Does Patriotism Still Matter?

 Does Patriotism still matter? Of course it does.  It is very important to believe in our country, America, and be grateful for the soldiers who fight for our freedom. Even if  people complain about the negative things about our country, like the economy, we should be thinking about the positive things.
 A positive thing about our country is we have freedom of speech. In America we have the freedom to speak our minds.We  even have the right to say negative things about our country if we choose. In other countries you can go to jail for saying what is on your mind.   Even if America is struggling with problems,  citizens should look on the bright side of things. Just because we have some issues, we are luckier than a lot of other countries.
    Also, in our country we can have freedom of religion. We can choose what ever religion we want, and practice it in public, as long as we aren't harming anyone. In other countries, you can even go to jail for practicing the religion of your choice!   Here in America, you don't have to worry about getting prosecuted for it.We can publicly go to whatever  house of worship that we choose to attend.
    Women have equal rights in America, too. In other countries women aren't allowed to go to school or get an education. America is one of the few countries where they are treated equally to men. But not only are women treated fairly in our country, kids are too! In some places kids don't have the privilege to get a good education unlike in America.  This gives children the opportunity choose a career and improve their lives.
    When I hear the word  "Patriotism" I think of stars , stripes and flags. But now I also think of freedom.