You say you love your country, that you are devoted to it. My dictionary says that’s patriotism, so maybe you are a patriot.
How do you demonstrate your love and devotion?
You fly the flag, at least on certain holidays?
You celebrate Independence Day, maybe with some sparklers for the kids?
You stand for the national anthem? Take off your hat? Place your hand over your heart? That’s cool if you really mean it. I do those things myself.
What else?
Maybe you’ve served in the military, or as an honest elected official, or you’re active somehow in bettering your local community. Those can be authentic ways to show your true colors, that you care about this big place.
How about this? Do you savagely criticize anyone who sits or kneels in protest at anthem time? Do you question their motives? Wish them harm?
That doesn’t make you a patriot. It doesn’t do anything for your country, but it’s your right. I readily acknowledge that it is your right even though I disapprove of how you choose to exercise it.
As much as I disapprove, I won’t suggest that you leave the country, or call for you to lose your job, or hope that you suffer some terrible misfortune. What I will do is suggest that you take stock of what it is that makes you think you are a patriot.
What have you really done for your country?
What are you are willing to do to prove your love and devotion?
The United States needs more from you than a willingness to stand with the crowd during the national anthem and a knee-jerk condemnation of those who protest.
What else will you do, my fellow American?
The Smith Compound 