In the United States one of the most patriotic things we can do is examine, question, and critically challenge both our government and our social values. This is one of the core principles that made the founding of our nation unique in its time and (at our best) is a model and standard for other nations.

It is patriotic to be deeply concerned about the welfare of our fellow citizens, and to stand up to defend them, even sacrificing ourselves for their sake, when they are denied life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is true when such freedom is threatened or denied from the outside by other nations or forces, and it is also true when it is denied to individuals or segments of our society from within due to our own personal and systemic failures to live up to our own ideals.

Patriotism in the United States is not worshipping our nation blindly (something that is really a form of thoughtless, feel-good self worship). Patriotism is the hard work—in thought, labor, and sacrifice—of making this country the place that provides, justly and fairly, opportunity and equality for every one of its citizens.