Government can become oppressive when unchecked. The founders knew this when they authored our founding documents.

Many of the treaty tribes requested and agreed to schools. Some of the boarding schools sponsored by the federal government became examples of government overreach and committed unspeakable atrocities. There are many examples in our history of the federal government losing sight of our founding principles recognizing that all people are created equal and possess the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It too much too long to end slavery, to allow women to vote, and the internment of Japanese-Americans was a stain.

History is neither patriotic nor non-patriotic. Patriotism is reserved for people. We should learn from history. It should not be oppressed. But we should always celebrate our founding principles. A limited government with powers in check should always be our goal.