Re: patriot
I prefer to think of patriotism as a loyalty to a set of values and principles, which (hopefully) one's nation represents. Gothgirl was correct in that failure to uphold those principles is a valid reason for intelligent criticism of one's own government. It's worth re-reading the first part of the Declaration of Independence, which is quite clear on the proper choice to make when balancing principles against government.
As I said before, it's complicated. Patriotism, when founded on ideas, is admirable. It isn't when it's just an intellectual shortcut. "My country, right or wrong" is no more valid than "my country, always wrong."