Unfortunately, after Sept. 11, there was an outburst in America

“Unfortunately, after Sept. 11, there was an outburst in America of intense suffering and patriotism, and the Bush administration was very shrewd and effective in painting anyone who disagreed with the policies as unpatriotic or even traitorous.” Thus spoke Jimmy Carter, the elder statesman, who had borne the weight of leadership and who, in his later years, became a voice of conscience. In this reflection, he reveals the dangerous tension between genuine patriotism—born of grief, loyalty, and shared sorrow—and the manipulation of that patriotism by those who wield power. For Carter reminds us that in moments of suffering, when the people are most united in their devotion, there lies also the peril of silencing dissent, branding disagreement as betrayal.

The origin of these words rests in the shadow of September 11, 2001, when America was struck with terror and tragedy. In the aftermath, the nation rose in solidarity: flags flew from porches, strangers embraced one another, and tears mingled with hymns of loyalty. This was the purest form of patriotism, the love of a wounded people for their homeland. Yet, as Carter observes, such devotion was swiftly entwined with politics. The Bush administration, facing war abroad and controversy at home, learned to cloak its policies in the garments of loyalty to the nation, branding critics not as fellow patriots with differing visions, but as enemies to be distrusted.

History has shown this pattern before. In ancient Rome, when the Republic trembled under threat, leaders would often declare that dissent was treason, that to question their decrees was to betray the state. Thus, liberty was eroded not by external foes, but by internal fear. And in more modern times, during the McCarthy era of the 1950s, Americans were accused of being “un-American” or “traitorous” simply for questioning the government or holding dissenting views. Each of these moments shows the peril Carter describes: when patriotism is turned into a weapon, it ceases to be the noble bond of the people and becomes the chain of their silence.

Yet true patriotism is not blind obedience, nor unthinking loyalty. It is the courage to demand that the nation live up to its highest ideals, even in times of suffering. When dissent is silenced, a country risks losing its soul. For it is the clash of ideas, the testing of policies, the willingness to hold leaders accountable, that keeps democracy alive. To brand every critic as a traitor is to betray the very principles of freedom that patriotism is meant to defend.

Consider the example of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. He faced harsh criticism, bitter opponents, and even open resistance. Yet he did not demand that dissenters be silenced as traitors—he allowed debate, endured criticism, and trusted that truth would prevail through open discourse. This, too, was patriotism: the confidence that love of country can survive dissent, and indeed, that dissent can make the nation stronger. Carter’s words echo Lincoln’s wisdom, reminding us that unity forged in suffering must not be twisted into uniformity of thought.

The lesson for future generations is clear: beware when leaders claim that patriotism requires silence. Beware when dissent is painted as disloyalty. For in such moments, the nation risks exchanging freedom for fear, and conscience for conformity. True patriotism is not submission to power but fidelity to principle. It is the willingness to suffer for the truth, even when others accuse you of betrayal.

Practical actions flow from this teaching. Speak with courage, even when the crowd is silent. Question policies that seem unjust, even when wrapped in the flag. Defend the right of others to dissent, even when you disagree with them. For in protecting their voice, you safeguard your own. Let your patriotism be measured not by how loudly you cheer in times of war, but by how faithfully you uphold liberty in times of fear.

Thus, Carter’s words endure as a beacon in stormy seas: “Patriotism cannot be forced, nor can dissent be treason.” Remember that the nation is strongest not when it silences its critics, but when it endures them, listens to them, and grows wiser through them. For it is in this balance of loyalty and liberty that democracy survives, and the soul of a nation remains unbroken.