Patriotism is not a slogan. It is a responsibility, a calling, and a duty to the nation that gives us the freedom to live, raise families, and practice faith. To be a conservative, to be a nationalist in the truest sense, is to recognize that this country was founded on principles worth defending and passing down to future generations. It is not about partisanship or politics—it is about stewardship. We inherit a republic, and it is our task to preserve it.

Let me begin with a simple truth that too many people misunderstand: we do not live in a democracy. We never have, and we never will. The Founding Fathers rejected democracy because they understood it to be   without any accountability to minority rights. That is not liberty, it is tyranny by the majority. In contrast, a republic provides representation, accountability, and protection for all citizens. A republic requires deliberation, structure, and respect for the minority voice. That is why our Pledge of Allegiance states, “and to the Republic, for which it stands.” It does not say democracy, and that is no accident.

This is why I will never call myself a Democrat. The very word ties back to democracy, and democracy is a system that collapses into chaos. I am also not bound to the political label of Republican, because my allegiance is not to a party but to the republic itself. What I stand for is simple: a government that respects its people, a nation that protects its sovereignty, and a society that holds itself accountable to God’s truth.

We are in the midst of a social civil war. The weapons may not be rifles and cannons, but ideas, narratives, and institutions. Families are divided, communities are polarized, and values are under attack. In such times, unity matters. History teaches us that during war, famine, or national crisis, “united we stand, divided we fall.” A republic survives not because one group dominates another, but because the collective good outweighs selfish interests. When truth is anchored in biblical principle, a society can endure. Without it, collapse is inevitable.

Conservatism is rooted in gratitude. Too many today act as if this nation is a curse rather than a blessing. Yet we are the luckiest people ever to walk this earth, born into a country of unparalleled opportunity. To live in America is to live in the greatest nation in history. Our response should not be anger or entitlement but thankfulness and responsibility. Gratitude compels us to honor those who came before, defend the freedoms we enjoy, and prepare the way for those yet to come.

Responsibility is the path to meaning. Young people often search for purpose but are left with confusion because culture tells them life is about pleasure and ease. The truth is the opposite. If you want meaning, find something worth taking responsibility for. Build a family, raise children, strengthen your community, and defend your country. The road of depth is not the road of ease. Marriage, family, faith, and country require sacrifice, but sacrifice produces legacy.

Faith is at the center of this calling. Every person is created in the image of God, which means every person carries dignity and worth. Christians are not called to retreat from the public square but to enter it with truth and courage. We are called to confront error, not with hatred, but with clarity and conviction. Dialogue is not a threat—it is a gift. To debate openly, to test ideas, and to pursue truth is not only a civic duty but a spiritual one.

Courage is not complicated. It is a choice. It requires no special talent, only the decision to stand firm when it would be easier to remain silent. Too many wait for perfect conditions before they act, but courage is exercised in the moment, regardless of fear. Courage built this country, courage defended it, and courage will preserve it.

The future of this nation depends on citizens who choose to be courageous, who uphold the republic, and who live as patriots anchored in faith. This is not about titles or applause. It is about choosing to live in alignment with truth, even when it costs something. Courage means teaching young men to stop being boys and step into responsibility. It means guiding young women to embrace strength and purpose rooted in values that endure. The greatest story ever told is not hidden in philosophy or politics—it is revealed in Scripture, and it gives structure to life itself.

So let me make this plain: A life well lived is based on faith, courage, integrity, work, and loyalty to our nation. These are our highest collective calling. America will endure because ordinary men and women reject passing the buck, are faithless, and weak, but chose and gladly embrace responsibility, faith, and courage.

This is our republic. It is our duty to defend it. And it is a privilege to be an American.