Parenti would occasionally use the word patriotism in a positive way, to refer to consideration for public well being and desire for national projects. He'd contrast that with what he called superpatriots, who were only concerned with issues of national pride and symbols without specific regard for the public. Smooth brained dorks have of course misinterpreted Parenti and believe he was giving broad endorsement all expressions of patriotism.

said a few things you can construe that way, but hes also an uncompromising anti-imperialist and i've never seen anything in his work dismissive of other intersectional axes so he's really not a figure these people can legitimately adopt