And for the grand query, what does it mean to the average patriot when they see the flag, serviceman or a fly-by? Who and what exactly is the military of the USA protecting? The average citizen, the 'American way of life', peace, freedom & liberty? Or, protecting the status quo from any fear of push-back, domestic disturbance and/or revolution?
I would suggest that when you finally "get it", then you will recognize that you just happen to be living during a time when an empire is collapsing. Yes, I know many cannot get over the shock that it's actually happening here, but in actuality, it happens all the time. Granted, over periods of millenia, but nothing lasts forever.
However, when you reach the point of viewing fed.gov as no different than GB in 1775, that "our" troops are actually the red coats, and that Trump is merely one of the last colonial governors, then you'll finally have the luxury of seeing seeing everything crystal clear.
Thanks for posting, semantic. All great questions. I’ve said many times on FR that we are fortunate to have lived during “peak civilization”. There is no guarantee when the Constitution, Bill of Rights and rule of law are ignored. This unique experiment is about as good as anyone has ever had it. The world has been a slaughterhouse throughout history.