The roar of hollow patriotism

It all started with the Revolution.
The Revolutionary War.
The United States of America...sprung forth from the Colonies....forged in fire...and in Valleys.

Art of yore..paintings of yore...literature of yore spring to the forefront..take us on a journey..backwards in time.

Are all wars backwards ways of thinking?
They certainly are vexing.

Who plots these adventures that send so many to distant Fronts..these shotcallers and provocateurs that change the course of history, change the borders on global maps and drive humanity to despair?

How did they obtaint the "reigns of power?"

You want throwback art that asks questions such as these?
Read Herman Melvilles story, "Israel Potter."

Shedding light is never as they say, "out of fashion."
Now is it?

The odds are good that most of the bikers were Vietnam vets. Boomers will be noisy until they die, maybe longer.

Vets from the GWOT theaters in Iraq and Afghanistan will have more in common with their biker brothers in arms than with vets of Korea and WW2, just as Vietnam vets are more akin to WWI vets than to any others.

Garrison Keillor has, once again, reminded me why I never found him amusing on NPR. What a maroon.

Hey Garrison, since you think you're better and smarter than all those "fat men in ponytails," let's see if you have the courage of your convictions. I double-dare you to recite your damn-fool column in front of the people you've insulted in the bar of your choice on a Saturday night.

I'm sure all those fat men in ponytails will be only to happy to provide their "immediate feedback" to your piece.

I don't get it either, but you don't have to be snooty about it.

Maybe Mr. Keillor should find out who these bikers really are before he condemns them. I would be willing to bet that more than a majority of them are veterans. Maybe he should also check out the memorial to Iraq War veterans established by these "fat men with ponytails on Harleys" in Marseilles Illinois. Sorry if you were inconvenienced by these patriotic men, but next time maybe you should take the time to talk to some of them and get their whole story. Or would his getting the whole story be asking to much.

My late father used to listen to Mr. Keillor's radio show when I was growing up. Both my parents are from Latvia and lived through WW II as children and appreciated what the armed forces did for them and their families. Glad he did not have to read this editorial. It's also too bad Mr. Keillor feels looking at Mary Cassatt's "The Boating Party" for a long time and belittling a group of men showing their appreciation for our veterans is a better way to honor these brave men.

God Bless our Veterans and God Bless America!!

Will he still use "Current Occupant"
if a Dem gets in? He is so smug.

This guy is an idiot, another liberal dem who wants America to lose the war and wants defeat. This man has never done anything for the country nor for the soldiers, yet he wants to criticize people who have. As for the comment about fat men playing soldiers many of these men previously served or currently serve in the military. Those who havn't still don't deserve to be demeaned as they are out showing support and raising money for the soldiers. In Illinois there is a memorial to the vets who fought in Iraq put together by a group of motorcycle riders who raised over 4 million dollars. This writer is a deadbeat loser, I hope he makes the unfortunate mistake of running into one of these fat, pony tailed, fake soliders in a dark alley

Sorry, Garrison, but it is bad form to comment on someone else's choice of style in commemorating their lost friends and family. You knew the bikers would be in DC that day, so why didn't you just go to New York or Boston? They have museums there, too.

This is a lousy column, primarily for what it fails to say. Mr. Keillor comes across as just a grumpy old man whining about how he had to wait to get to the art museum. In so doing, he misses the story implied by the headline, "the roar of hollow patriotism."

I marched in two parades on Memorial Day, and once again was appalled at how a holiday established by Congress as a solemn occasion to remember all war dead (on both sides) and pray for peace has morphed into a celebration of wealth and military power that's not much different from the old Russian May Day parades. Thousands line the parade route to look at the hardware and listen to the marching bands, but only a couple dozen--mostly aged WWII vets--show up to place a wreath on the monument and observe a moment of silence. The tax-deduction Hummers, the flag-bedecked Harleys, the marching bands... these are all part of that "roar of hollow patriotism." I wish Keillor had chosen to write about that rather than just complaining about how he was inconvenienced.

Keillor also seems to know nothing of the sad history of these biker/veteran events. I remember attending these runs when they started--as angry protests about the way the nation was giving the shaft to the men who'd served so selflessly. The big issue was the thousands of missing and unaccounted for, mostly in Vietnam but also in Korea and even WWII. And they were angry about the high rate of alcoholism, drug addiction and suicide among Nam vets, and the VA's apparent lack of interest in the problem. These guys were mad, and they wanted answers. To see these protests slowly co-opted into a salute to the very government that had screwed them--to see these warriors reduced to accepting trinkets from a president who's done more to shaft veterans than any "Commander-in-chief" [sic] in the last century--this is truly sad, and a much more important story than how a columnist was delayed on his way to the museum.

Mr. Garrison should have spent Memorial Day down in Texas on the compound - should be pretty quiet around there these days. He definitely did not deserve to be with the bikers in D.C.

Mr. Keillor, you have truely hit a new low - even for you. I'm sure we are all very sorry that you were inconvienenced on your way to look at French impressionist paintings on Memorial Day.

I'm not fat, nor do I wear a ponytail, but I ride my noxious-fume emitting machine with a combat veterans group with pride. We all served our county when called, which is more than you can say.

Perhaps on Veteran's Day you will see another group such as this, riding cross country on their way to pay tribute to those who have gone before. Maybe then you will realize that many of these men and women who have given so much of their lives for this country, are the true patriots.

You, on the other hand, are just another whiny, elitist liberal.

As much as I am a fan of Garrison, I truly feel this weeks column was an unfortunate blend of bad decision making and elitism. I usually agree with what he says but this column was the worst one I've ever read. People show their 'patriotism' in many different ways... be it protesting, joining the armed forces, burning the flag, flying the flag, or riding bikes. It is not for us to judge

tom wrote:

Another great column Garrison. Keep it up. Especially since it annoys so many jerkoffs who obviously voted for the current occupant.
Before the supreme court violated the constitution and handed him the job to pay off their appointments to said court, the little man was a liar, a coward and a failure. He remains one. Surpassed only by his veep chinney.
As for the fat men on cycles, I would really like to know how many have served and more importantly, where.
Ahh yes, fat men beered up in a bar. I think that was one of them battering that little waitress.
Ta, ta, patriots.

Tom,
Your obviousely as much a jerk-off as Garrison - the Beered up fat man in the bar with a waitress was actually the bartender, he was a cop.... you dope

There was a time when I found some of Keillor's blathering quaintly amusing. No more. I can't recall ever having read anything as stunningly smug or as blindly elitist as this column.

Clearly Keillor has no idea that a great many of those "fat men with pony tails" are Vietnam vets, or the children of Vietnam vets. Keillor says that the way to honor the war dead is to read a book...is that what he was doing when many of the men he denigrates were bearing arms in the service of their country? He also implies that staring at a Monet in a quiet gallery is somehow a more appropriate way to honor our war dead than being out in the streets actually representing something.

Oh, and I'm sure the snide remark about the WW2 Memorial will be much appreciated by our surviving WW2 vets.

Keillor, what planet do you live on? I consider myself a liberal, but with this noxious verbal effluvium you have touched the nadir of radical left tripe. You owe an immediate apology to every vet who reads this column.

Garrison !

I can't be live the comments you made about the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day event in DC. You have just awakened a sleeping giant
and will suffer the consequences of making these comments about the some of the most patriotic and dedicated Americans in this country I am a former US Army Combat Engineer having serve during the height of the Viet Nam War. For a long time after Viet Nam which most people know as a not very popular war and recognition of those that served or were killed , or were missing in action was virtually non existent . The Rolling Thunder
event has made America aware of remembering the sacrifice that we all gave when our country called us to go fight in a senseless war .Our efforts the last 21 years have also made America step up and welcome home all veterans and especially those from the current Middle East conflicts . They are being welcomed home with huge parades , big media coverage , and most all being acknowledged as hero's answering their country's call to another unpopular war . My efforts here in Chicago organizing the Toys For Tots annual Motorcycle Parade which benefits the United States Marine Corps has generated Millions of dollars $$$$$
in the last 30 years of its existence .
Don't come to Chicago on the first Sunday in December as you will be inconvenienced by 20,000 thousand motorcyclists each carrying toys to give to the US Marine Corp Reserve Center here in Chicago which collects the Toys and distributes them to needy kids and organizations . The event Shuts down Western Avenue for a good portion of the day.
There are also countless other motorcycle events in the Chicago area
that benefit almost any charity that you can think of . I have participated in many of the such MDA , Breast Cancer Awareness , Pediatric Brain Tumor ride, Homeless coat and food drive and even a ride to benefit better care for dogs , cats and other animals . We just like to participate by riding our motorcycles to these events and enjoying the freedom to be able to do so . Each one of these events will very likely cause a minor or major delay for some people but overall they are recognized as citizens doing good for needy causes and Hoo-rah for us as the Media usually reports .
And then there are always the 1 % of e-mails from citizens that were inconvenienced ( such as yourself !) that can't find any reason to give kudos and an attaboy recognition for a job well done .
I am very disappointed by your comments and observation of the Rolling Thunder Event . In my many years of listening to Prairie Home companion You always came across as the All American Boy with an All American Patriotic Hoo -Ray for America show . I now have my doubts as to your recognizing what true Patriotism is all about.
I have listened to my last Prairie Home Companion program !
I am sure that your comments will be hyper-forwarded to millions of bikers around the world . This may become bigger then Don Imus with his Nappy
Head comments . Garrison ,please redeem yourself ! I used to like Ya!
Geo G.
Just another minor cog in the big wheel tryin to make it a better world !

Sir, You obviously never sat downed and talked with one of these bikers. If you had, you would have learned that most are veterans of the various branches of the Armed Forces. The lead guy for Rolling Thunder is a Vietnam Vet and and a Purple Heart recipient. He was told he would never walk again much less ride a motorcycle. He proved them all wrong!
Rolling Thunder generates large amounts of money for various veteran's causes. Here in Illinois, we have the Freedom Ride and the Purple Heart Ride, each attended by thousands of bikers, who donate money and ride for veteran's issues. Bikers are very patriotic and donate large sums of their hard earned money and their time to veteran's causes throughout the country. Harley Davidson is an American institution. The company sponsors events and donates huge amounts of money each and every year to veterans charities, police and fire fighter charities and the MDA. Unlike you, they put their money where there mouth is. Sorry you were inconvenienced for 20 whole minutes of your precious day!
Your smug referral to our President as the "current occupant" is uncalled for. This event is conducted to bring honor to the fallen and to drum up support for our vets. This event was attended by Americans who lean in all directions politically. This President was the first to receive these folks at the White House and he does so every year. He continues to meet with them periodically to discuss veteran's and motorcyclist's issues.
Lastly, motorcycles should be embraced as a viable means of transportation. They sip gas when compared to cars and SVU's. They help ease congestion on our roads as well. As a conservationist, you should embrace their use.
I never realized, until now, what an arrogant ass you are.
"BIG DADDY"
Jeffrey S. King
Iron Justice MC (Probationary)
Chicago Chapter

Maybe we shouldn't be allowed to participate in or on a Memorial Day (it should not be a govt sanctioned holiday).

I joined the military for me, not for you or anybody else. No American owes me anything, including the Americans that never were in the military. Would it be fair to them (those that never 'served') that because they might have been smarter than me, that because I did (and was dumbe enough to do so) they should be forced or compelled to owe me ? What about those who were born unfit to 'serve' in the military ? Do they owe because the others were born fit to 'serve'?

After entering the military and learning about all the benefits I was surprised. I thought I was supposed to be the giver not the receiver. I was doing my part for the defense of my country, my country was not to be doing something for me. And if I were to become injured how could it owe me. If it owed me for serving or for being injured then what would it owe if I were to die ?

How many would 'serve' if there were no such thing as military pay ? I would bet, we are paid to be patriotic.

Motorcycles are a good thing, loud ones are a bad thing. After I die, no thunder for me; I've told my wife I don't want a funeral. As if dead vets really need more strangers (bikers) present when their family members perform the last rites.

"We...perpetuate war by exalting its sacrifices"

The deaths are used to generate guilt which is used to silence the critics, and to convince the masses into believing a bogus definition of patriotism. Without recruits (and military pay) it would be difficult for our rulers to wage war.

"True patriots" love their country and know when to hate its government; because our govt gets more Americans (and so-called patriots) harmed or killed than any other threat (by waging unneccessary war.) 60,000 died fighting in Viet Nam. They were told by our govt they were fighting to stop the spread of communism. Today we trade with communist Viet Nam, so where's the threat ?

Patriotism is an excuse to wage war; we would all be safer and more free if we stopped being so patriotic. Very few of our wars, if any, were neccessary for us to be free and safe. Many of our freedoms have been taken away because our govt says it's neccessary to win the war (usually an unneccessary war). The patriots are part of the problem, not the solution.

Garrison is practicing a freedom (free speech) he's told the veterans have fought for; so why silence him ?

Let's stop welcoming home veterans (and then we will be more safe and more free.) Let's discourage veteranship. But I admit, because our govt has made so many enemies we do need a strong enough military (one that is not big enough to invade, conquer and occupy forever). We have an overseas Empire (like a Roman Empire, or British Empire.)

"Anyone who questions the morality of a war is automatically suspected of being unpatriotic, unappreciative of the bravery that has "kept us free," and disrespectful of "our troops," in a word, un-American."

"...But in fact the forces aren't "serving their country" or "keeping us free." They are doing the bidding of hack politicians, well-connected economic interests, and court intellectuals who are striving to achieve personal ambition, wealth, and historical legacies."

Garrison, you did nothing wrong. You were right.

With spokesmen and pundits like Garrison, is it any wonder that after 8 years of one of the worst Republican presidencies, the Democrats could somehow easily lose this year's presidential election? What should be a landslide win for them is quickly turning into a dog fight and part of the reason is independent voters have a hard time getting past the left's elitism. Disenfranchised veterans of wars like Vietnam and both Iraq wars should be won over by democrats but then steaming piles of elitist crap like this are published. Come November, Demorcatic leaders will be scratching their heads about how they lost this time - For Shame.

Garrison Keillor and his elite friends and slobbish fans in St.Paul and elsewhere are part of a class of individuals who have decided they are the petit noir of our country.They are so, so,so, intellectual, intellegent, indulgent,and likely,wise beyond the people that their hero Senator Obama referred to who cling to guns and religion and have fear of "those who are different". They are the folks Arthur Brooks notes are the stingiest with charitable contributions (check the numbers in "Who Really Cares" - Minneapolis-St.Paul residents are fair in their donations but the ground zero of liberal thought, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland,have people sitting on their wallets,in spite of obscene wealth and privilege;they sneer at such giving in favor of "shared sacrifice",that is, tax confiscation from others to pay for silly and sometimes dangerous federal social programs).Keillor pretends to be "of the people", one of the "common folk" on his show, yet, does he live in a middle class neighborhood somewhere in St.Paul? Hardly.He has a gated mansion in Western Wisconsin, and comes down from on high to make his weekly pronouncements on tax supported "public" radio stations.His fans aren't any better.They fill the parking ramps near the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre with their Subaru Foresters or their Land Rovers, awash in cotton clothing(at least one small exhibition to "save the Earth" to show off to the rest of us unwashed).Their excited mutterings about their disgust with that @#$#%$#@##&^%Bush and @##$#%$#@# talk radio are muted when the curtain goes up and their two hours of nirvana led by their liberal hero Garrison! It ends too soon, and they must again mingle with those who are too uninformed or too dense to appreciate their myriad anti-Bush or anti-whatever bumper stickers they've applied to force us to see how concerned they are while they get about 15mpg driving their little darlings(showpieces,really) to soccer, multicultural play dates, and the opera.
All they know is the man in the empty suit,suspenders and red tie on that stage in St.Paul is the light which will guide the inept masses to the promised land of massive government intervention,suppression of "hate speech" and the next chapter in FDR's New Deal-socialist in whatever context it can be implemented.And if you don't like it, shut up and go pray or clean your gun (before we confiscate it). What a world they live in. What a scary bunch we many have to live with if the next Occupant is a Democrat.