Just so there’s no doubt, patriotism means
- “love that people feel for their country” (Merriam-Webster)
- “strong feelings of love, respect, and duty toward your country” (MacMillan)
- “The quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one’s country” (Oxford)
- “devotion to one’s own country and concern for its defence” (Collins)
- “the feeling of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it” (Cambridge)
None of these widely recognized, authoritative sources mention The President. While I’m sure most of us assume any President should be a patriot, the reverse — loving the President and his acts — does not make you one.
You are welcome to do so, love the President — you enjoy that freedom in this country — but don’t call yourself a patriot for that reason. That’s not what “patriot” means.
If you’re not convinced, click the links and read for yourself.
I agree that patriotism means that you love your country. It is important to remember that getting a great education ca help you understand things around you and what they really mean. I would want to make sure I choose a school that teaches my children to be patriotic and to be good citizens of our country.