Carmelo Anthony wants to play in the 2016 Olympics, make America great again

The word "patriot" gets thrown around a lot these days, usually in regards to some jackass who wants to start a militia or some jackass who plays football in New England. But the only true patriots -- among athletes, at least -- are those who stand at the top of the podium with a gold medal draped around the neck and The Star-Spangled Banner playing.

With that in mind, Carmelo Anthony wants to make a play at joining the U.S. Olympic team in Rio this summer, per Al Iannazone:

"Not too many people can say they played in four Olympics and have a chance to win three gold medals. Not too many people can say that. To me, that's the way I look at it and the way I approach the Olympics."

I only regret that I have but three Olympics to give to my country.

The traitorous, Knicks-loving wretch in me was hoping Melo would rest his aching knee this summer. On the other hand, look at that damn headline photo. Playing for one's country in the Olympics seems like a pretty cool experience. Also, it would be nice for him to remember what it feels like to play with more than 3-4 good teammates.

This country is in some pretty bad shape. People on both sides of the political spectrum are furious. The presidential race is a Gathering of the Juggalos in $1,000 suits. And I've even been told that a Civil War is on the horizon.

If Captain America is off fighting Iron Man, who the hell is going to defend the stars and stripes? There's only one man for the job, and that's Melo.

Godspeed.