False Patriotism in Time of War

Commentary: False Patriotism In Time Of War

As a Vietnam vet and "Army Brat" who was raised in the service, I have agonized over this war and the way too many citizens have used false patriotism in its support.

So far the American and British casualties have been minimal, but we have no idea how many civilians have died. Saddam is dead or missing, but so what? He had been compromised and contained for a long time, at least since the inspections began. The Iraqi military has "surrendered," but terrorism will continue and we will lose more of our people to suicide attacks.

Around the world, violence against Americans will escalate. Achieving an effective and humane reconfiguration of Iraq will seriously stress resources that should be used at home. And the biggest issue of all still looms - how will the West, specifically America, resolve the eternal Israel-Palestine war. Even without the prodding of Prime Minster Blair, Bush must now demand that a homeland be created for the Palestinians with an immediate end of their own terrorism against Israel. Only such a major readjustment of our Middle East policy can help mitigate our initiation of a war that now places us, in Muslim eyes, as the true Evil Empire.

Meanwhile, back at home, what about those who continue to practice the ugly side of patriotism? I will be angry for a very long time over those who insist that "you are either for us or against us." We have heard once again the fascistic chant of "America - Love it or leave it." They just don't get it. There is no more important patriot in this nation than the citizen who has the guts to stand up and tell the official establishment that it is wrong, that it is forcing the nation to move in a dangerous direction. It is so deeply wrong to viciously attack the patriotism of those who dissent peacefully. From dissent has always come the forced consideration of options and the search for mitigation. There is nothing more American that the right, no, the responsibility, of honest, nonviolent expression of opinion.

Finally, it is so immature and embarrassing to our nation that tiny minds must even attack France and anything seemingly French. "Freedom Fries?" We trivialize ourselves. The French have been carrying the banner for an international view shared by the majority of the world. As distasteful as we may find French positioning, it is their right, it is their own national duty. It is no wonder that so much of the world looks upon Americans as self-absorbed primitives.

I know who my enemy is - it is the idiots who last month burned down the dry cleaning establishment I use here in Modesto, because it had the word French in its name (or because it had Assyrian owners who immigrated from the Middle East).

I know who I must fear the most - those Americans who do not understand what freedom of speech means, those who equate patriotism with blind obedience to what the current power structure tries to dictate. I care not what any individual wants to believe, though I may wish to debate issues with them. I care very much when anyone tries to strip me, or anyone else, of our right to be true to our convictions.

Bruce Jones served in Vietnam, 1967-68, and is the author of War Without Windows.