Do you believe it is your duty as an American to hold government accountable?

Question

Does this change if we’re “at war”? If so Why?

Answer 1

Yes, it is. Good point.

One thing that most Americans have missed is the terrible dereliction of duty by the Congress in the important matters about the conduct of the attack on and occupation of Iraq. Congress has a duty to oversee the Administration and to conduct investigations into questionable actions by the Administration. That simply has not happened here, and is a solid reason for us to dump the leaders of Congress out of office this fall. Do not be so focused on Bush that you forget that we need to thoroughly clean his allies out the House of Representatives this fall.

Related point: we are not "at war". Bush can say that all he wants, but it is in fact false. Even if he had strictly pursued retaliation against those who attacked us on 9/11 (instead of cutting and running from that fight in order to attack Iraq), that retaliation would not constitute a "war", and would not give him any of the special powers associated with the conduct of a war.

Answer 2

Yes it is a duty absolutely, war or no war. I plan on calling my Senator this morning and giving up a sizable pice of my mind.

If you just lay there and play dead they think everything is fine. But if you think they are doing stupid stuff you have to get on the tweeter and scream. If enough people are sceaming at them then they might get concerned about losing the next election and change their evil ways.

Answer 3

yes. During war we have to unite and show solidarity and leave the leader to take decisions freely. Remember Winston Churchill the PM in Britain during World War II. Everyone gave him a free hand. This is required during war to achieve unity of command and clear cut decisions without any ambiguity.When the war ended he was thrown out and some one else came in.

Answer 4

Yes.

It will only come about when we stop voting like "sheep", R & D.

We must educate ourselves on the candidate for whom we vote.

By voting R & D, the worst are elected on the coattails of the better.

With a more balanced Congress, we may get a government somewhere down the middle.

Answer 5

Without a doubt. They work for us not us for them. They steal, lie and murder and much, much more.
Especially during war because it is us and our children dieing in that war. Not the politicians or their son and daughters, not to mention the billions of dollars of our money being spent with any accountability.
Vote libertarian, green party, American independent, reform party or taxpayers party but do not vote for any Democrats or republican liars, thieves and murders.
See www.infowars.com and get the truth.

Answer 6

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpation's, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." - Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776

This is not a government of trust, but of distrust. It's the only way to insure checks and balances and to cut-down on corruption.

P.S. freedomhammer has hit the nail on the head as to our responsibility as Americans. Thank You!

Answer 7

if the United States is at war, the answer is NO....not if the enemy is destroyed. i would hold the liberals accountable if the enemy of the United States wins. our leaders swear an oath to protect the people of the United States. i expect them to do it. in peace time i would hold my government 'accountable'.

Answer 8

Yes and yes and yes and yes!!!!!

These "leaders" of our great country are elected "by the people for the people".

While is it wonderful that we discuss issues via Yahoo! answers, speaking with one another around a cup of coffee, playing "Monday morning quarter back" (coulda', woulda', shoulda')

More of our citizens must utilize our civil rights and be far more committed and vocal communicating to our elected leaders issues,thoughts, concerns.

Via, e-mail, letter writing (does anyone do this any more :) ) public speaking, etc....

It starts in our own back yard meaning community involvement that leads to state that leads to national.

Answer 9

Definitely, If our government makes mistakes it is definitely our duty as Americans to hold them accountable. though its gotten harder to do these days with all the election fraud and misconduct.

Answer 10

It is ones civic duty to hold their government accountable! People should not fear their governement but governments should fear their people! To turn a blind eye to ones elected officials is plain stupity