I think I am the most patriotic person I know and I am all for flag waving, etc... I can understand some of the sentiments expressed by the OP. However, where I differ, and others have mentioned this too, is in the definition of fighting the virus. I don't see staying in place and social distancing as hiding and cowering. I actually see it as the opposite - I see those measures as fighting the virus. I think the patriotic and fighting thing to do is to follow the directives so we can beat (limit) the effects of the virus. This is not fighting a foreign invader, standing up for God given rights, or neutralizing evil people. The best way to fight against this threat and eliminate it is to prevent it from spreading until we can find efficient/effective treatments and eventually a vaccine. Sacrifice is patriotic. In WWII, just about everyone bought in and sacrificed. Food was rationed, people gave up luxuries (for example, nylons), needed materials were recycled, etc... Luckily, there was not much 'defiance' for these things as everyone was working together to fight. We must do the same now. (I certainly realize that there were countries where the sacrifices on the home front were far greater, but I am addressing the post from an American perspective.)
So, be patriotic and fight this threat with the only real weapon we have right now. As a nation, and world, we need to stop blaming and pointing figures and need to work together to reduce this threat until the treatments and vaccine can be found. Everyday you hear stories where this is happening. Like WWII, companies are changing their production lines and manufacturing much needed goods. Some of the rapid production and changes have quite frankly made me proud of this country.
At the very least, stay the course for a couple more weeks and give the sacrifices that are being made a chance to work. A frontal assault/suicide charge may seem on the surface to be brave and patriotic, but I see it more as giving up and surrendering to the enemy.
Very well said.
