If our country does not last too long it will not be for not muttering or shouting a pledge to a flag. It will be for the very issues that "critics" bring to our attention; such as, unmitigated greed fueled by capitalist fervor to make money at the expense of people, their health, and the effects on the environment. It will be because people in the rest of the world turn their collective backs on us for our arrogance and bullying. It will be because we fail to learn from other creative and intelligent people throughout the world who solve problems we haven't.

I fail to understand why, it seems, conservatives get into such a froth over the most inane things, like flag pins, oaths, hands on heart, or playing an anthem at sporting events. They seem unmoved by the real issues like health care, poverty, corrupt financial businesses, war, or true equality for every American. Every election they trot these things out and condemn liberals for being soft on ........whatever. Conservatives are soft on substance.

I once admired conservatives for their insistence on fiscal responsibility. Once Ronald Reagan came along I began to doubt their sincerity. After Bush, I am convinced they no longer have any scruples. It is a bankrupt ideology, much like the economy sputtering in their wake. They are left with only their flag pins and score-keeping for patriotic signs.