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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

False and Real Patriotism

This administration lives in a bizarro universe and so does, alas, much of the media.  The latest?

For the past couple of months, the false focus of what it means to be an American and a patriot has been on whether one stands or kneels during the anthem at sporting events.  The real focus should be on how this administration is so hostile to minority ethnic groups and immigrants (see the latest survey that has Trump wildly unpopular among non-whites).  Keeping green card holders out of the army?  What the hell? 

One could focus simply on the irrationality of this--that with most younger Americans being unqualified/disqualified (mostly due to physical fitness), one would think that taking in those who are willing and able to serve would make sense.

More importantly, what is more patriotic than being willing to fight and die for one's adopted country?  Actually serving is far more important than standing during the anthem.  One is a real contribution and, as Trump reminded a soldier's widow, a potentially risky thing to do.  The other? Purely symbolic and actually has got little to do with being a patriot, as dissent is just as American, if not more so, than standing during a song. 

I have been blogging less lately because many of my entries would simply be FFS.  For fuck sake.  Why?  Because this administration is so often full of shit, so shameless that hypocrisy seems to a badge of honor.  Who is the better patriot?  Colin Kaepernick or Donald Trump? It ain't close.  Not at all.  Kaepernick knows that sacrificing self for political change is worth the cost.   Trump only knows sacrificing others for personal aggrandizement and ego.

Twas 1775 when Samuel Johnson said: "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."  Indeed.



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