I was going to challenge the statement that patriotism makes for better citizens, but then decided not to for some reason. But now I've decided o do just that.
I don't think that patriotism does that at all. It seems to create, and this is speaking in regards to some of the older Japanese I've come come in contact with, a heightened sense of superiority when it comes to Japan compared to other countries. Sometimes I get a bit annoyed when I hear them talk about the superbness of Japanese traits, and how other countries differ from those superb traits.
In short, I see patriotism as creating unnecessary dividers between one country and another, and at least to me, that hardly seems in the best interest of that country's people, or in the big picture, of the world.
I've got to go now, but I will elaborate later when I've got the time.