
Standing Against Tyranny
Clip: Episode 3 | 1m 27sVideo has Closed Captions
Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger tells David Rubenstein how he defines true patriotism.
"I think the word patriot has been so perverted, particularly since January 6th. A patriot is somebody that's tearing up the capitol? No. For me, patriotism is somebody that believes in the fundamental basics of democracy and the republic, and will defend it and defend the rights of people they disagree with." - Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger on how he defines true patriotism.
Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...

Standing Against Tyranny
Clip: Episode 3 | 1m 27sVideo has Closed Captions
"I think the word patriot has been so perverted, particularly since January 6th. A patriot is somebody that's tearing up the capitol? No. For me, patriotism is somebody that believes in the fundamental basics of democracy and the republic, and will defend it and defend the rights of people they disagree with." - Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger on how he defines true patriotism.
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Our Symbols and Stories
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- Right now, fear, and lies, and distrust is more effective at gaining power than truth.
There's gonna be a point at which this country realizes lies and distrust will destroy us.
I don't know the broad answer to how to fix it.
I'd be implementing it if I did.
I know that I'm responsible to tell truth.
That's the only thing I'm called to do in this job is to tell people truth, and that's gonna be a battle.
You know, you talk about the impact of that day, but you guys won.
You guys held.
You know democracies are not defined by our bad days, we're defined by how we come back from bad days.
How we take accountability for that.
I think the word patriot has been so perverted, particularly since January 6th, a patriot is somebody that's tearing up the capitol, no.
For me, patriotism is somebody that believes in the fundamental basics of democracy and the republic, and will defend it and defend the rights of people they disagree with.
And I still think of the patriotic side of Don't Tread on Me as Americans standing up against, you know, tyranny, real tyranny.
Video has Closed Captions
The Continental Congress chose the Gadsden flag as the first symbol of its naval ships. (2m 57s)
Video has Closed Captions
Flags are clearly an important part of what it means to be an American, but why is that? (4m 7s)
The Gadsden Flag in Combat Abroad
Video has Closed Captions
Armed forces vets discuss embracing the Gadsden flag during combat in the Middle East. (33s)
Video has Closed Captions
The “Don’t Tread on Me” flag has been co-opted by a range of Americans throughout history. (32s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipIconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...