The Patriot's Code
One of the trademarks of the Patriot Party and this website is the idea that each of us is either a Patriot or Pirate. This concept is more than a marketing ploy. Its application can be revealing.
We have featured key differences between Patriots and Pirates and created an illustration that may be printed and used to insure participants in a discussion debate fairly and civilly. The illustration appears below. First, we will explain briefly each item in the code. Then we will explain how to use it.
Codes of conduct
The Patriot's Code and the Pirate's Code summarize the priority, politics, focus, values, strategy, and tactics that are typical of Patriots and Pirates, respectively.
Understanding the Patriot's Code and Pirate's Code
The numbers 1-10 in each code feature opposing ideas. The same item in each code should be compared before going on to the next number. Pick a number and compare the text in each code. To help facilitate understanding, what follows is a brief description of each item in the respective codes.
1. Self and America — versus — Self then America
It is healthy for America when citizens are motivated to improve their position in life. After all, to live primarily for the benefit of one's country would be akin to communism in which the State is supreme over the individual. Yet, to be motivated solely by personal gain is also not good for our country because America would be overrun by Pirates. The best situation is for citizens to make choices that serve themselves as well as America. By seeking a win-win situation, the individual remains supreme while fortifying and preserving our nation.
2. Preserve America — versus — Change America
Patriots honor the formula that made America successful. They know its importance and they are ready to discourage others from changing it. Pirates do not know there is a formula, do not care there is a formula, or they aim to change it.
Pirates admit they are working to create a different America. In other words, they do not love America. They love their vision of what they think America should be.
Most enemies are not looking to invade, defeat, and occupy America. They merely want to destroy our position of dominance in the world. Asking the following question is revealing. How are those who are willing to weaken America different from our enemies?
3. Depth and Distance Vision — versus — Surface and Short Term
Our founding fathers were philosophers and students of political science and history. After much time and effort, they formed a republic as opposed to a democracy. The republic they formed provided a perfect balance of autonomy for the States, while empowering a central authority to manage matters of common interest.
This unique and effective formula of government proved to be the lone winner out of the thousands that have been tried throughout history. If we continue to alter the formula in pursuit of seemingly attractive short-term gains, we will render our country ineffective before eventually destroying it. The foundation of America has become riddled with cracks because of surface and short-term thinking. If we are to save America, we must look deep and think long term.
4. Character Matters Most — versus — Results Trumps Character
A strong and noble character is the surest way to performance excellence. This is why Patriots believe that the character of the individual matters most. It is especially important for leaders to demonstrate strength of character because it is human nature for citizens to reflect the standards set by those in a leadership role.
In contrast, Pirates measure success only by results. They will not admit character matters because they would have to modify their often self-serving bad behavior.
5. Right Trumps Wrong — versus — End Justifies the Means
Patriots believe right behavior is its own reward and wrong behavior cannot be justified. They believe, if we continually do the right thing, truth and justice will eventually prevail. Even if truth and justice should remain elusive, those committed to righteousness enjoy an innate peace that comes from doing the right thing.
In contrast, Pirates believe winning is everything, rules are made to be broken, and a noble motive is the only justification needed to circumvent the law. This creates the appearance they believe they are above it.
6. Play by the Rules — versus — Work the Loopholes
Patriots know our society is based on the assumption that at least 97% of citizens must follow the law. In a free society, compliance must be encouraged because if enough people decide to violate society's laws chaos (anarchy) will result. As such, Patriots know they must advocate strongly that everyone follow the same set of fair and equitable laws.
On the other hand, because Pirates have different values (#4 and #5 of the Pirate's Code), they need to employ a cooperating strategy. Finding ways around the rules (working the loopholes) is the logical byproduct.
7. Expose Truth — versus — Muddy the Waters
Because the formula that made America strong works, Patriots are on the winning side of any debate over whether we should attempt to change it. This makes it easy for Patriots to stand for truth and to make every effort to keep the issues crystal clear.
In contrast, those who want to change the formula that made America successful will become exposed if they allow issues to become clarified (the waters to clear). They cannot allow others to see that their ideas are in opposition to the formula that made America the most successful nation in the world.
8. Civility in Discourse — versus — Character Assassination
Patriots are inclined to remain civil in debate because the formula responsible for America's success is easily defended with history, logic, and reason.
In contrast, Pirates are no longer able to justify changing the formula. Every attempt at fixing the formula over the last 70+ years has proven disastrous. Without history or logic and reason on their side, Pirates naturally resort to the tactic of "shooting the messenger" in desperation. Attacking the character of their opponents is their best hope for creating a different America.
9. Straight Talk — versus — Spin and Roll
When coming to the defense of America, a Patriot needs only to rely on straight talk. The formula that made America strong does not need to be justified, excused, or camouflaged. It merely needs to be restated so those who have forgotten it are reminded of its power and importance.
In contrast, faced with a losing argument causes Pirates to change the focus of a debate. By doing the "spin and roll," Pirates are able to sidestep unwanted facts and arguments that would otherwise prove that their ideas are dangerous to America.
10. Take Responsibility — versus — Blame Others
Patriots find it easy to take personal responsibility when proven wrong because they have the formula of America to cushion their fall.
In contrast, Pirates are quick to blame others when proven wrong because they have very few arguments at their disposal. The formula that made America strong is supported by history and verified with deep and thoughtful analysis. It must be discouraging to face such an overwhelming obstacle, causing Pirates to feel they are being affronted by some vast conspiracy.
How to apply the Patriot's Code
The Patriot's Code should be used as a guideline by which we can work to model the characteristics of a Patriot while shunning those of a Pirate. Here is how to use them:
Suppose two people are debating. If one person should falter and work from the Pirate's Code, the other would cite (1) the name of the code, (2) the category with number, and (3) the item description.
For example, "Pirate's Code, Tactic 9, Spin and Roll." Although this process will likely annoy the person who regularly works from the Pirate's Code, it will encourage both partners in conversation to conduct themselves as Patriots.