Do you believe that Americans should be judged by the actions of their own Government ?

Question

I am a British person with a great respect for the USA constitution and for its people. But, worldwide, the USA government is despised and not trusted. On issue after issue it stands against the international community. Are foreigners right to confuse American people with the actions of their own government ?

Answer 1

I don't think so. I'm an American, have lived here all my life, and can honestly say I hate all of the political parties. The problem is, we have a choice in presidents, but we don't get to pick who gets to run ourselves. The political parties do that. And then, not enough people vote, due to things like not thinking they care, or not having anyone to vote for. The two major parties are the ones with the money to get the campaign going. Running is expensive. And somebody who doesn't have much money, isn't known widely, doesn't have much publicity, and/or isn't very good-looking (see that dude that tried running against Clinton that had the big ears; forgot his name), is going to go over like a lead zepplin. If we could nominate people on our own, it would be better represented, but then you have the problem of making sure everybody's qualified, which is why the parties pick. It's a figurehead thing. The parties pick their figurehead, and out of the ones with the most money, you get to pick the one you hate the least. And either way, you never get the opinion of the entire majority of America. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, most people internationally do. The government is the only part of the United states they see on a regular basis.

Many of us here hate the government too by the way. What they are doing internationally and to the American people is wrong. The constitution is being destroyed bit by bit. Sadly, unless enough Americans were willing to stand up and fight, it won't change. Our government has long indoctrinated the American people with the idea that "it's too late" to make a difference.

Soon the US as we once knew it will be completely gone. Unless we make it to the next election without Bush declaring an end to elections through "war powers" (which sadly he COULD do), and the next administration has had enough government exlax to pull their heads out of their asses, the US as it was originally designed will be destroyed.

Bush says that the fact that the terrorists haven't attacked is proof of his effectiveness. Oh he's effective alright. The terrorists don't attack because they don't have to. Our government is doing a fine job of destroying the nation all by themselves.

Answer 3

Yes!

We are supposed to have voted our leaders into office, now thats debate-able in and of itself but aside from that yes the American people should be held responsible for what our government does.

Some people say - i love my country but I hate my government. Somewhere along the line we have given up and just accept that we have corrupt leaders and a ineffectual government. But we put them in office, and we can take them out of office!

Over the past 5 years our government as slowly chipped away at rights and circumvented laws again and again, but just slow enough so within your busy life you dont notice. Look back 5 years and see how differently our lives really are!

Now some will say that the politicians do corrupt things that the public isnt aware of, and this may be true. However we now have more than enough evidence to reign our "leaders" in. WE are the ones with the true power yet we are too scared to yield that power.

There has been scandel after scandel and yet there is not public outcry. There is not a serious call for impeachment. Its beyond me anymore. I keep waiting for the tipping point but fear it will never come for the american public is too complacent to budge into action. We have traded our liberties for a false sense of security and it has become a sad day in America.

I believe we deserve the bad reputation we currently have in the international community, we did not speak truth to power and its destroying the world! It will take a lot of hard work to restore our image, I hope one day we can acheive that goal!

Answer 4

We are just like you. Some of us can see the lies of our politicians, and some of us refuse to see. Those of us who have read our Constitution, or any American history, know that it doesn't mean that you are unpatriotic if you disagree with things that are being done in the government. Quite the opposite is true- you should always question, and think for yourself. Unfortunately, some Americans think along party lines, so if a politician in the party they affiliate with does something questionable, they overlook it and defend it, even. This is very dangerous, to my way of thinking. Our officials need to be held accountable, and until we at least agree on that, things remain status quo.
So, I hope you will not confuse us with our government. Many of us are quite intelligent, and will work to make things better.

Answer 5

A nation collectively bears the long term responsibility for their government in direct proportion to how representative their form of government is: if they do not question it or protest against it, but have the right to do so, they bear more responsibility than those living under an authoritarian regime. Granted, you can't say a whole nation is equally at fault for putting a poor leader in power (i.e. Bush's 2000 election with less than a majority) but when the electorate becomes lethargic, stops asking critical questions, and fails to hold its leaders accountable, they start to bear more and more responsibility.

Answer 6

Not only are they right, they should question just what the heck is going on over here.

I love my country. I honor all of my fellow citizens. I stand in awe of what the average American will do for neighbors, family, friends, and complete strangers.

I am also truly heartbroken that my patriotism could now at any time be called into question.

I fear that allegiance to a "Jesus" religion is more important than adherence to our constitution.

I am embarrassed that the worlds poverty and health issues are treated as a "budget" issue.

I count myself responsible since I stand under the same flag.

Please know, and please believe, there is a determined effort to stand by our basic beliefs in liberty, and restore our dignity in the world's eyes. It will be done by the power of the vote. My countrymen and women have a commitment that is based in pride and honor. I am putting my faith in their actions.

We too, are thinking enough is enough.

Answer 7

I love to travel the world, but I hate the stigma that is attached to the term "American" when I travel just because of our inept leadership. No, most Americans do not agree with how Bush has further corrupted our country in the last 7 years or so. Foreigners should take into account that in most nations, not everyone has the same views as that of their government. America should be no different. Unfortunately, every idiotic thing our president does gets on the news globally, and we end up embarassed because of it.

Answer 8

I don't think you can judge ALL Americans by the actions of our government no more than you can any other country. As you know our government is made up of elected officials and there are always those who support as well as oppose them. I think all Americans are sometimes "confused" with the government but it could not be further from the truth............

Answer 9

No. We are stuck with this mess as much as everyone else. Just remember the generosity of the average American citizen and the empathy that we hold for the people in the world.
Right now it may appear that we have lost our minds but things WILL change. The majority here are embarrassed by this administration and saddened by our loss of stature in the world.

Answer 10

No; so many Americans disagree with the actions of the government. Although we do vote, it seems that we have little control over the actions of our elected officials in office. I for one, would hate to be judged by the actions of George W. Bush. I haven't agreed with anything he's done while president.