July 3, 2008.
I guess that it depends on where you are, where you come from and, unfortunately, in this time frame whether you are a Democrat or a Republican.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines it simply as "Love of and devotion to one's country". Not very enlightening until you define "love" and "devotion". Use your own.
AS I SEE IT
Depending on ones definitions, patriotism seems to go from mild to heavy with a lot of room in-between. None is necessarily a superior position to any of the others.
For one extreme, it seems to involves doing instead of feeling, i.e. military service; public service; voting; respecting the flag and even paying taxes. This group is generally well versed in history of the U.S., knowledgeable about the sacrifices of the Founding Fathers and able and willing to sort out the mistakes which have been made and to dwell on the more positive achievements of the country over the decades. Sometimes expressed as "My Country Right or Wrong". This extreme also frequently equates its opinions with Capitalism and Competition.
For the other extreme (it seems to me) patriotism comes down to "calling it as one sees it". This extreme, while well versed, is very judgmental of everything governmental. It is particularly sensitive to what "others" think about the U.S. and responds so as to improve this perception. It frequently leans toward what is "right" rather than on what is legal or Constitutional. It is frequently not as completely committed to the concept of self sufficiency, It may not be completely committed to the benefits of Capitalism. There are many who hold this position who feel that some form of "World Government" and "World Jurisprudence" is either preferable or worth a try.
Which position is superior? Who is to say? Not I.
To me U.S. patriotism equates to pride. Pride in being part of the latest chapter in this great and noble experiment which no other people in the history of the world thought about and were able to bring about while at the same time being aware of the foibles of mankind in the execution of any and everything. It is the pride of committing to extend these principles which we have learned from and paid for in many painful ways to others while at the same time protecting these principles for those who will follow us here.
Have a Happy Fourth. (As one of my Comentors correctly reminded me it should be Happy Independence Day).
N.B. There are many today who are confusing patriotism with the qualifications to be President. These are separate and distinct. Any shade of patriotism is of equal value. However, if ones definition of patriotism appears to or is perceived to conflict with the execution of the duties of the Office of President that evaluation is to be made by the electorate after a vigorous discussion of the issues during the campaign.