Patriotism

Obama believes that patriotism is not so much following blindly or just loyally saying you love America, its about believing in the ideas of America, it's about believing in the people and following our government if we support it. Loyalty to the people allows our diverse population to get along. Obama also believes that we should only support our government when we think its right. If we don't agree with something, we should speak out to our government. In reality however we know that we don't do this. People that speak out against America are called unconstiutional, unpatriotic...but isn't this a core ideal of America, being able to challenge authority?
The pictures on 254 and 255 show that America is a group of diverse people but we all strive to support our country because we love it. The poster on 254 says "Patriotism mean silence" and it means that even if we don't agree with something our government does we should follow blindly and not question authority. The pictures on page 255 show a happy American woman dressed for the fourth of July celebrations. This picture shows the love of America and our ideals. The gay patriot poster shows Americas different people.
I believe that patriotism is both. We defend our country because we love it but we also should question authority. Our country is so different and strength in our country depends on beliving in the ideals of our nation: freedom, strength, heroism.
Patriotism depends on who you ask but most people in America are patriotic because we live here and we are told to be. However I believe that I'm patriotic because I know that people fight for our freedom and that we live in the greatest place on earth. I believe in the ideas of our people and that each day we become more tolerant. That's why I love this country.