Do you believe patriotism is for the country or the government?

"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President "

~ Theodore Roosevelt

It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government.

~ Thomas Paine

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

~ Theodore Roosevelt

Patriotism lies with the people, not to the government. That is sad, because our government is supposed to be a representation of the people. It seems they stopped listening. As a citizen you should support your government in every way you can, and if you don't agree with something, rally to change it. But true patriotism is a little different to everyone.

Patriotism is for the nation. Which is its people and their ideals, not the physical boundaries and the authority that is trying to tell you that it is only patriotic to behave as they want you to.

Blind patriotism or more appropriately called nationalism, is for the government and the sensationalist ideas that it projects. It is actually in opposition to American ideals but benefits the control mongers who currently reside in the White House.

Anyone who says things like :

-"that is unpatriotic to not support everything the President wants you to."

-"either with us or against us."

-"if you have nothing to hide if you have nothing to fear!" and shout other fascist jingosist claims, is mistaking nationaism for patriotism and is a danger to American Ideals.

The 2nd amendment can't protect you from your own nationalist decisions.

Patriotism is the blind emotional believe interior the greatness of your government. u . s . homestead of the loose, thank you for sharing this occasion of the excellent stupidity of the U. S. government. you certainly choose greater risk-free practices from Washington than you do from extraterrestrial beings. LOL

I agree. My patriotic duty is to the land, the people, and the ideals under which our country was founded. I have no patriotic obligation to any government that corrupts those ideals.

I agree with you too - you can love your country and not care for the government at the same time.

Your country never changes, but the goverment does.

its about the flag, land the country. you are right. The government is just something we need but it is not perfect and you do not need to like the people in gov in order to like your country

with my country considering our government changes all the time and isnt the same as it was 200 years ago.

patriotism is identified with a common culture....not the gov't at the time.

I happen to agree with you!