Is it patriotic to deny the U.S. has ever done anything wrong?

It's patriotic to admit our faults, but we keep repeating the same mistakes every 20 years. We need to obey and defend the Constitution if people want less wars, stronger states, and prosperity.

I would say a true patriot would admit our faults and try not to make the same mistakes. Its much better than living in a world of false perfection. And as one of the superpowers of the world we should be setting an example to the rest of the world when we mess up. We need to be help accountable for our actions.

A patriotic American should always speak the truth as he/she sees it even if it makes America look less than noble in the minds of others. I believe that a person who really cares about America should always admit our faults and comment on how things can be made better. I don't believe that we should belittle our president even though he is not liked by too many Americans. It isn't necessary to go out of our way to call Bush names and point out his weaknesses. This in my opinion is not patriotic. America is a good place to live even though we have numerous weaknesses but we seem to recover because we are resilient and most of us admit our weaknesses and want to change them into strengths.

1. it's stupid

2. that would be the intelligent approach

as far as I can see,the brand of patriotism we are expected to show on our sleeve and wear on our lapel in this country has everything to do with the first option and nothing to do with the latter.

in fact,if you ascribe to the latter you're in danger of being accused of something vague called "antiamericanism"

only the Soviet Union( under Stalin especially) had a crime called antisoviet activities and that is a reference to a political system,not an unspecified entelechy like "Americanism" .

no other civilised country that I know of has anything comparable. only out and out treason(the selling of or providing of state secrets to foreign powers etc etc) will make a Frenchman's activities open to being labelled antiFrench or unFrench(?) but "antifrenchism"? Pray tell what animal would that be?

Patriotic is a word thrown around in an accusatory manner to try and "nail" someone. A true patriot is merely someone who is proud to be a part of the country, and wants to do what it takes to ensure that it is successful. Conflicting ideas exist in this country, a denial or lack of denial does not really speak of your patriotism. It is a term thrown around so frequently in todays world, and in such petty ways, that it no longer has the same meaning that it once did.

I dont think being patriotic and admitting/denying its faults are linked. Every country has its mistakes. But you can still love your country, even if it started a unilateral war in iraq for no reason.

What scares me is the people who answer your question with the sad old liberal insults and accusations, some of these same people actually vote. They will never admit our country has its faults, it doesn't fit into their perfect view of their America. I see a ray of hope on the horizon for this election, it's up to Americans to grasp that hope and run with it the best we can...or...we can vote to stay in Iraq. It's our choice.

You have the right idea...but there is extreme on the other side as well.

To harp and never let go of USA injustice number blah blah blah is even worse patriotism than the head in the sand crowd

America is not the ruling class and culture. it's patriotic to be honest and decent and to make your country safe from violent attack. The best way to do this is to have the 'others' like you.

I don't think you understand. According to conservatives - if you say anything negative about President Bush or any of the totally idiotic things he says and does......you must hate America. However - if you said anything negative about President Clinton or Carter when they were in office.....that's perfectly fine and doesn't mean you hate America.