By Terri Burke, ACLU of Texas Executive Director If you’re reading this, you’re likely a patriot and don’t let anyone tell you any different. Just in time for the Fourth of July a national publication ranked the 100 Most Patriotic Cities in the country. We’ve all seen lists like these, ranking the top cities in this or the best cities for that. Let’s be honest, they’re mostly gimmicks designed to get the readership talking and chambers of commerce excited. But I must admit, I bit on this particular list and wondered which city ranked the most patriotic in Texas. Have any guesses? My first guess – with its numerous military bases and high concentration of veterans – was San Antonio. If your first guess was the same as mine, we were both wrong. I looked at the list and there it was: The most patriotic city in Texas (21st nationally) is Austin, our state’s capitol. Yes, THAT Austin. Famously weird and liberal Austin – the city sometimes referred to as the "blue hole in the red doughnut," other times labeled San Francisco East – had ranked the most red-white-and-blue-lovin’ city in the Lone Star State. Some folks feel that way about the ACLU of Texas. But there’s nothing liberal or conservative about believing in and protecting the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Now, I don’t place much stock in these lists because they’re gimmicks. But it did get me to think, "What makes one patriotic?" This list, for instance, used flag and firework purchases, among other criteria, to come up with its rankings. Flag waving and sparklers are all fine and good, but I would argue that’s the easy way to show your patriotism. Standing up for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, even when it isn’t the easy thing to do, now that’s patriotism. Which brings me back to my original point: You’re a patriot. I know this because you’re reading this and would answer "yes" to at least one if not all of these questions: Should you be free to practice a religion or none at all? Is it your right to express a viewpoint freely and openly? Do you feel that all in this country, regardless of race, ethnicity or background should be treated fairly, equally and with respect? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you, and the ACLU of Texas, believe in the Constitution and all it stands for. As I’ve traveled this great state meeting many of you I can honestly say that ACLU of Texas supporters are some of the most ardently patriotic individuals anywhere. This weekend, when you celebrate our country’s birthday and settle in for that post-cook out fireworks show, don’t forget to wave the flag and be proud. You’re a patriot.