I have no problem with patriotism. IMO, the problem these days is that conservatives conflate nationalism with patriotism. Odds are >99% that is someone describes themself as a patriot, they’re really a nationalist.

That's way more generosity than I can extend. I think convincing people to put country above self is entirely indistinguishable from cults that brainwash their members to commit pointless suicide. Patriotism exists to fool people into sacrificing their lives for other people's power and wealth.