Quote:
Originally Posted by kennyc
Yep, National Pride and individual rights, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, etc. etc. To many these are sacrosanct.
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I agree.
In my opinion, a patriotic American cherishes those as well as many other of America's ideals, such as equality before the law. Patriots don't close their eyes to the failures of their country to always live up to it's ideals, nor do they agree with every action done in their name, but with a firm grasp of history and a knowledge their country's honorable successes as well as its tragic failures, work to create "a more perfect union."
Those who would criticize everyone who seeks to improve what in their eyes is already perfect aren't patriots. They're religious zealots whose god is Uncle Sam.
Striving for the betterment of the country is not unAmerican, and should never be so labeled. It is the very essence of patriotism.