Patriotism

I just "defriended" someone on Facebook because that person posted an image from some Tea Party-like organization entitled "Patriotism". It included an eagle and the tag line "Pro-family, Pro-gun, Pro-life, Anti-Obama!" The image came with the admonition to "not be afraid to post to show you are a patriot". Nothing frosts my cookies so quickly as nonsense like this. So - I'm not a patriot because I happen to believe there are many kinds of families, that - yes, the 2nd amendment means I can own a gun, but it doesn't mean I have the right to carry one with me everywhere I go - and that a woman has every right to decide whether to have a child or not? I'm not President Obama's biggest cheerleader, but I happen to think he's better than Mitt Romney. And I would never say someone who supports Romney is not a "patriot". I believe the US Constitution is an amazing document, and I swore to defend it against all enemies when I joined the Marines. Part of the reason I joined the Marines was that my country was in a war and I thought it was my duty to protect it. Turns out that particular war was not a valid exercise of national power, but I still believe that the US Constitution deserves (and needs) protection. "Patriotism" is not a club which can be used to beat people with whom you don't happen to agree.