It's a Question of Patriotism

Lately I've been thinking about the word "patriot". It seems to get thrown around a lot lately as one side of the partisan puzzle accuses the other of a lack of "patriotism". Apparently, to some people, being a patriot is as easy as simply accepting, without question, an ideology. As an example, some "tea party" members seem to want to insist that only a person who thinks as they do, who believes as they do and who acts as they do are to be considered patriotic Americans.

I've always been under the impression that being a patriot means doing what is necessary, making whatever sacrifice is necessary, for the good of one's country. Since the beginning of this country it has been considered a citizen's patriotic duty to answer the clarion call in times of war. Every war that has been fought by Americans for America and the bulk of the military has been made up of volunteers culled from the poor and the working class. It is considered our patriotic duty to fight and, if necessary, offer the ultimate sacrifice for the good of the United States of America.

The question I feel that we Americans need to start asking is this: Where is the patriotism of corporate America? When will they be called upon to make sacrifices for the good of the nation? We - the working class - have shed countless gallons of blood for our country. Isn't it about time we asked, nay, demanded that corporate America step up and prove their loyalty, to make the necessary sacrifices to keep us strong? If we are to give our lives for the good of the nation, surely they can sacrifice their profit to keep us working until the current economic crisis is over.