RE: Patriotism's Imminent Threat

Very nice post, @zyx066! In the George W. Bush-era, patriotism, which has a rather broad definition, was often conflated with jingoism (a radical, or extremist, form of patriotism). The Neocons became well-known and loathed among many for their propensity to not only advocate, but also carry out their militarism and wars of aggression. It's long been a fear of mine that Trump may be influenced by the military-industry or the like.

In many ways, he plays his cards close to the vest—projecting only what he wants people to see. Where he stands on any given issue at any given time is anyone's guess. It's almost as if though he's utilizing a form of psychological game theory to achieve his ends, and this makes sense when you consider the realm of politics, where you can't trust anyone. However, that can easily backfire depending on how well it's received and or perceived.

It seems to me that he's trying to appease the military-industrial complex and his anti-war fanbase at the same time, and that's quite the balancing act. At this point, I'm just glad that I don't vote. Here is a quote that you might find interesting about game theory. I honestly still cannot tell if and when he escapes the impeachment circus and wins his reelection if he'll veer hard left or hard right.

The way I see it if he's fooling the people there would be no reason to keep up the charade of pretending to be antiwar if that is in fact what he's doing. Until hindsight reveals with great clarity whose side he is on, I've no choice but to cheer the good and jeer the bad actions he's taken.

The way he publicly trolled Iran, creating a martyr out of an important major general. Even if it was all pretend or a staged show between the two countries, it will give the deep state a more realistic pretext for a false flag, and this means they can justify military action at any time of their choosing. No matter how you shake it, this move of his, or the perception of it, doesn't at all seem wise.

I haven't watched the video yet, but I do think that in many ways, the U.S. is one of many "baddies." However, it's also important that people do not confuse the government with their country. One is a body of land, "from sea to shining sea," whilst the other is merely the current corporation who is playing king of the mountain. In time, this too shall pass, change, or become reformed—whether it's done well or not, is another question entirely.