Is there a reason that conservatives question anyone's patriotism, who happen to disagree with them?

Question

When Kennedy, Johnson, Carter & Clinton were president, they had loud and vocal critics (usually conservatives and right wingers). I cannot recall supporters of these men calling for those critics to "love it or leave it" or call into question their patriotism. Yet, if one dares to be critcal of Bush and his ilk, all of sudden, these critics are "unpatriotic"; should not be critical of the president because we are "at war"; kind of "my country right ot wrong." Did we not learn the fallacy of this from Viet Nam? Anyway, why is it that those on the right are so intolerant of disagreement? Could it be lack of confidence? Or just what?

Gee, Buck and Babydoll and Mark. Instead of trying to answer the question you got all defensive and angry-sounding. Why is that?

Answer 1

Yes, it works to stop dissent, and to get votes.

Two books, one old, one brand new explain a LOT of this

"What's the Matter with Kansas: How Conservatives Won the Heart of America" by Thomas Frank

"One Party Country: The Republican Plan for Dominance in the 21st Century" by Tom Hamburger and Peter Wallsten
Here's a link to their Amazon.com book reviews

Answer 2

a) questioning the patriotism of dissenters tends to make them shut up (unless they are like me, and won't let up....ever.).

b) bringing up patriotism is a good way of avoiding a question, or making the conversation about the person, not the issue being brought up.

c) because they have no real answers.

Here's what I do when my patriotism is questioned....igonore it and persist with the original issue being discussed. Don't let them change the subject. After the point is made, I'll be happy to discuss what my opinions are of what is patriotic and what isn't.

Answer 3

It's an old political tactic. Create an enemy, and question the loyalty of anyone who questions it. Its commonly used to hold onto power, and keep the masses in line. One of the most commonly cited examples is when Hitler used the Reichstagg fire for the same purpose.

Answer 4

the difference is hate speach that seems to be spouted by the liberals, not just a disagreement or different point of view (as proven by the media thatf only shows the bad and not the good). I was alive and invovled in politics during all of your mentioned administrations. were you? were you even alive? I recall the same admin of Johnson's asking about our patriotism in reguards to his world policies and views when the other side disagreed. Do you remember that?

Answer 5

People on both sides criticize Bush. What they did learn from Vietnam is, to support our troops even if we don't agree with government policy.

Answer 6

In Nazi Germany, those who disagreed either left or were shot. Now we are not in Nazi Germany, but I do smell a hint of facism.
Those who say love it or leave it for a political party just may have a little goose in their step.

Answer 7

They do for the same reasons that any Liberals label those that don't agree with their "progressive" ideas as Facists or Nazis or Hitler or any combination of the above. My point is, NOONE is above name calling and fingerpointing in the name of their agendas.

Answer 8

Republicans are religious fanatics. And like all fanatics, their values are absolute. You're either with them or you are a demon serving the Devil. There is no gray area. Its all black and white.

Answer 9

Is there a reason why you think that conservatives do this. Are you prone to stereotyping?

Answer 10

conservatives aren't very bright. that's why they are conservatives.