The Patriotic Dissenter

Category: Progressives

The Patriotic Dissenter is Proud to Announce His New Book for Sale!

The Blogger here at The Patriotic Dissenter has authored a new book! No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry You can get it on Amazon right here in paperback! And in E-book format as well! In “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets” Paul M.... Read more »

By Paul M. Banks,
April 30, 2019 at 10:47 pm •

Martellus Bennett Believes Athletes Still Fear Speaking Out on Issues (Exclusive)

It's pretty clear now that Colin Kaepernick isn't coming back to the National Football League, as Super Bowl 2020 approaches, and we have another NFL season in the books without him, it's time to think about his legacy. His powerful impact that he made will be long-lasting. His decision to take a knee during the national anthem, as a gesture of protest against brutality and systemic racism within law enforcement, may ultimately pave the way for more football players to eventually speak out on the issues of the day while still active in their playing careers. Former Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett, in town this past week to do a public reading of his new children's book "Dear Black Boy," doesn't believe that day is here yet though. "No, that fear is still there," Bennett responded when we put this question to him during our exclusive conversation at Open Books, a literacy non-profit in the west loop...

By Paul M. Banks,
April 29, 2019 at 11:09 pm •

Hesburgh is the Kind of Figure we Badly Need in these Deeply Divisive Times

Current Mayor Pete Buttigieg isn't the first un-classifiable nationally relevant political figure to live and work in South Bend, Indiana. "Hesburgh," a new documentary opening at the Music Box Theatre on Saturday, chronicles the life of long-time president of the University of Notre Dame and America's most well-known priest—Rev. Theodore Hesburgh.

Colloquially known as "Father Ted," Hesburgh was a lot like "Mayor Pete," a South Bend political figure driven by faith, ideals and a motivation to do what is right above what is currently politically viable. Both men are/were complex, and that's what makes them interesting.

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By Paul M. Banks,
April 24, 2019 at 2:28 pm •

Legalized Sports Gambling Could Help State Debts Says Rep Mike Zalewski

Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Zalewksi, State Representative for the 23rd district, is spearheading the initiatives to get sports gambling legalized in the state. If it all works out and goes according to plan, with no unforeseen hurdles along the way, legal sports gaming could be here by early 2020. That's right you could bet the Super Bowl on any number of legal betting sites in the state. Zalewski is working with state Rep. Bob Rita to lead House discussions on this issue.

The process began at the same time that March Madness/the NCAA Tournament, one of the biggest and most lucrative sports wagering events of the calendar, began. We had a telephone exclusive with Zalewski, and you can hear that conversation below:

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By Paul M. Banks,
April 7, 2019 at 6:39 pm •

Boston Red Sox Show Financial Support for Anti-Bullying Campaign

When it comes to social justice, the Boston Red Sox are a franchise with a very troubled history. They even had to rename the street adjacent to their home stadium of Fenway Park, because it had honored a former team owner who resisted efforts to integrate baseball back in the 1950s. Racist incidents involving their fan base in recent years have been well documented. However, last week saw the Boston Red Sox position themselves on the right side of history. And there's no better time than the World Series to get a positive message out there, as more eyeballs will be upon the club...

By Paul M. Banks,
October 22, 2018 at 2:57 pm •

Chicago Bears Convey Progress on the Field, and Towards Social Justice

This September, the Chicago Bears are achieving progress both on and off the field. The Monsters of the Midway are first in the standings of their respective division, with a very favorable opportunity to move to a surprising 3-1 start on Sunday. In terms of standing for betterment of the community, Chicago is also first, as they became the initial NFL team to maximize the NFL’s new social justice initiative. The team announced last week that the organization will commit $500,000 toward social justice initiatives in the city of Chicago, with a focus on education and community police relations....

By Paul M. Banks,
September 26, 2018 at 12:00 pm •

Patriotism is Getting Hijacked by the MAGA Scoundrels

“Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” - Samuel Johnson, 1775 While historians are unsure what the exact context was of Johnson's quote was, and who his verbal dagger was pointed towards, the idea holds true more today than ever. In 2018 America, patriotism is being hijacked by those who want to use the flag as a cover over their racism, hatred and bigotry. They chant slogans like #AmericaFirst #MAGA (Make America Great Again) and #BuildThatWall...

By Paul M. Banks,
May 30, 2018 at 7:02 pm •

Angry About School Shootings? Join the Race Against Gun Violence

After the Parkland, Florida massacre on St. Valentine’s Day, we saw a true sea change in America regarding the issue of gun violence. Our nation became very activated, and the message conveyed was loud and clear- we as citizens WANT REAL COMMON SENSE GUN LAWS NOW! Unfortunately, Congress in Washington D.C. did not listen to act, and between the Parkland massacre and the Santa Fe, Texas school shooting last week, the federal government still didn’t move on what is truly the biggest public health crisis facing our country. It’s clear that the only way real policy change regarding gun violence comes is at the polls, and that’s still six months away...

By Paul M. Banks,
May 24, 2018 at 7:26 pm •

Real Time with Bill Maher: Worst Season Ever?

There is a whole lot to like about the HBO series Real Time with Bill Maher, and this season has certainly had plenty of exceptional moments. When the series is on point, it can truly be a joy to watch. However, when it’s off the mark, it can just be a brutal train wreck that offends every fiber of your being. Real Time, at its core is about the writers. That’s what it makes it so hit or miss, the writing is so much more important than the interview guests, the panel or even Maher himself. Real Time is off this week, and maybe that’s a good thing, perhaps they can regroup and recover, because this season has been the worst in recent memory...

By Paul M. Banks,
May 21, 2018 at 9:47 pm •

Political Correctness, Professionally Outraged Destroying the Left

Hate to be the cliche liberal assailing his/her own team here, but it’s long overdue. My fellow lefties need to be called out for letting extremist political correctness take hold and maintain its grip on American discourse. Just the mere idea of scathingly critiquing an ideal held by your own “team” is rare in America these days, but it’s warranted now more than ever. Both sides, plus the center, or whatever is left of it, need to stay on their guard to always question, and when necessary, point out the flaws in values and beliefs that fall under their ideological umbrella...

By Paul M. Banks,
May 16, 2018 at 2:40 pm •

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