In President Obama's speech made about his idea of patriotism, he says that patriotism is "..supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Essentially he is saying that patriotism is the deep love for this country and fellow Americans. He believes that Americans are most patriotic when they voice what they see as short comings of the government and take a proactive role. There is a stark contrast between Obama's view of patriotism and the photo on page 254. In this photo, Uncle Sam is holding up his finger with the words "Patriotism means silence. A message from the office of Homeland Security" This is a much more authoritarian view of the government than President Obama's. This definition implies patriotism is subservience. On page 255, the photo is for gay conservatives. This is paradoxical, and yet presents the idea of a totally different form of patriotism all together.
As for myself, I believe patriotism is the understanding of what kind of life we lead in America and appreciating it. Being an informed citizen, no matter what side you lean toward is essential. Whether or not one agrees with government policy, a patriot recognizes under what ideals this country was founded and has a deep appreciation for that.