The Dangerous Consequences of Calling Sovereignty and Patriotism 'Dog Whistles'

“Patriotism” and “sovereignty” are now dirty words.

That’s what one Washington Post editor said in response to President Donald Trump’s United Nations speech on Tuesday.

“America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism,” Trump said during the speech.

Trump also said: “We will never surrender America’s sovereignty to an unelected, unaccountable, global bureaucracy.”

Karen Attiah, The Washington Post’s global opinions editor, responded angrily.

Karen Attiah

✔@KarenAttiah

Chilling to hear Trump use “sovereignty” and “patriotism” as dogwhistles in his #UNGA speech.

Gives rhetorical ammunition for the nationalistic parties around the world who want to keep immigrants and refugees out.

11:19 AM - Sep 25, 2018

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It’s incredible to see these once unchallenged concepts, embraced by Americans across the political spectrum, now turned into something ugly and worthy of condemnation.

In many ways, the protection of our liberty stems from national sovereignty, a fact boldly stated in the Declaration of Independence. The just powers of government derive from the “consent of the governed,” not a vague global system.

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