You are correct in that aspect Sir ,but the call to patriotism is not always based in the whims of politicians. I served for the ideas and principles of the constitution in mind ,even though my ancestors weren’t meant to be a part of it when it was constructed. Yes there is manipulation and downright evil intent behind the motives of most nations , but reality is that our interests have to be protected, and when I say our; I mean the everyday citizens. Our world is built on violence that is fact and no matter our stance, we all benefit in some way from that . A sad thing to say , but even the person who sees this benefits from the sacrifice of others .

If enlistment was mandatory, yes I would agree with you. BUT. They had the choice, they know that their country goes around in aggressive imperialistic wars. So they are not victims, they know who they are fighting for, they knew that after signing they could be sent to a nonsense war in the name of building contracts and oil.

@Outsideit67 All respect to you. The universal human values are indeed important. I did not mean to say that patriotism is "always based on the whims of politicians". I meant to say that patriotism is meant to defend the universal human values - but the politicians use that patriotism to their short term advantage. Very sad unfortunately.

I lived in Germany in the late 1990'ies and early 2000's. I asked then about the time of the Nazi's and they said it was a choice between them or the Communists. And the Nazi's were able to grow the economy and "make Germany great again". They did not see and understand the bigger plan about eliminating Jews and running big wars and it was hard to go against the momentum - and the bigger plan was never communicated to the public and put up for a vote.So all I'm saying is that everyone needs to be very aware of what they are getting themselves into and how to get out of it if need be.

@Pedrohbds Fair enough - but they do not have full information and the society drives for people to commit to defending their country.

I know a very capitalist person who says "the common people are all just like cattle". I worry that the country leaderships are treating the population that way.

So my point is that your point about free choice is a choice in ignorance.