The two primary views on patriotism in the US are the historic right wing view of restoring values of time past and the liberal view of improving constitutional values for the future.

Recently a wide spread campaign was engaged by right wing shills in the media to demonize anti foriegn war liberals as; unpatriotic, traitors, seditionists who are either mentally ill or enemies who intentionally hate America.

This campaign came very close to a tipping point of massive civil violence. The historic social fractures in America along ideological, religious and educational class lines were targeted by shills like Rush Limbaugh. IT should not surprise anyone that the owners of America pay propoganda shills very well. Rush Limbaugh makes more money than Katy Couric and Gibson combined.

In my opinion the right wing actually abandoned patriotism in favor of blood money. The left wing were unduly intimidated and hid like children from drunk parents.

Patriotism became obeying the word of God as told by the President, a flag pin, signing a loyalty list, blocking free and accurate elections and shouting down anyone who dissented.

What still fightens me is how quick and easy people swallowed the kool aid.