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The New (old) Patriotism (poem)

By Horace Coleman

It's been this way since the Revolutionary War:
"Get someone else to do the dirty chore!"
Those who incite hardly ever fight.
They approve creeds that
don't require deeds (by them).
Waving a made in China US flag, wearing the right hat,
T-shirt or pin gets you in the "Paper Patriot" club.
Forget or ignore politicians' flubs.
Just follow old empires' traditions. Why,
the chore of fighting war provides scenarios
and tactics for video games. Increase your score.
Play some more. Go shopping.
Others serve so you don't have to.
God loves us best.
Let the troops do the rest.

—Horace Coleman