Patriotism?

Though this article refers to Iraq, it also applies to the many nations that we have since invaded, mainly for regime change – and to further secure additional energy sources.

          As former Sec. of State, James Baker once said in an interview: it’s about jobs. 

          Did you get that?  It’s about jobs?   Attacking, killing and maiming, and destabilization of nation states is about jobs? 

         

          Isn’t that called blood money?  But who cares these days..

    As I was driving on Route 202 through Jaffrey recently, I saw a late model pickup truck with a huge Old Glory crisply flapping in the breeze created by the forward movement of the truck.

  The Flag was one of the biggest I have seen attached to any vehicle since 9/11 and apparently reflected the truck driver's pride in his country and fervent patriotism.   Or did it?

    With the prospect of the United States engaging in a unilateral action against Iraq without concurrence of the United Nations, or a formal declaration of war, the national attitude is not one of solidarity for war.   There is much dissention and disagreement as to whether or not Iraq should be invaded by us -- or anyone, for that matter -- without giving the weapons inspectors more time to complete their mission.

  The weapons inspectors’ recent report to the U.N. indicates that progress is being made, albeit slowly and reluctantly.     

    War is not glorious at all.   It robs a nation of its treasure -- especially that of its citizen army (and airman and sailors too) -- and destroys equipment and property.   Plus, there are always the innocent that are killed along with the "enemy." 

   

    For a righteous war to be fought, it must meet the criteria for a just war -- are these criteria present in the case of Iraq?   I think not.

    I hope that the pickup truck driver flying our Flag the other day knows the difference between patriotism and nationalism.   The differences are titanic and must be understood in order to avoid what happened in early 1930's Germany.  

    For the Catholic patriot (as I am), the situation is more complex and requires that his Faith be integrated with his love of country.   I am finding out that this is no small task, being a Vietnam veteran and extremely pro-military, I must still apply those critical standards for a just war.   I do not find those standards being met; therefore, I cannot support a unilateral action against the nation of Iraq.

E. De Lalla