From May of 1989 to May of 1999, I served on active duty as a United States Marine - one that has a Combat Action Ribbon and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). And on just this last Friday, I again, joined the Armed Services of America as an Army Reservist. I think that I can safely consider myself a Patriot, Sir - one that can understand the benefits of capitalism even though conventional wisdom and sentiments often cloud the issue.
I disagree with you that nationalism is cheesy. Are you not proud to be an American? Our original Patriots and Minutemen made their sacrifice so that we could have a nation. There's more to our Contitution than just economic freedom.
If you really believe that nationalism is that cheesy, why did you join the Armed Services of America? The very reason for the existence of the United States Marine Corps is to defend this nation and its allies.
I'm not an isolationist. Isolationism is unrealistic. I AM a nationalist. We'd better be playing this game to win. If we allow one of our enemies out there the means and opportunity to take us down, they'll do it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, we don't get to choose our enemies. As long as there are men, there will be men who choose to be tyrants, or lord over their fellows as kings. If we leave ourselves at their mercy, we're done for.
Why is it that your countrymen, who you swore to defend with your life, if necessary, are not worthy of defending economically from predatory trade practices by other countries, or from invasion by foreign nationals?
I'm not trying to pick a fight. I'm just wondering what your rationale is.
I do admire you signing back up in the reserves. I'd re-enlist myself, but they'd probably turn me down as physically unfit for service at this point in life.