Patriotism

Patriotism is seen as doing one's duty to their country and showing the flag 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (which was deemed un-patriotic during the 1950s-1970s). In today's society patriotism involves the mentality of MY party or MY government right or wrong. To me, that is un-patriotic. To me, patriotism is the act of doing what is best for the country and her people regardless of personal alliances; i.e. party, friends, business partners, and money. It is the dare to disagree with the government when it fails to do what is best for the country and her people, and then acting upon the disagreement. Patriotism is beyond the military. To be patriotic is to be cynical and question the government. After questioning, the patriot researches, uses their brain and common logic, and makes their own judgments concerning what they see is best for their country. They then act upon it by voting and debating with others and looking at different points of view. The patriotic citizen is flexible and open to changes. That is patriotism as I see it.