Patriotism doesn't always equal support of policies

I’m an old guy, and as I see the crowds shout, over and over, “Obama, Obama, Obama, Obama” in a mindless chant, I am reminded so clearly in my mind, of 70 years ago when the chant was, “sig heil, sig heil, sig heil,” as Hitler led his nation down the drain.  Timothy Geitner, the present Treasury secretary, stands on stage, 20 flags draped about him, smothered in red, white and blue, as he obligates our children for billions upon billions. In my mind’s eye, I see the pageantry men speaking draped in the red, white and black of the swastika that always accompanied the pronouncements in the Third Reich. The message is clear, if you are patriotic, you support the government’s policies, no matter what. I wish for the old days, when our government officials, even in times of war, stood without any flags, on a simple podium perhaps with one flag, and presented their case.

FOSTER CLINE

Sandpoint