Should we draw a line on patriotism?

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We know what patriotism is and where it begins, but does being patriotic not allow us to speak out against all we believe is wrong with what our country and its flag have come to represent? Howard Zinn was an American Playwright, Historian, social Activist and the author of "A Peoples History of the United States". Some of his well known quotes are ; "There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people." "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." "Voting is easy and marginally useful, but it is a poor substitute for democracy, which requires direct action by concerned citizens." I bring this up amidst a recent protest and boycott against Nike for using Colin Kaepernik in their recent ad. The slogan, which I, personally think is very powerful and speaks volumes, is; "Believe in Something. Even if it means sacrificing everything". Clearly, this athlete did just that. In protest of what he believes is wrong, but his country clearly supports, he refused to honor his country's flag by standing for the National Anthem, and now he is paying a very high price. Personally, I believe in the integrity of his actions. His dissent is the highest form of patriotism. He believes the American flag can represent much more than what has come to be the accepted norm. "Blessed are the persecuted in the sake of righteousness". (The Holy Bible)