I whole heartedly concur. I hate people who wrap themselves in the flag and become uber nationalists (eg. Lee Greenwood or other recent country artists). I am very patriotic, but do not have difficulty either supporting what I agree with or criticizing what I do not. To criticize is not to be less patriotic. I have done a lot of criticism of Trump the last few days due to his performance in Helsinki. I truly feel he let the country down and did not defend the values and Constitution of our country. His actions were less than patriotic in my opinion.

I think so. They people who pound their chests and yell either about patriotism, politics, or religion, are usually trying to cover up or distract people from the kind of person they really are... and their own less admirable traits.

Absolutely! I wonder how many of the people who rage about football players taking a knee actually show the flag the proper respect. I've seen tattered versions of it used as spare tire covers on jeeps or bikini pieces. And BTW, when it's past its prime it's SUPPOSED to be burned, not thrown in the trash. A lot of businesses seem to think they're showing patriotism by flying a giant flag outside, but they put it up and leave it up, and when it's showing clear signs of deterioration, they keep it up. That's neglect, not patriotism.

There are times that I would like to see no patriotism at all. We humans tend to get carried away with the concept, and it seems to be at the root of our difficulties accepting those outside our particular way of thinking.
And of course now, with the orange empty headed one in charge, he is reaping and encouraging the discord of such extremes.

Otherwise , I feel that patriotism is similar to religion. If one is solid in their beliefs, there's no need to carry on to others , and wave your crucifix - or your flag.

No cos that's all part of the mind control stuff

Absolutely.

Not if you're a right winger.

Sounds like just another day in Canada. lol

Yes of course. You don’t need to wave a flag or even say that you are a patriot to be one. You must be able to see when your country is not taking the correct course as well as taking pride in it when it is. I like to think that my pride in being Scottish is more to do with how Scots throughout history have been trailblazers and pioneers and we have a common humanity with others throughout the world. Mine is a quiet patriotism, no chest thumping, but a lump in the chest sometimes when a compatriot achieves something notable.

Not a chest pumper, but I served in uniform, swearing an oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our Constitution's preamble begins boldly with "We the People," and was the first official state document that denied the existence of any God's divine right over the governed. But 'We the People' sometimes forget our responsibilities in ensuring the continued viability of the rights conferred therein. In my opinion, it is our patriotic duty as citizens to ensure that the rights extended in our Constitution apply to all, and are not impinged.

The chest thumping morons actually are.... sort of appalling.

Of course this is "my country, right or wrong," but that doesn't mean it has a license to go around doing wrong. When my country does wrong, it's my patriotic duty to point that shit out and put a stop to it! I love my country, and want it to do right! Just like loving my child, or my friends... I love them, and I want them to be the best they can be! I hope they tell me if I do something wrong, so I can change my ways!

And because I love my country, I have to point it out when we are fucking up! That's what a patriot does.

The pump your chest, yelling ones often aren't as patriotic as the quiet, working towards betterment ones.