As I'm sure you're all well aware, I am something of a news junkie. Via my feed reader, I subscribe to numerous alternative, progressive and left wing news sites (no Faux Nooz for me). The upshot of this is that I spend a great deal of each day reading about current affairs and the analyses of such.
Earlier today I was reading a piece by Paul Craig Roberts over at the Information Clearing House. The following two paragraph snippet got me to thinking about something that wasn't specifically germane to the main thrust of this article.
For example, if a person protests the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen or wherever else, many people will say that not only is such a person not patriotic, but they are supporting America's sworn enemies. Yet, if a corporation engages in a financial relationship with these same supposedly sworn enemies, the issue of patriotism often doesn't come up at all and, if anyone dares to question it, the answer is too often, "Hey, it's just business."
If a person or group objects to this nation's immigration policies and advocates for basic human rights for all citizens AND residents (including illegal immigrants), people will come out of the woodwork to say such a stance is unpatriotic and such people are supporting the stealing of jobs from red-blooded Americans. Yet, if a corporation shutters a US factory and exports those jobs to Mexico, China, Indonesia or wherever else, the issue of patriotism rarely is broached. If anyone tries to interject the concept of patriotism into the discussion, we're quickly told, "Not so fast. It's just business."
Why is it that business endeavors never seem to be part of the discussion of patriotism? Why is it that a business enterprise can consort AND profit off of dealings with sworn enemies and yet that is in a totally different sphere? Why is the concept of patriotism divorced from anything related to big business?
Hmm. I wonder why?
Earlier today I was reading a piece by Paul Craig Roberts over at the Information Clearing House. The following two paragraph snippet got me to thinking about something that wasn't specifically germane to the main thrust of this article.
John Williams reports that “the level of payroll employment still stands below where it was a decade ago, despite the U.S.population growing by more than 10% in the same period. The structural impairments to U.S. economic activity continue to constrain normal commercial activity, preventing any meaningful recovery in business activity.”What I began thinking about is how the word "patriotism" is applied in some situations and then not applied at all in others.
Another way of saying this is that American corporations have taken American jobs offshore and given them to the Chinese. So much for big business patriotism...
For example, if a person protests the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen or wherever else, many people will say that not only is such a person not patriotic, but they are supporting America's sworn enemies. Yet, if a corporation engages in a financial relationship with these same supposedly sworn enemies, the issue of patriotism often doesn't come up at all and, if anyone dares to question it, the answer is too often, "Hey, it's just business."
If a person or group objects to this nation's immigration policies and advocates for basic human rights for all citizens AND residents (including illegal immigrants), people will come out of the woodwork to say such a stance is unpatriotic and such people are supporting the stealing of jobs from red-blooded Americans. Yet, if a corporation shutters a US factory and exports those jobs to Mexico, China, Indonesia or wherever else, the issue of patriotism rarely is broached. If anyone tries to interject the concept of patriotism into the discussion, we're quickly told, "Not so fast. It's just business."
Why is it that business endeavors never seem to be part of the discussion of patriotism? Why is it that a business enterprise can consort AND profit off of dealings with sworn enemies and yet that is in a totally different sphere? Why is the concept of patriotism divorced from anything related to big business?
Hmm. I wonder why?
I wish I had an answer to your question. I guess the easiest is simply to say the almighty dollar speaks louder than a simply handshake or pat on the back. It's easier for the talking heads to attack individuals than to bite the hands that feed them. I'm just rambling, but wanted to put my two cents in.
ReplyDeleteSimple. Patriotism is an emotionally charged word with ambiguous meaning. So it can be used as a propaganda tool by anyone when they want their cause to look good. No one wants to be unpatriotic, and you almost never hear anyone accused of being unpatriotic accept that and say "who cares." They generally try to argue that their position is the real patriotism, as they are exercising rights in questioning the government or whatever.
ReplyDeletePartly it's due to differing visions of what America is and should be, but I think it's more of the above; almost a fear tactic. And as America slides towards a marraige of business and government (fascism), not supporting business is not supporting America.
"You know, capitalism is above the law.
ReplyDeleteIt say, "It don't count 'less it sells."
When it costs too much to build it at home
You just build it cheaper someplace else."
"Union Sundown"--Bob Dylan
And, corporations are GLOBAL enterprises...Chevy plants in Brazil, Toyota plants in Kentucky, Jaguar is now an Indian brand! No patriotism here.
ReplyDelete