This is like the argument that you can support our troops without supporting the war in Iraq. It's just not true. The troops fight the war, and perpetuate problems (although they may not do it by choice, they joined up by choice).
Says the person with a soldier armed to the nines as his avatar...
There is a saying that I find more and more true as my days pass:
"If you are not a rebel at the age of 20 you have no heart. If you have not turned establishment by 30 you have no brain."
You young blood may not get it now but one day you probably will and like you you will likely laugh.
There are battles you have to pick in life.
Look at me. Quite the square yes?
But what you would never guess from that pic is that I have Strung Out 'Blackhawks Over Los Angeles" blaring on the lab stereo. Just because my hair isn't pink and my pants and shirt fit does not make me less of a punk.
Be who you like, think what you like, do what you like. Makes no difference to me. Just remember that all actions have reactions. If you choose to poke a stick into a hornets nest that is your choice. But don't come crying to me if you get stung, you made the choice.
And as far as brainwashing is concerned... I tend to find that the person screaming "brainwashers" loudest has had their brains washed just as thoroughly by another source. I still find that most anarchists hate it when they get what they want because they forget that when there are no rule to keep them in check there are no rules to keep those who would kick their butts in check either.
But I digress.
I stand by my statement that it seems more about not conforming than about being "patriotic". He started the ball rolling, it remains to be seen if the laws of Newton allow for the ball to change direction or roll over him.