By Erica and Karen

America and its people are extraordinary. We value freedom of speech, inclusion, the rule of law and the separation of powers. And life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Because democracy is messy, we have our issues, to be sure. But we are working through them as we always have, and moving forward. We are saddened by the America bashing in this election year. If you love your country, you don't trash it, denigrate it, treat it with scorn. You speak of it with the same love and care with which you speak of your child. Or parent.

Let's not mistake trash talk for tough love. Trash talk insults our country and the truth. It will not make our country better. Patriots--those who love, support and defend their country--know that.