A little something about the new patriotism that politicians are demanding. I already hate the word patriotism itself—you can't have it without nationalism, and wrapping it in neoliberal or neoconservative packaging doesn't help either. But then again, stupid blather and empty phrases are basically the political program at the moment ... And of course there are lies: just read the New York Times commentary in the article about Germany as a business location: In addition to low tax rates and wages, state subsidies and weak unions, scaled-back social systems and private provision, it now also includes education, qualification and the promotion of talent (manpower) to make Germany fit for the knowledge society and global competition. But of course we have to keep cutting corporate tax rates, reducing social contributions (and cutting social benefits), and naturally weakening unions so we remain competitive. That's what the politicians say, so it must be true.
At Telepolis News you can find the original article.