If you haven't encountered this accusation, you probably will, as governments try to protect their fiat currencies.

This is my defense against this accusation.

First, an opening quote:

The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms -- Socrates

I will start with defining terms. I'll do the easy one first: Bitcoin. I will assume that the accuser means not just actual Bitcoin, but also any alt-coin, since the effect on supposed patriotism would be the same.

Next easiest term: Buying. For the term 'Buying', I will assume the definition of exchanging fiat currency for Bitcoin (or any alt-coin).

Now the tough one: Patriotic. The definitions from Dictionary.com are: (adjective) 1) of, like, suitable for, or characteristic of a patriot; or 2) expressing or inspired by patriotism.

Okay, that wasn't too helpful. I have to look up the definitions of patriot and patriotism. Again, I'll use Dictionary.com. The definitions for patriot are: (noun) 1) a person who loves, supports, and defends their country and its interests with devotion; or 2) a person who values individual rights, especially one who attempts to defend those rights against presumed interference by the federal government.

The definition of patriotism is: (noun) devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; or national loyalty.

Okay, now I need definitions of country and nation, the rest of the definitions are not that arguable. The term 'country' in the above definitions is a noun, so the definitions are (noun) 1) a state or nation; or 2) the territory of a nation.

It looks like it comes down to the definition of a nation. The definitions of nation are: (noun) 1) a large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own; or 2) the territory or country itself.

So being patriotic means (putting definitions together) being characterized by love, support, and defense of one's large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that has its own government. I realize that I have shortened the definition somewhat, but I don't think I changed its meaning (comment below if you have a better definition).

Note that this definition does not include the direct love, support, and defense of one's country's government.

So from these definitions, buying Bitcoin would not be an act against my fellow countrymen. Indeed, preserving my purchasing power increases the wealth of my local community, especially when I use Bitcoin (or alt-coins) to purchase local goods. I have also removed counter-party risk from myself and my local community because that risk is not present in Bitcoin, but is present in fiat currency (which is all credit today). Think of the chaos created by a sudden devaluation or demonetization of fiat currency (see India's and Nigeria's experiences). No country is immune to this.

In a more philosophical vein, there are really two parts of a nation: society and the state. Society is the realm of voluntary transactions, while the state is the realm of involuntary transactions.

The state has decreed it will only accept its fiat currency for the involuntary transactions it imposes (see my earlier post on Legal Tender). Society can chose what currency it wants to use in its voluntary transactions.

In buying Bitcoin, I am saying no to the state's depreciating fiat currency and yes to a currency that preserves my community's wealth.

A final quote, which seems fitting to the title question:

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel -- Samuel Johnson, 1775

The reasoning above is for your peace of mind, not arguing.

If you are accused of being unpatriotic for buying crypto, you can use the argument above, but I would not recommend it. You won't convince them. Your accusers are not in a frame of mind to be convinced. Which brings up a piece of advice I received a long time ago: Never argue with idiots; they'll drag you down to their level and beat you though experience.

It shouldn't need to be said, but here it is: This is neither financial nor legal advice. Do your own research (DYOR). Stay safe out there, fight the good fight, and keep on stacking satoshis!