The bar for being "patriotic" is now so low I can think of no person, statement, article, behavior, or anything else an American citizen can do that would be generally agreed upon as "unpatriotic." Someone can stand up and spew hatred for his own country, take the side of any adversary in any conflict, or advocate the death of troops overseas. If accused of not being patriotic, this person will swell up like an indignant prairie chicken and be utterly shocked that his patriotism could be questioned. Isn't he opposing the government, which is the hallmark of dissent?

So frankly, the term "patriot" isn't really usable any more.

"A free society means having the right to hear bad news, so a real American can handle the truth and welcomes scrutiny of our leaders." True, as far as it goes.

Let's look at two fathers, with their kids in a boxing match. I'm making up the jargon--I know nothing of boxing.

first father: This guy's got a hell of a left hook, and he hasn't been beaten all week. He has a tendency to go for the stomach. You're kind of weak there. He tends to circle to the left. That's not your strong side. You're breathing hard...maybe you didn't train enough. You got him on the chin. Don't think he's hurt much. Whoa...he got your eye there. If that bleeds, you're in trouble. Man, that was a heck of a hit on you. We don't want you to get hurt. Maybe we should throw in the towel, Freddy.

Second father: This guy's got a hell of a left hook, but he got knocked out two weeks ago by a guy smaller than you. He has a tendency to go for the stomach. Keep you defenses up there. He tends to circle to the left. Try and stay turned so your strong arm is in front. You're breathing hard. Try to keep it even. Remember the running you did. Good hit on the chin! Maybe that'll slow him down. Wow...he got your eye there. We can fix that up. Watch your other eye. Man, that was a heck of a hit on you. Shrug it off, buddy. Hang in there. You're hurt a bit, but not bad. You can beat this guy, Jimmy.

Both of these guys are transmitting the same truthful information about the fight: the opponent's fighting record. His hard left hook. The tactics. The hits he is landing. The hits their sons are landing. What's happening in the fight.

You tell me which dad is helping his kid to win.

You tell me what each dad thinks of his kid.

Our troops are shocked by the coverage they get here at home. So are congressmen and others who go to see for themselves. Much of the media are in full Vietnam mode. They want this war LOST. They can swell up in indignation until they explode--I don't care. Twenty million Iraqis and a couple hundred troops dead for nothing is apparently a small price to get their teeth in Bush's throat. But of course, they're patriotic. After all, how could anyone not be any more?