Posted by
Logical Party on Saturday, May 31, 2008 12:00:00 AM
by David DiBello
Those rascally Republicans are up to their old bag of tricks again, taking a page from the Lee Atwater / Carl Rove Playbook. In prior years we were led to believe our country had an epidemic: Dukakis asking prisoners to shut the light as they left, Ann Richards having a gay hiring quota, McCain with a mysterious black baby and people lighting their barbeques with Old Glory.
This campaign season’s contrived epidemic is focused on flag lapels, a sign in modern times of Patriotism. It is worn by those who love this country which includes a Vice President who had four deferments (does he wear one lapel for each deferment?), a President who went AWOL although through his connections wasn’t arrested (much like his drunk driving record), and a former defense secretary who was MIA when it came time to serve, yet available to direct other’s children into harm’s way. They compound their audacity by pointing at others who don’t wear flag lapels.
The ability to perpetrate such hypocrisy was created by Reagan, who under the guise of volunteerism ended the draft. What he created was a military class system whereby the well off no longer lived in guilt for not serving. It created the illusion of free choice which is no choice at all for those who feel military service is their only economic option. America wanted an end to the draft as a way to protest service in unjust wars; the wealthy wanted the draft to end as a way for “them” not to fight at all, while the balance of the citizenry fought for their interests.
Many Americans forgo wearing flag lapels and conduct their Patriotism with quiet dignity; no ostentatious displays, no hearts on their sleeves. They are soldiers, volunteers, politicians, and millions of every day Americans who choose to give back to their country as JFK suggested; they choose action over rhetoric and lapels.
I listened to the Limbaugh talk show this past fall as a caller thanked him for his service to our country and “all he does.” Hannity’s callers praise the show’s host for being a great American as he returns the compliment. Both spend days talking about less government, tax cuts and separation of responsibility to this country and its citizens by taxpayers. They pat each other on the back as a form of self reinforced denial and call themselves patriots.
It is wonderful to give back to those who bear the ultimate burden. We contribute to the Freedom Alliance, we provide services for free to injured Vets, we try to get them free education; we idolize their commitment. Showing gratitude is not however comparable to the sacrifice they make – it is simply a way to acknowledge and thank them, and help them when they return home. To think otherwise is an insult to every enlisted soldier and veteran.
The question for every voter is “are we going to get fooled again?” We have an administration who told us we are unpatriotic if we criticize their actions or the war. They expanded wire taps by first breaking the law. They imprisoned people without trial or representation, taking us back to the logic of internment camp days. Is this an example of Patriotism? Isn’t this the tyranny we fought against since Boston Harbor days? Aren’t these issues more important than flag lapels? When it comes to patriotism, this administration displays sound and fury, but when it comes to their personal resume, they baffle us with symbolic gesture that signifies nothing.