Obama praises McCain, warns critics

INDEPENDENCE, Mo., June 30 (UPI) -- Likely Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama praised his Republican opponent in a speech Monday on U.S. patriotism in Independence, Mo.

In prepared remarks, Obama said, "Patriotism must, if it is to mean anything, involve the willingness to sacrifice -- to give up something we value on behalf of a larger cause. For those ... like (probable Republican nominee) John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country -- no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary. And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides."

Obama, D-Ill., said patriotism didn't mean blindly following the government. When "our laws, our leaders or our government are out of alignment with our ideals, then the dissent of ordinary Americans may prove to be one of the truest expression of patriotism," he said.

He said "the question of who is -- or is not -- a patriot all too often poisons our political debates ... I have come to know this from my own experience on the campaign trail ... At certain times over the last 16 months, I have found, for the first time, my patriotism challenged ... at times as a result of my own carelessness, more often as a result of the desire by some to score political points and raise fears about who I am and what I stand for."

Obama said, "I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign. And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine."