Two Kinds o' Patriotism

The United Autoworkers and others are launching a campaign (complete with website) to encourage consumers to buy cars made in America by American workers. The reaction to the campaign, at least by radio pundits and the like, has been predictable: why should we buy a car that we perceive to be of lesser quality; the consumer is king; its a global economy. It seems kind of strange. When we are asked (or told) to arm our boys to go overseas and engage in some killing, everyone is a Patriot and the "my country right or wrong" crowd gets into high gear. We cannot get to our feet fast enough to defend the motherland. In contrast, when a group of workers asks Americans to make America stronger by buying products that benefit America and its citizens, we sneer like we are swallowing castor oil. I suspect the difference in reaction is explained by the fact that war involves sacrifices of others (our soldiers and their targets), buying American requires some sacrifice of our own. In wartime we are all Americans, and loyal ones at that, in the marketplace we are just sharp consumers.