similarly compelled an upswell of patriotism and vehement xenophobia.
It was the second Red Scare, however, when the holiday truly came into its own. Reports The Nation:
In the fifties, Loyalty Day parades replaced May Day parades. If you Google ‘Loyalty Day parade,’ you get a quarter of a million hits. Long Beach, California, claims to have ‘the longest consecutively running loyalty commemoration in the nation!’ (Exclamation point theirs.) The Veterans of Foreign Wars started theirs in 1950, nine years before Ike’s declaration. This year’s Loyalty Day parade in Long Beach will be the same as always: high school marching bands, vintage cars, riders on horses and floats, as well as the required military color guard. Also clowns.
The first May Day proclamation made the Cold War context pretty clear: ‘Loyalty to the United States of America,’ Ike said, ‘is essential to the preservation of our freedoms in a world threatened by totalitarianism.’ That was the idea: ‘we’ represented freedom, and ‘they’ were ‘the enemies of freedom.’ Of course, in 1959 our ‘freedoms’ included segregation for blacks and blacklisting for reds, and our ‘Free World’ allies included dictators and tyrants like Chiang Kai-Shek in Formosa, Marcos in the Philippines, the Shah in Iran and whoever was running South Korea.
Perhaps this particular Loyalty Day desperately needed Trump’s unusually vocal proclamation to engender any support, whatsoever — with ICE agents raiding the homes of workers who have done nothing untoward other than failing to yet obtain a legal permission slip to live in the U.S.; the so-called alt-right enjoining thousands to a thinly-disguised exclusivist, nationalist agenda; and the president promising but failing legions of supporters on nearly every item in a checklist of reforms championed on the campaign trail.
Unsavory programs veiled in the fear an outsider will somehow insidiously influence the very core of our American spirit are not easily swallowed by a populace weary of broken promises from a succession of presidents — Loyalty Day simply deflects from those failings while also usurping a holiday celebrating a traditionally oppressed class of citizens.
Rather than sharply veering away from the interests of the monied class, Trump continues stuffing appointed positions with the same — guaranteeing the bulk of voters from so-called flyover states, who figured a non-politician would not do politician things, will grasp it’s the position of president, and not who occupies the White House, that corrupts absolutely.
Resultant disappointment should thus be diverted to displays of patriotism many of those flyover voters share ardently — after all, it appears war with any of multiple arch foes of the United States could explode any day. Loyalty, then, is a must, if the War Machine is to have support.
Presidents in years following the second Red Scare have not made a hullaballoo of Loyalty Day — its proclamation having gone largely unnoticed for decades, Trump’s attempt to reinvigorate American nationalism awkward primarily for deep clefts among the populace.
The loyalty of our citizenry sends a clear signal to our allies and enemies that the United States will never yield from our way of life,” states Trump’s proclamation of Loyalty Day.
Through the Department of Defense and other national security agencies, we are working to destroy ISIS, and to secure for all Americans the liberty terrorists seek to extinguish.
We humbly thank our brave service members and veterans who have worn our Nation’s uniform — from the American Revolution to the present day. Their unwavering loyalty and fidelity has made the world a safer, more free, and more just place. We are inspired by their pride in our country’s principles, their devotion to our freedom, and their solemn pledge to protect and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
–@POTUS proclaims May 1 as “Loyalty Day.” pic.twitter.com/9W9D7myesJ
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) April 28, 2017
Many veterans, having experienced firsthand the uniquely American brand of imperialism wreaking havoc in otherwise sovereign nations, would disagree fundamentally on several points — not at all the least of which is the fanciful and false notion U.S. interventionism makes the world safer, much less free.
While social media — mostly unfamiliar with the longstanding usurpation of this workers’ holiday — exploded in consternation at Trump’s brazenly pompous move.
How can any leader expect to enjoin a nation to patriotism, much less loyalty, when a furious sequence of executive orders and proposals erase the basic American principles of freedom and equality for all who seek Lady Liberty’s once-embracing arms.
No, an outpouring of patriotism, particularly as officially decreed, will not placate a nation of the disaffected, already openly debating the finer points of insurrection — but it could be one of the final coffin nails sealing the soured sarcophagus of American primacy once and for all.
Trump, in particular, fails to comprehend a most basic principle of allegiance — it cannot be won by force of official declaration.
Rather, loyalty comes only when power is balanced and the people are satisfied their futures will not be in jeopardy to excruciatingly oppressive, rights-stripping law — forced nationalism and patriotism aside.
If the president truly wants to see Stars and Stripes on display, smiling faces, parades, and general celebration of America from coast to coast, he’ll have to forego his penchant for authoritarianism throughout the other 364 days each year.
Until then, the forced nationalism of Loyalty Day will inspire little more than a red, white, and blue-adorned eyeroll from a significant segment of the populace who know better than to bow down in allegiance to a nation that would as soon stomp that lowered head into the dirt.
Claire Bernish began writing as an independent, investigative journalist in 2015, with works published and republished around the world. Not one to hold back, Claire’s particular areas of interest include U.S. foreign policy, analysis of international affairs, and everything pertaining to transparency and thwarting censorship. To keep up with the latest uncensored news, follow her on Facebook or Twitter: @Subversive_Pen. This article first appeared here at TheFreeThoughtProject.com
Nevermind.
This smacks of McCarthyism and loyalty oaths. Government and country are not synonymous.
Fake….haha…yank fools and war criminals…not long now.
What does that foto have to do with Tru*p who is a Zionazi?!
As a concept, ‘loyalty day’ would only appear with authoritarian groups who have been involved in wrongdoing, afraid of getting caught, demanding fealty, as if this were the middle ages … it’s an outmoded concept which is only seen today in societies controlled by psychopathic factions concerned about losing control or manipulation of the population. The fact that this comes up,now, simply focuses attention on the historical shortcomings of those who demand it.
Yes! Loyalty Day! What an outstanding idea!
Lets start with our fake PUBLIC SERVANTS by reaffirming loyalty to the CONSTITUTION of the UNITED STATES!
Then we can have the really FAKE MEDIA recite the FIRST AMENDMENT!
Then LAW ENFORCEMENT can recite the 5TH AMENDMENT.
Make it DAMN clear who serves who!
Don’t forget the 4th, the 2nd, the 6th, the 9th and the 10th. They’ve even violated the 3rd, that’s hard to do, yet they found a way.
Jeez, the ULTRA-nationalist/supremacist/fascist Nazis used to FORCE that kind of loyalty on the people!
What this kind of loyalty mean is for the people to be blindly loyal to Tru*p’s ZioNazi Cannibal
and Necrophilia globalist corporation brotherhood, who will keep on getting glutonous from all those billions worth of profit, through endless evil and ever predatory wars and bombs ( including by conveniently bombing other nations and humanity, invaded by these ZioNazis’ most evil own terrorist cells, IS/ISIS/ISIL – which are actually created by MOSSAD/CIA as revealed by Snowden).
By the way, being nationalistic and being patriotic (both mean loving and being loyal to one’s country) is not the same thing as being ULTRA-nationalist or supremacist, who think one’s race/nationality is superior to others. Hence, never generalize anything – that’s the very simple motto to understand the complex world.
ZioNazi’s ULTRA-nationalists & globalists actually want to erase others’ national or Indigenous identities and rights (except their own); just like towards the national/Indigenous Palestinian Muslim/Catholic identity and rights. So don’t be fooled!
stop polluting the website, you sub-articulate halfwit cave-dweller
Stop SH*TTING the website, usociopath brainless pigsty dweller!
Wake up, when Damascus lays in ruin the tribulation begins. Beast system. Prepare spiritually.
The ZNWO beast sys. trying to resurrurect their ancient Baal (Lucifer)-worshipping Babylonian empire, in Syria-Iraq, through their IS footsoldiers!!
I salute you my friend, wide awake.
I think Soro’s agenda 24 and 2030, line up pretty well with the end times time line. Pope Frances the last pope, the false prophet, the Antichrist.
The real Antichrist beast is ZNWO’s empire – based in IS-ra*l there! Not the Pope or the Catholic Church; ufool!
As usual; lying anti-Catholic Masonic agents running amok here! The core of evil is the Antichrist ZioNazi-controlled NA*O!
Time to impeach even if it means getting Penis, oops I meant Pence.
You need to look up “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
No. I don’t.
Suit yourself. But if you don’t, you’re just talking out of your stinky end.
May 1st is the National Holiday in the communist world ! Look at the pyramid on the back of the one dollar federal reserve note, then scan down to the bottom row of bricks supporting it. What is printed on that last line ? MDCCLXXVI translates to 1776 M=1000 D=500 C=100 L=50 X=10 V=5 I=1
Is that when the Colonists signed the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) ? Uhhhh I don’t think so.
On May 1, 1776 Adam Weishaupt founded the Order of the Illuminati which eventually metamorphosed into Communism. What else is on that one dollar federal reserve note ? Try the Latin phrase “Nuvus Ordo Seclorum.” Could that possibly mean “New World Order” or some derivative of it ? Am I trying to say here that all this talk about the New World Order and One-World Government is really a communist takeover of the World to enslave us all ? I must be some kind of conspiracy nut job running off at the mouth !
May 1, 1776 was the day that Adam Weishaupt initiated the Illuminati. This illuminati later spawned the likes of Carl Marx and communism. This is why the communist governments celebrate May 1. Communism is a way for capitalists to gain a monopoly. Place every industry under state control and control that state. Why would someone like Trump pick that particular date?
Same reason why he hasn’t unsealed Obama’s records….or reclaimed the currency….or reveal and end the 14th….or sign an EO that criminalizes the MSM lying to us and taking orders from the CIA….or stop them from all their drug smuggling….or go after all the exposed pedo’s…..or, or
May 1, is a pagan holiday , May Day. When Damascus lays in ruin the tribulation starts. Illuminate chose satanic holidays.
Skull&Bonesmen…”Bush” league killers
very eloquent and educated comment.
Fitting for the bias of this article. Mayday? National pride day? A fascist conspiracy and manipulative tactic? Really? Comment fitting.
I agree!!!
” Its easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled.” Mark Twain
I will never reaffirm loyalty to a completely criminal political machine that has decimated the US. Those psycho-pedo stupid f**ks in Washington should be grateful that I don’t have the power to ……
When Damascus lays in ruin the tribulation starts. Please don’t take the mark.
@valvalerian:disqus, I agree with you.
@Foggydew14:disqus, Being patriotic is fine and well, so long as it is granted as being a free choice to be patriotic & does not delve into being supremacist fanaticism. This patriotism I discuss that is fine and well, is not what the article conveys though. The article infers, implies and smacks of all that @valvalerian:disqus suggests. This to me obliges seeing our current P.O.T.U.S as a tyrant, supremacist fanatic.
I now have lost all respect for Mr. Trump. If I were still in the armed services, I would desert or rally mutiny but on just grounds. What the Commander In Chief has done now is nothing short of issuing an illegal order, and insulted every service person’s very service by calling their honor to their sworn oaths in question. He as Commander In Chief is not allowed to slap service members in the face in such a manner.
@disqus_1Bw48c3MO8:disqus, Easy, please? @Foggydew14:disqus does indeed articulate a valid quite well. I do agree with them that patriotism can be a “good” thing. Like all “good” things, we must remind ourselves to not overdo them lest they turn to being “bad” things. For example one can eat far too much apple pie which does indeed taste delicious, yet if overdone the pie makes us ill.
@disqus_1Bw48c3MO8:disqus, My apologies, I missed a word insertion. Please insert the word point after the valid in my statement regarding @Foggydew14:disqus’s statement. My explanation for the error is being very tired and mildly distracted by a plethora of various thoughts, not all regarding current affairs, lest not such grand ones as posited herein. For example, thinking of a means to keep my dogs cool this Summer. Spring is so far being brutal, figure Summer will be far worse.
F*ck Trump, F*uck em all.
I voted for this idiot because I didn’t want to have a war criminals in place look what I got
Who is Trump kidding by saying the world is safer and more free especially in light of the threats of war and the trauma, chaos and fear he and his ilk deploy on us relentlessly from every angle, every day, all day long, that enables them to steal all our inherent rights in the name of peace, security and safety when those things are lost to the individual and given to an illusory hive-minded entity only?
What a load of rubbish. And I’d sooner give my loyalty to a bag of Cheetos than to these frauds pretending they have authority over us and perpetuating the massive lie that we even ARE a nation, which takes a lot of nerve considering a lot of us out here know the truth and that he’s just lying through his fake teeth.
We’re property and assets or liabilities of a corporation, and a corporation is nothing but illusion, not real, a fictitious entity, a creature of the mind, artificial (a legal fraud), on paper only. You’d have to be completely mental to give loyalty to something that doesn’t even exist, which proves how well their crisis creation and mass mind manipulation of fear, degradation, depravity, and social destruction, not to mention slow-kills of poisoning us with toxins in everything we touch – is working.
And to think, this is all being done and has been done for centuries – creating chaos so they can swoop in and declare their filthy dystopian order, and it’s working like a well-oiled snake.
Had teen-aged, German, exchange student about 20 yrs ago who was shocked that public school students stood for a daily Pledge to the Flag. Whose idea was that?? Guess we’ve been wearing blinders all along.
If anyone will take the time to read Trump’s actual letter. You will also see what a completely twisted blatant lie NIT WIT Claire Bernish wrote here in her article. Trump’s letter sites loyalty to the principles on which our nation was built and self governance. Which he has been trying to accomplish since he was elected and is being fought tooth and nail by the Democrat party, senior republicans, and the 99% of the fake news msm. Claire, do you work for CNN?
Well comrade, I see you are not wearing your loyalty pin today? You do know what that means? ?
“!!Jawhol Mein Fuhrer!!”…..
Anythang for you Donnie. He must be a comedian, because that is one of the most hilarious things Ive heard in quite some time now. Whats even funnier are his little mental-midget pedophile gangstalking/V2K minions he has running around “Stirring The Pot” in our local communities? HINT: 1 cell exists on Whidbey Island Washington.
Heres OUR motto: “!!Meine Ehre Heist Treue!!”……(Loyalty Is My Honor)
Jus Bout Time To Drain The Swamp eh?…..
Jeez, a Rothsch*ld Masonic lying pretender here! Get off!
Look at the Rothsc h*ld Zio-orchestrated Fren*h Rev (actually startefd in Germany); that legitimized the GENOCIDE of Catholic priests, nuns and believers, including the royals who were the guardian of the Catholic Church! At –
The Heart of Darkness: How Visceral Hatred of
Catholicism Turns Into Genocide
May 2004By Anne Barbeau Gardiner
Anne Barbeau Gardiner is Professor Emerita of English at John Jay College of the City University of New York. She is author, most recently, of Ancient Faith and Modern Freedom in John Dryden’s The Hind and the Panther (Catholic University of America Press).