Patriotism. You've probably seen the word a lot lately. You've seen it used to cut people down, to discredit them. You've seen it used with false bravado as if it's something only a few, special people are able to attain.

Let's talk about patriotism for a moment.

Patriotism isn't about who can shoot off the brightest fireworks on the 4th of July. It's not about who can declare their love for America the most or the loudest. It's not about big, political speeches; rallies meant to demonize instead of harmonize.

It isn't a contest of who's better than who, or who's louder or bigger. It's not about the size of your American flag or how big your truck is. In fact, the most patriotic person I know plays the piccolo in the Cougar Marching Band and talks about America the way you would a best friend.

Patriotism is about the feeling you get when you see those fireworks. It's a quiet display of gratitude for those who have fallen to protect us in this country. It's about upholding the constitution, even when it may be uncomfortable or unpopular.

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room: the recent protests in the NFL.

A lot of people have taken aim at these players; saying that they're un-American or unpatriotic. That they hate our veterans and are spitting in their faces by kneeling during the national anthem. That, somehow, because you stand for the anthem, you're more patriotic and love this country more.

In my humble opinion, the highest form of patriotism is being able to look America straight in the eyes, acknowledge all our flaws, and say, "We're not perfect. Let's fix this." That is what these players are doing. They are not being disrespectful; they are not saying they hate America.

There seems to be this sort of disconnect between what these players are doing and what Fox News and your right-wing uncle who thinks the moon landing was faked wants you to believe they're doing.

They're protesting––perhaps the most American thing that there is. The very thing that this country was founded on if I'm remembering correctly. They're peacefully, articulately protesting against police brutality. Not veterans or the flag or the anthem or Trump. And by and large, most veterans are just fine with the protests, so what does that tell you?

So to the self-proclaimed "Patriot Warriors" in the room: get down from your high horse and take off your American flag cape. Stop pretending you're a hero when I'll bet you sit in your living room when the anthem plays on Sunday. And stop pretending that patriotism is some kind of compeititon where only the loudest and the most extravagant can win.