Associated Press Chooses July 4th to Say This…Watch

In a move that has been met with widespread criticism, the Associated Press (AP) published an article on Independence Day explaining why the word “patriot” is problematic. The article, which was titled “The Problem With the Word ‘Patriot,'” argued that the word has been co-opted by white supremacists and other far-right groups.

“The term ‘patriot’ in America has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying meanings, while also being appropriated by white nationalist groups,” the outlet tweeted along with a link to the full piece.

“Today, the word and its variants have morphed beyond the original meaning. It has become infused in political rhetoric and school curriculums, with varying definitions, while being appropriated by white nationalist groups,” the article alleged, using data from the far-left Southern Poverty Law Center to support the idea that radical right-wing extremists had coopted the word. “Trying to define what a patriot is depends on who is being asked.”

The AP’s article was widely condemned by right-wing media outlets and commentators. Many argued that the AP was trying to rewrite history and erase the meaning of the word “patriot.” They also accused the AP of being politically motivated and of trying to silence conservative voices.

Critics were quick to point out that the timing of the article — if not the subject matter itself — was suspect.

“Just can’t help themselves,” Chad Felix Greene tweeted.

“AP can’t even take a break from dividing Americans on Independence Day. Pathetic,” another said.

“AP desperately tries to malign the word ‘patriot’ on #4thofJuly. Only thing it does is remind us how much they hate the U.S. #Patriots,” Andy Martin responded.

The AP’s article is just the latest example of the mainstream media’s attempt to delegitimize patriotism. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of portraying patriotism as a form of bigotry.