What is Patriotism -by George A. Polisner

Patriotism is defined as taking pride in one's country, being devoted to its ideals and principles and a willingness to fight, if necessary to defend one's country from attack 

It is asking "not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country".--John F. Kennedy
It is appreciating the fact that you were, perhaps born here, or became a citizen here, and celebrating the sense of belonging.
It is understanding that there is a third option to America, Love it or leave it.  It is ...make it better.
It is researching the candidates that will best represent you and your family, understanding their positions, who is funding their campaigns, how they have voted in the past, their integrity and then voting in every election.
It is educating your children to make sure they continue the march, research the best candidates, vote in every election and in-turn, educate their children!
It is appreciating the resources and opportunities that we all enjoy, and a desire to share our good fortune with nations that have not attained the wealth we enjoy.  -Pause and ask yourself what is the difference between the love between poor parents of a child born in an impoverished, third-world country, their hopes and dreams for that child to have a fulfilling life, and the love between affluent parents of a child born in a wealthy nation ?  Most of us are lucky to have been born here. Count your blessing and share with others.  And remember, most of our urban areas are largely inhabited by people that may be less-fortunate than you.  Can you help in some small way to enrich the lives of someone less fortunate than yourself ?  Then you are a true patriot!
It is demanding that the country continually evolve and strive to be a model of diversity, compassion, respect and strength for others to follow.
It is demanding alternative energy resources so we are not dependent on the most politically volatile regions of the world.
It is demanding strong environmental protection for us and for generations yet to come.

What Patriotism Is Not

Patriotism is not slapping an American flag on the rear window of your Isuzu and especially not your Hummer.
It is not excluding other people from participating in responsible citizenship for the betterment of their lives, and their families lives simply because they did not happen to be born here.
It is not meddling in the affairs of other sovereign countries to overthrow their governments or to support regimes that abuse, torture and kill their people but allow us to operate their oil fields.
It is not training soldiers or military in methods to abuse and torture other people (see -the School of the America's).
It is not threatening the American people that a "Constitutional Crisis" will emerge if we take our time to count each and every last valid vote as part of the democratic election process.
Patriotism is not whooping and hollering and wanting to go to another country (or another neighborhood) to kill, injure or scare people that do not look like us.
It is not attacking and silencing people with different ideas, and labeling them as "unpatriotic".  A critical pillar of Democracy is freedom of speech.