Editorials and features on war coverage have begun to include analysis of how we feel about it all and how it has or hasn’t changed us as a nation.

It is hard to characterize recent events as having an “up side” but there is a general acknowledgement that the return of patriotism has been a good thing for America. I agree, I suppose. I guess in the back of my mind I cannot shake the disturbing regret that we couldn’t have gotten there without such a tragic catalyst and massive loss of life.

Churches have also been enjoying an increased attendance and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out why. As we try to make sense of a world that seems to have taken leave of its own, God seems a reasonable place to start.

Perhaps the darkest side of the impact on the home front is the selling of the tragedy. I’m not talking about the sub-humans who have been caught looting “keepsakes” from the World Trade Center and selling them on the internet at auction. My censure isn’t needed for them to come to justice. There is a special place in hell for those folks. I remain hopeful that I will be held safe from establishing a nodding acquaintance with them down there while passing their booth on my way to the Writer’s Expo to which I will no doubt be invited. I speak rather of those who have decided to literally capitalize on the new national fervor.

Television and newspaper ads run the gamut from the subtle and tasteful to the blatantly offensive. I am all for the increased display of patriotism. But I listened to a TV spot for flags and decals that sounded for all the world like a promo for Ronco or Popeel’s Pocket Fisherman. It touted the various flags you would get and, if you acted now and called within the hour, matching decals and badges could also be yours to proudly display. The cost? Why $19.95 of course. They even used the same breathless pitch man as they did for the infamous Salad Shooter. I don’t like having my country “pitched” to me like an extraneous kitchen utensil.

While many aren’t as frontal lobe as these, patriotic themes are definitely in fashion. It is insinuated that I can demonstrate my patriotism and strike a blow for freedom by buying myself a good ol’ American Chevy truck.

As a post script, much has been made of the reverence and suicidal fervor dedicated to Osama bin Laden by his thousands of adherents. I wonder how many angry Americans would exchange their comfortable lives in the subburbs for one good crack at his cave-hiding noggin with a croquet mallet? I’m thinking the numbers would be comparable.