Whatever happened to patriotism among the wealthy?

[necso]

When Napoleon threatened Moscow, the Czar called on the merchant class to give their aid (the quote paraphrases de Segur):

"The leader of the Moscow merchants, showed himself worthy of his station by making the first subscription of fifty thousand rubles, two thirds of his fortune, which he paid the next day.

The merchants were divided into three classes. It was proposed that each should make a fixed contribution; but one man belonging to the lowest class would brook no limit, and on the spot he obligated himself far beyond the proposed amount. The others followed his example, in varying degrees. It was said that this patriotic tribute amounted to two million rubles. The other provinces were to repeat, like so many echoes, the national cry from Moscow."

Nor when the time came to sacrifice their property to fire, did the wealthy elite hesitate. There are examples of them setting their own property on fire to deny it to the advancing enemy. Indeed, many risked, and some even lost, that greatest of treasures, their own children, in service to the nation.

Fast forward to the US today. While Washington is not about to be invaded, there is great risk to the homeland, and we are fighting in two serious military campaigns; both of which we are losing, in no small part due to the lack of resources. So does our wealthy elite offer up two thirds of their fortunes for the national good? Do they sacrifice their property, or even diminish their profits for that cause? Do they send their sons and daughters to serve the nation?

Of course not. Beneficiaries of huge tax breaks in a time of war, our wealthy elite clamors for more. Reapers of huge profits in this country, they want to put nothing back, only to take away more. As for service to country, well, that is for the "average joes", not them --- they are special --- and they demand to be treated that way.

When "Holy Mother Russia" was at risk, all the people of that nation made great sacrifices, rich and poor, great and small, because they were of one nation. So it was also, at a time not very long ago, in this country. But America has become two nations, one of whom is never asked to bear any pain or make any sacrifice. Should America ever be at risk like Russia was, our elite will not rally to the nationalist cause. No, rather they will flock to the enemy's camp and try to sell our patrimony so that they can keep their wealth and elite status. Look about you, they are selling our patrimony (and offshoring the profits) even now --- the national interest be damned!

[bluestateguy]

1. John Kerry demonstrated it

he signed up for duty in Vietnam, even though he was from an elite family and easily could have avoided service.

[freetobegay]

2. The "me" Generation came along!

[Fitzovich]

3. Well said

[leftyandproud]

4. including MANY on our side..

you can bet George Soros and all of the hollywood folks minimize their tax bill in April. I actually read where John Edwards incorporated himself after winning 26 million+ in a case so he could avoid paying roughly 5 million in taxes. I don't blame him really...it's a nice chunk of change...but we should expect the repubs to do it. I just think it looks really bad when our guys do it though...especially when they oppose tax breaks at the policy level, but then take advantage of them in their personal lives. It happens on both sides of the aisle and the only way to stop it is through force. They will never voluntarily pay more than they need to, and that is the sad reality of it.

[Darranar]

5. "Patriotism" or "buying influence"?

Not sure about some of this....