If you disagree with American policy and say something "against America" because you care about it... isn't that the ultimate in patriotism... like a parent questioning the actions of a child... or even chastising a child... we are all stewards in a democracy...
But it seems that many blindly follow whatever the government does ... and that is not like a parent that just lets a child act as they wish, spoiling the child and not doing the child any favors in the end?
Blindly following a leader is the folly of a fool... and is exactly the opposite of what this country is built on...
I mean, should we always just follow what our leaders say regaurless of what it is... is that really being a "good American"?
What do you think? I the "child" spoiled?
2006-06-13 17:36:42 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
That should be is* in the above sentence... sorry..
And I didn't mean to imply it's all conservatives... I meant to put that in there... just several of them I have run into...
2006-06-13 17:48:00 · update #1
Renee... interesting point... and let me just say... I was quite critical of many things that occured under Clinton as well...
But, I will say, that I see what you say, but just because I may not have an answer, doesn't mean I shouldn't speak up against something that I belive is wrong... often the "answer" would be to merely stop doing whatever it is that the government is doing... no further advice needed...
like a child trying to put a fork in a light socket... you can tell the child why not to do it, but ultimatley, you just want to stop the action before it causes harm... there is no "ultimate answer"
2006-06-13 17:57:41 · update #2
Dusty... so, no matter what we must support the president? Even on issues like harriet meyers, ports and warrantless wiretapping... even on diddling secrateries and activities Nixon was involved in... would that make America stronger? To have Clinton and Nixon and Bush idolized for ever for their "amazing efforts in every aspect of office that no one dare question"?...
I don't think so and it's all the same boat... if you ask me... you're building a culture that is begging for ultimate corruption...
2006-06-13 18:13:32 · update #3
Thank you for your intelligent post. It is reasonable and is anger free. President Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican president said, "To state that we must not criticize the president is unpatriotic, servile, and morally treasonable to the American public."
If it was good enough for TR, it should be good enough for the country.
2006-06-13 17:41:24 · answer #1 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
When you disagree with American policy (in general) and "say something" against America, your own country, that is not "ultimate" patriotism. That is sedition and could well even be treason. We, each and every one of us Americans (not illegal insurgents), have a duty to our country to support it in it's endeavors, to the best of our abilities. As a Korean vet, I know only too well what havoc the traitors like Fonda and Kerry caused our country back in the Nam era. Today we are blessed with an all voluntary military that is doing one heck of a job in the 120 countries where they are deployed around the world. They don't burn our flag, they don't scream from the rostrum that our President and Commander-in-chief is a liar (when the ones doing the screaming are the liars), they don't parade in our streets while waving some other countries flag in our faces and they darn straight don't spit in their fellows faces and call them baby killers. They do their jobs to the best of their ability, at great peril, and when even wounded can't wait to get healed and back with their outfits. God bless them and God bless America. It took about 3 yrs for Iraq to get their constitution. It took us 11 yrs to get ours. It has taken them about 3 1/2 yrs to get their government seated. It took us 14 yrs. But, they have our help, along with that of the other 36 countries in the coalition, we did it pretty much on our own. There were a heck of a lot of would be Americans back then that wanted to stay under British rule, Iraqu is different. The majority of them want their Republic to florish. Their average voter turn out has been around 70%. When was the last time we had that kind of turn out? When they were working on their constitution, I made the suggestion that we may as well give them ours, we don't use it any more any how.
2006-06-14 01:06:41 · answer #2 · answered by Dusty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your question shows a definite bias, but I'll answer anyway.
Speaking out can be patriotism. It can also be the joy of hearing your own voice. I have no problem with people who criticize a policy, an action, a point of view, so long as they offer a solution. I have a REAL problem with people who love to bash America or the president but offer nothing more than hot air.
To continue with your own analogy, however, let's look at "parenting". Saying something "against your child" doesn't make you the ultimate in a parent. Blindly allowing your child doesn't make you a good parent either. Parenting is hands on. Give advice. Lead.
However, as with parenting, if you're just going to belittle (either your country or your child), then it's better to just keep your mouth shut.
Offer advice, but to tear down just to prove a point is emotional abuse in a child, and damn hard to hear about our country.
2006-06-14 00:49:11 · answer #3 · answered by renee_kovach 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the people I have encountered, only the military seems to just "follow the leader" and not even all of them. I find a lot of people vote for the party in office when they were making the most money. I also find a lot of people who vote on issues - which always surprises me with pro-choice since nothing ever happens on it (but with Bush appointing all these judges, the anti-choice people may have backed the right horse this time).
It is important for citizens to speak up for good or bad in government, and I think that a lot of people do. Unfortunately, our government works better when all the people are participating, and that just isn't happening.
Remember - the price of Freedom is eternal Vigilance!
PS to BlackSabbath - If a house divided can not stand, how come the huge division we have today in our country with our 2 party system hasn't brought the walls down already?
2006-06-14 00:45:14 · answer #4 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a big problem in this country with people's lack of political activity. If people want to have as good life as possible in this country, they need to poke their will in the government.
That's what lobbies are for. But, people are to passive and most of them just don't even want to bother.
There is way to much corruption in local governments through out the US as they are left by the people to do as they will.
There are many serious topics and issues that need to be looked upon, discussed and the best course of action should be decided.
However, our people are just not as involved as they should be and a lot of issues are left to rot.
2006-06-14 00:57:38 · answer #5 · answered by starcruiserGalaxy2029 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well said, very well said. The basis of our system is not in trusting our government, it is in NOT trusting our government, is being skeptical of our leaders and keeping an eye on them. Seems like some folks have it backwards and think that the government should be keeping an eye on us!
2006-06-14 00:41:03 · answer #6 · answered by kill_yr_television 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The government could take notes from children, actually. Children are taught to share, play fair, and say sorry when they've hurt someone's feelings... unlike our government!
People should always stand up for what's right, even if it means going against their government.
2006-06-14 00:44:09 · answer #7 · answered by miss robyn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A house divided cannot stand.
2006-06-14 00:41:25 · answer #8 · answered by Black Sabbath 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Conservatives are morons. Morons do whatever they are told, no matter what.
2006-06-15 20:03:20 · answer #9 · answered by Professor Chaos386 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said it! Thanks
2006-06-14 00:39:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋