I have noticed that so many responses to politically oriented questions tend to use the statement "If you don't like it then leave." Does anyone else find this reponse childlike and lacking insight? The fact is, America is a democracy with room for a mutitude of opinions. In fact, it is exactly this diversity that strengthens the democractic process. If we abided by this idea, then the view of the majority would be the only view ever to dominate the political landscape. If everyone that disagreed with current law and policy left the country then we would have one party, with one ideology, and one agenda. Essentially, we would have a fascist society. If everyone that disagreed packed their bags and moved, then we would never have had an American revolution in the first place, much less the abolishment of slavery and the civil rights movement that later followed. Without dissension, we would still be a British colony. Can't we think of a more intelligent response?
2006-07-12 10:13:22 · 9 answers · asked by B24601 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
OK, in case it wasn't clear, I wasn't referring to politicians, the media, or other public figures who, generally, would not blatantly make such a claim. I was referring to respondents in this forum. I think most understood that.
2006-07-12 10:39:30 · update #1
Gringoenmemexico, if I "annoy you" and you don't like my questions and answers then simply don't read them. That's the beauty of this country, its all about choice. I am flattered, however, that you have been following my answers and responses, thank you. It's too bad that you have to resort to personal attacks against someone that you do not even know. I won't do the same to you. Making huge generalizations about a person I don't even know, is not a practice I wish to partake in.
2006-07-13 08:05:04 · update #2
Also, continuing my response to the above respondent..this forum presupposes that others care about answers given to their questions, hence the "Yahoo Answers" name and "question and answers" format.
2006-07-13 08:52:52 · update #3
Because it takes great moral character and courage to listen respectfully to an opposing view point and if it is better to accept that it is better.
Courage of that kind is akin to the courage required to say "I was wrong, I change my mind".
Such character is often seen amongst academics, especially scientists, although there are mean minded people in that area as well. It is seldom seen in politics and is exemplified by John Kerry. Most people are afraid of dissent and are afraid of being put in a place where they may be proved wrong and worst of all where they may have to accept that they are wrong. So why even let such a thing happen... if you don't like it then leave.
Why do people react this way? I would say, following my example of academics, the ability to listen to dissent/criticism and/or admit mistakes is a quality directly proportional to one's culture and education. Humility is a human quality. Animals don't have humility. They charge at you without reason and won't stop before they hurt you or scare you away or you hurt them or scare them away. Only humans can have dialogue and sort out their differences in a civilized manner.
I will leave it to you to decide whether these people you describe are closer to animals or to humans and you will have your answer.
2006-07-12 11:42:38 · answer #1 · answered by The_Dark_Knight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, that kind of response spurred us to stop being a British colony. We didn't like what they were doing, so we made our own country! And if you don't like what we're doing, either try to sway our opinion and ultimately our course of action, of leave it alone. No one actually thinks that they're going to leave, but it spurs people to want to change things because it is said not to. America is a country of rebellious teenagers, so to speak, and that's the way we have always been. And it's a good thing. And I'm not sure where you hear people say this, but the only thing possibly related to this would be people in Hollywood saying that if Bush won the elections, they would move. And Republicans are much stronger in their will to get things done, unlike *cough* democrats *cough* some people who use Congressional backdoors *cough* filibuster *cough* to stop things getting done. But I have never heard one politican say "If you don't like it, then leave."
2006-07-12 10:25:32 · answer #2 · answered by Alyx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There use to be a saying "AMERICA love it or leave it. Same thing. Since some people obviously hate everything about this country and what it stands for, the best solution would be for them to go. My beliefs are that this is the only country of its kind. If you can tell me where I can get all that we enjoy here in this country, somewhere else, let me know.
2006-07-12 10:20:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dissent, dialog and questioning your governemnt are good things-- That's how we became a nation.
Our consitution was written with things in it SPECIFICALLY to protect the minority opinion and/or person.
I disagree tho, it appears that conservatives tend to say-- leave if you don't like it. I frankly haven't seen many liberals say that.
And of course, its more often said lately with illegal immigrants complaining about our laws. To that I agree-- if you're hear as an illegal alien and you don't like it, you can certainly go back home.
All that said, why should anybody be told to leave if they don't like something about the country. Let's see- slavery, civil rights, womens suffrage - these are all things that changed via dissent and working the system to achieve something better.
2006-07-12 10:19:40 · answer #4 · answered by dapixelator 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct in saying that we need more than one opinion; even if you don't agree with the opposition you must respect their views. Then go to the voting polls and make sure they never get into power.
Then you have those who like to see Americans die and they are proud of the insurgents in Iraq; who our men and women are facing every day. These people should be charged with aiding and abetting the enemy; or just put them in git-mo and leave them there for a few years.
2006-07-12 10:15:55 · answer #5 · answered by Ronald Reagan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the times people who get these responses are purposely trying to ask a question that will get this kind of response. They just want to create a stir and get people upset. I have been guilty of making that remark, but at times, people are so negative toward our country that you have to wonder if that hate it so much and think they have it so bad, why don't they leave? Then they would see just how good they had it.
2006-07-12 10:17:55 · answer #6 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The response is not generally used to answer politically oriented questions, I have seen it used when illegal immigrants are bitching about america...then the response should be if you don't like it here then leave.
2006-07-12 10:18:39 · answer #7 · answered by Smitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is an easy answer to give without having to think and come up with a well-reasoned response.
2006-07-12 11:03:37 · answer #8 · answered by Cara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is an obvious cop out when there is no answer available
2006-07-12 10:21:45 · answer #9 · answered by dreamer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋