Yes it is. And HYPER patriotism bought and paid for by a corrupt U.S. military that will stop at nothing to get more recruits for more senseless wars and military interventions was a national scandal that got precious little press.
I invite you to click onto this link of a story of a Military-Sports scandal from 2015, when Veterans Day was approaching.
The piece is from the Sun Sentinel in South Florida and is a relevant story this week.
It’s a story about how feel-good patriotism at professional and college sports events, was secretly paid for with my tax dollars and yours for years.
The shadowy government/Big Sports deal was finally exposed to the light of truth, thank God. Two Republican senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, had the moral fortitude and courage to press the issue and demand accountability from the Defense Department and shameless a significant number of pro sports owners and colleges.
As Christ Jesus himself said, the truth always and inevitably comes out and gets shouted from the rooftops.
And Samuel Johnson, a mere mortal but incisive thinker who had a hard time abiding hypocrisy, said this way back in 1775 with his usual piercing wit:
“Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.”
This is an interesting and disturbing article. Though I read your blog and often agree with your views, as a veteran and retired UMC pastor, I too have a problem with the “religion” of hyper-patriotism. God hates war and so do I. However, I do not agree with your disturbing broad brushing of the military, a military that depends on volunteers while struggling to fulfill the combat mandates of the elected civilian leadership. I don’t like it, but that’s reality.
As for the branches of the DoD paying for moments of appreciation for our military at sporting events, then it should be announced that the military branch/DoD is sponsoring that celebration.
I understand. I was intentionally being provocative to drive home my point. My son is a former Marine war vet. Haven’t heard from him but he probably flinched himself, at best.
Thank you for blessing my ministry! And for your service.