I just came back from the US (I'm in the UK). There was all this nonsense about Kerry saying some bad joke that suggested possible critiscm of the army. So what?! In the UK all areas are open for critical discussion-the army, the prime minister, foreign policy, the royal family, religion etc ALL get there fair share of criticsm - its how democracy works. But my impression of the US is of a lack of free speech where certain areas are way off limits- can't criticize the army, can't criticize religion, can't criticize. can't criticize the president in 'war time'.
The Thought police are in full effect. Its very undemocratic and very depressing to witness. Can anyone really justify the gagging of peoples views on these subjects. Small things like Ahbu Graib, thousands of civilian deaths etc did happen. Surely the army needs critical examination.
2006-11-04 07:44:20 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I hardly know where to start. We Americans are free to say anything we want about government or people. The current government has brainwashed many people to feel if they disagree with anything they are not patriotic. Which is silly! It is especially effective with less educated and young people.
I like the UK! Most of laws are very similar! It's just the popular interpretations that has many feeling they can't say anything.
Kerry blew a joke. He suggested only the uneducated would join the military and they would wind up in Iraq Kerry is a smart man, but I think he lakes some basic communication skills! The republicans jumped on that full force to deflect all the bad things they are doing and have done.
2006-11-04 07:52:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can't be reading the same newspapers I am. You say you get an impression of a lack of free speech in the U.S.!!??!!?? I see criticism of Bush, members of his cabinet, religion, the military, democracy, war in Iraq, patriotism, and anything else you can name, all the time. I ALSO SEE CRITICISM OF THE "CRITICIZERS"!! This is hardly a "gagging of peoples' views". What really seems to be spoiling your day is criticism of critics you agree with. Sorry, but that IS democracy. When someone says or implies something in the U.S. which is not true, as Mr. Kerry did, he is going to get jumped on. Which side of this controversy would you want to see squelched? If either, I wonder if you really understand what democracy - and free speech - is all about.
2006-11-04 17:38:21 · answer #2 · answered by Pete 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
America isn't as free as everyone is lead to believe, however criticizing the troops for things like Ahbu Graib is just what Bush and rummy did, when in fact it was their policies in the first place to torture the Iraqies, anyway it is a diversionary tactic to "say don't criticize the troops" because it takes the focus off our leaders. It is an Orwellian tactic.
2006-11-04 15:51:36 · answer #3 · answered by Kelly L 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they can and did , why can't other people criticize the criticizer , i could have sworn this was a country that supported free speach . And people criticize religions everyday , for example the mormons religion is so off the wall they should all be convicted of being insane
2006-11-04 15:49:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This guy is taken to a higher standard than others. The majority of the public backs our troops (wackos don't). Why would someone outright say that if your dumb then your in Iraq?
I don't know what Kerry was thinking. If he meant it - it was a dumb statement. If I messed up the 'joke' - he's an idiot.
The fact is he didn't apologize till the next day...I would have just said 'I'm sorry' and move on.
2006-11-04 15:49:08 · answer #5 · answered by Squawkers 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
its mostly because he's a polotician and his opinions are heard by millions of people, most americans, though many do not support the war, have no problem with the army. they are just doing what they are told like they are supposed to. if someone like kerry, who is in the public spot light says something criticizing the people who die fighting for our country, its going to upset a lot of people.
2006-11-04 15:53:24 · answer #6 · answered by aj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problems with Kerry's remarks were:
1. His statement was NOT true.
2. He didn't feel that there was any need to apologize. It was a "botched joke."
3. When he DID apologize, he didn't take any blame for it. He put the blame on the people who "misinterpreted" his "botched joke."
A person can criticize our military, our president, a person's religion, or WHATEVER. But they'd better be prepared to take some flack for it!
2006-11-04 15:52:38 · answer #7 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You've got it all wrong.Americans criticize the Military but not in the time of war.they rally around the troops who are fighting for what ever reason and do their criticizing later
2006-11-04 15:52:13 · answer #8 · answered by miraclehand2020 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
people can feel free to criticize anything that they want as long as they do it with accurate information. the kerry example was saying that the military people were uneducated which is completely false. it wasn't critisicism. it was implied lies.
and btw, most of us criticize the president.
2006-11-04 15:48:57 · answer #9 · answered by Roger 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
why can`t we criticize,muslims,mexicans,blacks,the poor,just ask the brits and french about criticizing the muslims see what happens.I bet you are a brit go tell a muslim that allah is a toad sucking camel riding bath fearing crack head,lets see if you walk away with your head,let us know how you made out with your criticizing trip to muslims side of town?
2006-11-04 16:21:35 · answer #10 · answered by truckman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋