What does Patriotism mean to you?

How does patriotism intersect with free speech, with immigration, with nationalism, with support or opposition to wars?

Let’s find out!

5:00pm to 7:30pm

Kittery Community Center Community Banquet Room, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine

At this Make Shift Coffee House we are going to explore what Patriotism means to each of us.

How do we measure a person’s patriotism? Is a natural born citizen more patriotic than a ‘New American’? Is a veteran more patriotic than a war protester?

Where does free speech intersect with patriotism? Is it patriotic to speak against the government? And what should be the government’s role in enforcing or allowing this patriotic or unpatriotic speech? What about the role of private companies?

And what about children in school? Is it okay to not recite the pledge of allegiance? How about professional athletes taking a knee?

Come tell us how you feel about this. Come listen to how your neighbors feel about this? We will ask each other questions about where our views on Patriotism come from, how our views were formed, and how our views are driven by our underlying world views and values.

Live music by Jenna Sarno

Learn about Jenna here

Format

5:00 pm – We will begin with informal conversations in pairs and small groups with live music in the background. There will be free coffee, tea, and dinner style snacks.

6:30 pm – More conversations in pairs and small groups with live music in the background. And of course, plenty of free coffee, tea, and snacks.5:15 pm – Craig will gather everyone together, say a few words, and facilitate sharing and listening among the full group.

7:00 pm – A second round of full group comments and listening.

7:30 pm – End

Click here to learn about the Make Shift Coffee House culture and why understanding each other is so useful.