I don't think you did miss the irony Don, otherwise you'd be commenting on how you had never realised InOBU was such a strident supporter of gung-ho aggressive nationalism.

The point is, triumphalism is always a bit ridiculous when you aren't caught up in it, and using the language and style of a type of triumphalism that we can all see as overblown and bombastic is quite a neat trick.

If he'd used the equivalent type of thing from the American tradition, I suspect quite a lot of people wouldn't be aware of the irony.

Maybe we need the Red Army song InOBU is parodying.

Here's the text of one not a million miles removed - "Meadowland" - here is a link to a site with a Red Army Choir version - and here is the link to a Real Audio sound file of the song)

Meadowland, meadowland
Meadows green fields in blossom
Merrily greet the plucky heroes
Yes the heroes of the great Red Army

Maidens fair, why d'you cry
Blushing maids are sad and weary,
Having to part from handsome lovers,
As the boys go off to join the army.

Oh maidens dear, never fear,
Staunch and faithful are your lovers.
Wish us good speed for we are leaving
To defend our happy land of Soviets.

Oh Steppe land so vast and free,
Tilled by flourishing Kolkhozes,
Everywhere factories and houses
Newly built, the fruit of Revolution.

Oh working folks, peasant folks,
Keep on building, kee[ on tilling.
Staunchly we hold our constant vigil,
We the people of the land of Soviets.