What does it mean to be patriotic?

Question

I would really like answes that dont consist of agreeing with our country, and supporting the war.

Why does Patriotism always have to be about supporting and agreeing with out country? cant patriotism be fighting our government when we feel they have done something that isnt right, like making gay marriage illegal?

HONK:
I actually kind of agree with you.
lol

Answer 1

In my opinion a Patriot is someone who upholds the values and principles as well as laws that have been set by one's country. Therefore to be a Patriot in America, one would have to uphold and support the founding principles of the country (ie...the Constitution) while questioning the actions of those in power who do not act based on these principles. Many feel to be a Patriot you have to support the team however, I feel that this is not the case. A true Patriot questions it's governments actions when they see questionable behavior. I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Patriotic means nothing less than wanting your country to be the very best it can be, Nothing less will satisfy a true patriot. A lot of patriots think my country right or wrong and that is not it. However, a patriot usually has a real low tolerance of outsiders criticizing his country.

I will tell you this being a patriot I do not always support what my government does however I will always be a supporter of my government. I have given GW Bush a hard time and praise at others. I knew him a long time ago so I think my letters get to him. I have received a handwritten reply twice.

He does what he believes to be right no matter the political repercussions. That I respect even when I disagree.

Patriots will sacrifice for the good of the country. Those who think the country owes them are not and never will be patriotic.

Answer 3

A patriot loves there country enough to defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That includes it's own government at times. Which was the reason for the American Revolution and the second amendment, which unlike most believe, the militia is all able bodied persons over the age of 17 (admitted, originally it was the males only). It is divided into organized, military and national guards, and unorganized, everyone else. A true patriot must be willing to defend there country from their government as well as all other enemies.

Answer 4

Patriotism, far transcends such a limited issue as agreeing
with a government, loving, defending and looking after the
( long term ) interest of your country.
Any true patriot has the duty to think for himself, follow his
conscience, and question the decisions made concerning
the future of his Nation and its people..
He may then come to the conclusion that he likes what he sees, or he may well be horrified and thinks something should be done about it.
If he /she is in the position to do so, a true patriot must act.
even if only by speaking out .
He may find out he is a lone voice in the desert,and that
all others gang up against him.
Yet he has acted as a true patriot.
But blindly following the leaders of a political party,
or unquestioningly agreeing with the policies of your government is a thoroughly unpatriotic act.
And screaming at/ raving and ranting / and downright insulting and slandering political opponents on the
pages of yahoo answers automatically disqualifies
someone as a patriot, as it is nonconstructive and divisive
and that definitely does not serve the interest of the Nation.
A true Patriot has an open mind and thinks for himself!.

Answer 5

Being a Patriot is more than just feeeeeling that you support your country. It is understanding your responsibilities as a citizen in one of the greatest experiments ever conducted. It can involve civic or military service. It is understanding your responsibility to serve in jury duty to insure someone receives a fair trial. It is learning the history and philosophy of those who constructed the framework. An example of this would be studying the British philosopher John Locke. It is being a contributor to our society instead of a burden; in fact, a patriot is self sufficient.
However, in your case, you have already taken the most important step necessary to becoming a patriot. You care !!!

Answer 6

Patriotic to me means being like one of those bible- thumpers! You think you are above the rest, almost to a point of fanatic- obsessive about how you think people should "be and feel" about their country. In a song I heard once it said, being patriotic was another way of calling you a scoundrel.

Answer 7

If republican democracy with a libertarian bent is a national interest of ours, especially if it's one we're sending over a hundred thousand men and women to fight and thousands of them to die for, then it damn well better be patriotic to exercise our right to dissent!

It's just as patriotic indeed to defend that interest when it's challenged, either by terrorists or by an imperial presidency, than to bend to the fear-mongering will of freedom's adversary, whether their name be bin Laden or Bush.

Answer 8

Being willing to stand up for the principles under which the country was founded, not what it has become under the nanny state we currently have.

Answer 9

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. - Edward Abbey

Answer 10

Being a productive member of American society. And defending the constitution, which protects every citizen's rights.