There's a lot of talk about patriotism these days

There's been a lot of talk these days about patriotism, the flag, and who has the right to call themselves American. Recently, a man told me that because I'm not blindly supporting the president, I'm not being patriotic enough.

As I thought about what he said, I returned to one of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain:

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”

And I'll tell you something: right now, our president doesn't deserve it.

Patriotism is supporting access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans – regardless of their income.

Patriotism is protecting kids brought here at a young age from being deported to countries they don't call home.

Patriotism is supporting our troops by not sending them to unnecessary wars.

Patriotism is supporting the right of all Americans to peacefully protest injustice.

Not only does our President not believe in any of these ideas, but he and his Republican colleagues in Congress are actively working to undermine them.

That's not patriotism.

Jim