[Fintan]

In fact, we consider it an act of patriotism to buy more orchids this year than we bought last, as a defiant gesture meant to send a signal to the world that we WILL have our orchids.

I'm still trying to figure this one out...

[boris]

"I'm still trying to figure this one out..."

What (I think) he means is that we are pretending that nothing has changed.

After 9/11, I certainly felt a sense of unreality as "life went on", i.e., silly sports events, world series, Disney stupid caroon movie releases, etc.

It was obvious (to me anyhow) that we were at war and yet Joe Sixpack just wanted to keep gas prices low and his favorite TV sitcom at the proper time.

I wasn't alive during WWII, but I seem to recall some sacrifices were called for...ration books, "is this trip necessary?", et al...

--Boris