Reply #110: my letter; just a touch o' sarcasm?

[CitySky]

I found it interesting that in a story circulated widely today, only the pro-war group of protestors in Crawford was described by the AP as "patriotic." I am trying to figure out how the Associated Press handbook describes "patriotic." Does one have to be in favor of war to be patriotic? Any war, just or unjust? The more bloodshed, the better? Or is the litmus test of "patriotism" unquestioning support of every policy pursued by the current occupant of the White House, whoever that may be?

In a disctatorship, such definitions of patriotism might be satisfactory. But in order for a nation to work as a democracy, public discourse is required. True patriots are the ones courageous enough to question whether the nation is living up to its ideals. Perhaps you need to revise your handbook.

Sincerely,