I don't agree that any one action can prove or disprove one's patriotism. But I like to think that I show it by voting and by approaching issues that affect us all, even sensitive ones, with complete honesty. I also encourage others to do the same.

--Mimi C. Mclitus

I do not consider myself patriotic. A country is the sum of it's people, and people are connected by bonds which are stronger than national origin or ethnicity.  People will all die if global warming is not stopped and if pollution continues to increase.  People all bleed when shot or bombed.  All children feel hunger pangs when there is no food to eat. To me patriotism is a way of saying "mine is better than the others." 

I love America as much as I love any other nation on the planet, no more, no less.  We are all earthlings, and we cannot build a wall that will save us if we trash our planet.  Our wars diminish every one of us.  Our love uplifts us all.  I am a human being, not a patriot.

--Jemille Hardy

Participate in the democratic process by voting. Learn about political issues and candidates based on facts and actions. Support those who serve the US including military, politicians, government employees, etc. Serve as a juror when called. Be a role model to succeeding generations.

--Susan Schubert

I think the most Patriotic thing you can do is help your family, friends, and community.   Especially those who actually need help.  It is more than just holding the door open, donating a can a food, or wearing a pin.  In my own volunteer hours I have seen the true patriotism of people who have little and give lots.  I feel that the person who scrapes to survive but will still volunteer at the soup kitchen is more patriotic than the person with their hand over their heart, sitting on top of there RV, listening to the national anthem with tears in their eyes and waiting for the car race to start.

--Twan Rivers

The way that I show my patriotism, is by voting for the best candidate that will lead the country. It's not by wearing an American flag lapel, or if I choose to place my hand over my heart. I love my country and my ancestors put to much blood, sweat and tears, in making this country great.

--Kevin Facey

My opinion is that if he is running for the office of President of the United States he needs to have the courtesy of showing a little respect for the ones that died in order for him to live here.

The flag - being a symbol of this country.  If he does not want to at a minimum he should not be able to have the chance to do what he is doing.  We already hear from his wife that in forty years she had never had anything to proud of here country for, so it may run in the family.

--Elliott Wentworth

First and foremost I show my patriotism by going to work every day and giving the Federal Government their share of my paycheck to help fund all the patriot (and un-patriot) programs/projects the government feels necessary to fund in the name of patriotism.  Also by staying as informed as possible on what is going on with the US Government and voting every time I have an opportunity.

--Viveca Ware

It is accomplished by respecting the Constitution of the United States; by respecting individual differences; by obeying National, State and Local laws, by participating in the political processes and by  behaving in ways that indisputable indicate that I am proud to be an American.

--John Aldrich

I show my patriotism by constant vigilance.  This means questioning, information seeking, as well as recognizing when progress is made.  This is the only way we can ensure that democracy will continue for all.  This is not always in line with jingoism, which can be a destructive force to democracy, even if it appears to be "patriotic".  Obama has shown the true kind of patriotism rather than jingoism.  He is risking the danger of unpopularity; hence a danger to his political career, for the sake of what is good for our country.  This is to be admired and supported.

--Jennifer Vanderputten

It is so saddening that people are not listening to what Barack is saying (not all though we do) that they are so wrapped up in distorting the election. But, you know what the Lord that led this young man thus far will stand by him and America for we need a change.

Most of those who say they are patriotic; does patriotism means demeaning another fellow? No. Does patriotism means lying? No. America can see through these people and at the end they will be sorry. To see a black man doing good is simply because America is tired of liars and fools. We need a change and we are going to get it through Barack Obama.

Patriotism means I love my country and my fellow Americans in my heart and I will not hurt them by words or deeds.  

--Abimbola-Sodipe

I don't wear a flag pin and I don't necessarily support without question everything the US does.  I think not questioning is unpatriotic and shows a lack of appreciation for the freedom we have...it is as bad as not voting.  If more people had been patriotic enough to question the rush to war...a huge mistake might have been avoided. 

--Wilma Kerns

I'm tired of people using symbols to define patriotism.  I believe that being a patriot has more to do with your actions than by wearing a flag pin or putting your had over your heart.  A true Patriot would fully investigate allegations again another American before putting untruths on an internet site. A true Patriot would, after finding out that the allegations were lies, would put an heartfelt apology on the same site that contained the false allegations.

I plan to show by true patriotism by working and volunteering to make Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

--Alester Pryor

How does one show Patriotism? Not the way it's being defined by the Republicans and Hillary Clinton, that's for sure. The people wearing that lapel pin and swearing allegiance to the flag are the first ones to deny one's civil rights and liberties because we don't look like them. They don't know what it is to be patriotic. And when they find a definition that fits every person born or legally living in this country, with all rights and privileges as outlined under the Constitution, then I'll consider whether or not Obama is a patriot.

I haven't heard this allegation thrown at any person other than people of ethnic background, which makes me think that "Patriotism" is code for "racist without actually saying the offensive words."

More Readers' Comments >>