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Patriotism, 2008

What's that on your lapel?

Calvin Trillin

April 23, 2008

I backed the war in Nam OK, Though I used pull to stay away. A patriot? But can’t you tell? I wear a flag on my lapel.

My company’s now based offshore; We don’t pay taxes anymore. A patriot? But can’t you tell? I wear a flag on my lapel.

That clean air stuff’s not meant for me. I drive a German SUV. A patriot? But can’t you tell? I wear a flag on my lapel.

We needn’t build a grand memorial To patriots. It’s all sartorial.

Calvin TrillinCalvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”


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