I've been perseverating over the lack of true patriotism in the United States - the willingness to sacrifice "for the good of the country". The closest, frankly, I see it presently, is in Liz Cheney, although I disagree with almost everything she stands for, politically. But, I have no doubt that she is sacrificing her political future because she sees something very wrong and refuses to unsee it, or to stand for it.

Al Gore's concession speech in 2000 was, in my view, a shining example of swallowing pride and ambition "for the good of the country".

I don't see a lot of that anymore. Of course, it is rare, because the opportunities to be "profiles in courage" don't come up often. John McCain did it when he berated one of his own supporters in defense of Obama's honor and patriotism.

Who are the exemplars you see of people genuinely putting country before personal interests, particularly in politics?

Last edited by NW Ponderer; 07/19/22 04:30 PM.
A well reasoned argument is like a diamond: impervious to corruption and crystal clear - and infinitely rarer.

Here, as elsewhere, people are outraged at what feels like a rigged game -- an economy that won't respond, a democracy that won't listen, and a financial sector that holds all the cards. - Robert Reich