...I wonder how many in the US would even be willing to consider the possibility that elements of their government could commit treason on this scale?
Good question.
I think, for many, simply facing that prospect would almost require a paradigmatic shift in their worldviews -- something like suddenly converting from lifelong Christian fundamentalism to hardcore atheism. It's one of those realizations that could turn the world upside down for a lot of good people, who sincerely believe that government officials represent the apex of popular power in our so-called 'democracy'. Ripping open the curtain on a massive scale to reveal the true string-pullers in our society (and the world, really), along with an entire history that's never been taught in American public schools, is something that should be done with great care and consideration, if at all.
I still mourn the death of the pride I used to feel at the sight of the stars and stripes, and sometimes miss the sweet summertime illusions that exploded in the sky on every 4th of July. I still love my country very deeply, but those patriotic symbols have attained a bitter-sweetness with my growing awareness over the past 13 years in particular. To be perfectly candid, I can't say I'm happier with the blinders off...
