Riots, Protests, and the Fight to Preserve Our Founding Values

Across the nation, protests have taken center stage the last few months in our streets, on our campuses, and in our institutions. Whether sparked by political decisions, social grievances, or international conflicts, these demonstrations speak to a deep unrest in the American soul. Behind the slogans and raised fists lies a deeper concern: the erosion of the very values that built this nation. For conservatives and patriots alike, it’s not the act of protest itself that raises alarms—it’s what many of today’s protests represent: a rejection of the founding principles that have made the United States the most successful experiment in freedom the world has ever known.

The headlines the last few months have centered around protesting the immigration raids in California removing illegal aliens allowed into the country throughout the Biden administration. On July 15^th, Fox News reported, 

“Riots formed in the left-wing city (of Los Angeles) in early June as local leaders, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and (Governor Gavin) Newsom, quickly denounced the immigration raids in public statements while offering words of support for illegal immigrants in the state. 

Protests over the raids soon devolved into violence as rioters targeted federal law enforcement officials, including launching rocks at officials, and videos showing people looting local stores, setting cars on fire and taking over a freeway.” 

Does anyone else think that the actions of these rioters only proves the point that dangerous illegal immigrants need to be deported, or is it just me?  

The right to protest is included in the First Amendment. It is not just legal—it is American. From the Boston Tea Party to the Civil Rights Movement, protests have shaped our republic. However, today’s protests are increasingly dominated by radical ideologies, attempts to re-write history, and calls to dismantle the very structures that protect liberty. What we see unfolding is not merely disagreement with policy—it’s an open disdain for America’s founding, its traditions, and its role in the world.

At many of these protests and riots, the American flag is no longer a unifying symbol but a target of contempt. Statues of Founding Fathers are defaced or torn down. College students chant for revolution rather than reform. In some cases, violence is justified as a means to an end. Protesters declare that America is irredeemably flawed, built on oppression and systemic injustice. This distorted and misguided view of our history does a serious disservice to those who fought—and died—for the freedoms we all enjoy today.

The United States was never perfect; no country is. However, our Constitution created a framework for self-correction and progress, rooted in the belief that our rights come not from government but from God. That belief is under siege. Instead of celebrating the uniqueness of a nation founded on liberty and individual responsibility, many are now taught that America is defined solely by its sins. This is not education—it is indoctrination, and it is producing a generation that is more likely to burn the flag than to defend it.

Today’s protests often center around issues like race, gender identity, climate change, and foreign conflicts. While these are topics worthy of discussion, the way they are approached has become deeply divisive. The goal is no longer dialogue but domination—of language, of institutions, and ultimately, of national identity. Free speech is shouted down. Law enforcement is demonized. The traditional family, religious faith, and patriotism are mocked. These are not random attacks; they are deliberate strikes against the pillars that uphold American society.

Meanwhile, political leaders on the left not only tolerate these movements—they often encourage them like California Governor Newsome and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Instead of urging unity and constructive engagement, they fan the flames of division. Rather than standing firm against lawlessness, they justify it as “the voice of the unheard.” However, in a republic, the rule of law is not optional because without it, liberty dies.

Conservatives must not remain silent. The silent majority still believes in this country. We still believe in hard work, equal opportunity, the sanctity of life, and the promise of the American dream. We believe in secure borders, a strong military, and a government that serves the people—not the other way around. We believe that protest should be peaceful, lawful, and rooted in the desire to build a better America—not tear it down.

It’s time to reclaim the narrative. We cannot be afraid to speak the truth about our history—not to hide our flaws, but to highlight our progress. It is time to step up and teach our children to love this country, not because it is perfect, but because it is good. We must hold our leaders accountable when they betray the principles they swore to uphold.

Protests may come and go, but the core values of the American founding must endure. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not relics of the past—they are promises for the future. They require vigilance, courage, and citizens willing to stand up—not just against tyranny abroad, but against the slow creep of tyranny at home.

The American flag still stands. It still waves over fields of sacrifice and over homes built on dreams. It still drapes the coffins of our heroes and flies high on the Fourth of July. Let it also fly in our hearts—steadfast, proud, and unafraid.

Now more than ever, America needs patriots who will defend her—not just with words, but with conviction. Let’s remind our friends, neighbors, and family members that protest can be a form of patriotism—but only when it seeks to perfect, not to destroy, this nation we love. Let us be bold, let us be clear, and let us be proud—because freedom, once lost, is not easily regained.

God bless the United States of America.

Sources

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-escalates-trump-immigration-feud-foul-mouthed-insult