In a move that perfectly captures the spirit of the nation's founding ideals - like liberty, justice, and selective historical nostalgia - hundreds of masked men from the neo-fascist group Patriot Front marched through Washington DC on the Fourth of July, proudly displaying the Confederate flag. Because nothing says 'land of the free' quite like a symbol of treason and white supremacy.

The group, led by founder Thomas Rousseau, gathered at Union Station before heading toward Capitol Hill, chanting 'Life, liberty, victory!' and 'Reclaim America!' - presumably from all those people who think the country should maybe not be exclusively for white people. Video from the event shows the masked marchers riding the DC Metro, where fellow passengers looked on with the kind of wariness usually reserved for a wasp nest on a crowded bus.

Counter-protesters showed up too, of course. One particularly creative soul shouted through a bullhorn: 'Every single one of you justifies the fucking right to abortion.' A nuanced political take, but points for enthusiasm.

The DC Metropolitan Police Department, in a statement that could double as a masterclass in understatement, said it was 'tracking first amendment activities' and acknowledged that people have the right to peacefully express their views - even if those views are 'we'd like to bring back the Confederacy.' They also assured the public they remain committed to safety, which is a relief.

Patriot Front, founded in 2017 after the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, has been described by experts as unusually effective at fundraising and media production. In 2022, Morgan Moon of the ADL Center on Extremism noted that 'no other white supremacist group operating in the US today is able to match Patriot Front’s ability to produce media, ability to mobilize across the country and ability to finance.' So at least they're productive?

The march coincided with former President Donald Trump's speech warning of a 'communist menace' in America, though the White House declined to comment on whether Trump condemns the latest display of white supremacy. Maybe they were too busy celebrating the country's birthday - or just trying to figure out which menace is worse.