Many Americans are not as "patriotic" as they used to be...?

[kentuck]

Or is it, they just don't give a shit?

They don't really care about politics or what happens to our country. They have more important things to worry about.

They don't waste their time voting for the politicians. They are all the same. They are crooks.

If the survival of our country depended on these folks, then sayonara USA. You may think these folks are stupid but they think you are stupid.

This is not to say that there is not enough nationalism and flag-waving going around. But you will not find half the citizens that know what the hell you are talking about. There's a new Batman movie they want to rent and they plan on going to the gun show this weekend and see if they can find a good price on an AR-15....After all, you never know when you might have to defend yourself from this evil government...

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. The patriotism is reserved for the tribe now. Not the nation as we are.....

moving further and further away from community.

[kentuck]

3. Right on, Richard!

If you don't belong to the right tribe, you can't love this country.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. It's interesting - I am very concerned about the US, but don't like the term "patriotic"

because of the "stick the magnet on the car and you support the troops", or "wave the flag and I love America" and horrendous Tea Bag connotations. We've never been flag wavers, showy about it - all I've ever noticed with big time nationalism is big time problems. I always admire people more when they do great things but no one ever really knows about it.

I think the whole concept/terminology of patriotic has been stolen by the many who have no idea what true support of the country - and more important, it's citizens - ALL of its citizens - means.

Just my two cents!

[kentuck]

4. 'Mater Man

The word "patriotic" just doesn't capture the essence of the problem we face. There is an indifference and apathy afoot that is very troublesome. We need citizens to participate in our democracy or else, it will fail.

[HiPointDem]

5. to participate in democracy, you have to have a democracy to participate in. the us is not a

democracy -- the people don't run things.

[kentuck]

6. Maybe they are the smart ones?

Don't vote - it only encourages them.

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. Yup - kinda like United Citizens, NOT Citizens United! (hey - a bumper sticker!)

agree. I think the apathy comes from the feeling of powerlessness due to the pervasive nature of lying media and big money. But....it is something that needs to be fought through!

[lostnote12]

9. You've identified the problem correctly....Its an ageless issue!!!!

[lostnote12]

7. We are "consumers". not citizens!!!....keep buying/don't think!!