[Micjones]

Originally Posted by CrazyCoffey

for the second point, patriotism does not equal blind faith, or acceptance to all American ideas. Where does standing up and being quiet during the national anthem sync up to your point?

There are people, a large number of them, who believe America represents colonialism and imperialism as much as it represents freedom. If that is even possible, I can understand why someone might abstain.

Do you espouse the majority of american principles?

I certainly believe in ideas like freedom. I just don't know that American history has been a good indicator of America's interest in it. And, again, certainly there are American ideas I clearly do not espouse.

Then stop trolling, stand for the anthem out of respect for all America has been through, good and bad, things you agree with and disagree with. Why can't we have unity in one small act?

Trolling often translates as "holding an opinion that differs from my own". Certainly that's not what you're trying to get across is it?

We can talk about patriotism once we're open to also discussing the uncomfortable truths of America's past. Something America has often proven it has zero interest in.