Are Today's Celebreties Less Patriotic Than Those From The Past

[tongyun]

I look at the history of America and see that many celebrities have fought in many of the wars the United States has been in. Many volunteered to go and fight for the freedoms that we enjoy. The strange thing is, that doesn't seem to be happening in today's society. What has happened?

[Dave]

Welcome to the forums Tongyun.

I guess a US President who drafted Johnny Depp to fight in Iraq would not get elected again. In the UK Prince William went to Afghanistan but it was kind of stage managed, and a PR triumph for the Windsors. Still, he didn't have to go so hats off to him. I think during WWII if there was no draft then the number of celebrities who volunteered would have been much lower.

[tongyun]

I just don't understand it. For me, it seems like celebrities get preferential treatment and this is just another example of it. I remember when people like Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Elvis Presley all served. Now, were they put in harms way? I think Williams was, but even if they weren't they set an example of service to our country. Nowadays, all we hear from celebrities is whining and complaining about our country. I think if John Wayne were still alive, he'd have a word or two about it with these whiners.

[Kelly]

Great thread Tonygun. I suppose different times breed a different kind of people. Celebrities today are more stage managed than ever before and insurance poilicies and litigation are so much more prominent in todays society. My impression of the way things are only

[Froix]

Good question and I think Dave made a good point about the draft. War today now rely more on military equipment and intelligence(information) rather than in numbers. Some celebrities do go to Iraq to meet and entertain the troops.

[tongyun]

I appreciate those celebrities who go over to war zones to entertain the men and women who are fighting for our country. It's the ones who complain about what's wrong with America that really bug me. I always thought it ironic that people can complain about what they hate about this country while others are fighting for that right to do so.

[Dave]

Hmmm. A devil's advocate would ask what is the point of the armed forces fighting for the people's right to complain, when the people are then made to feel guilty for exercising the right?! A paradox not an irony !!

[Froix]

Very true. That is democracy. To have the right to complain. Sometimes it's good to be aware that in some countries you don't even dare think about complaining. You complain and you get imprisoned or worse you get shot.

[molly00000]

The feeling of patriotism can only be judged at the time of need. Now even common man does not posses the feeling of patriotism which people used to have earlier.

[liowkc]

"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel".

The greatest thing about the American flag is that you can burn it (at least for now until the Supreme Court rules otherwise).