Why do people support Bush no matter what, and claim it is for respect of the office?

Question

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." - Theodore Roosevelt

I'm not talking about people who would agree with what he thinks/does (although i disagree with it in large part) even if he wasn't the president.. I'm talking about the people that agree because he is the president.. rather than forming their own opinion.. I've talked to many people who defend their stance with "Because he's the president and you should respect the office and his decisions" It's that logic that I see as flawed and therefor wish to discuss

Answer 1

Great quote. I think that there are many people who do not understand politics, the war, our economy, etc., but who wish to feel a part of it nonetheless, or wish to act as though they do know what is happening in the world. They can't really speak to the issues in any depth, so they stick with the guy they voted for, if they even voted in the first place. When the issues get sticky, like now, they just refer back to the President and feel safe doing so. Then they can feel morally superior by simply saying "hey you should show respect to the President and the office...I support our President totally, any good American would...etc." I've noticed this lately in our circle of friends. Politics and the war comes up often and the people who are like this never really have the details to discuss the specifics of the war, or what happened in Congress, or even what has happened in Iraq during say, the last week. They just say - I agree with the President and you should too and if you try to press them they get flustered and start accusing you of being unpatriotic. It takes all kinds I guess.

Answer 2

Everyone has a right to criticize the President. I've seen no one stopped from doing that. Hell, look at the actors/singers who are going out of their way to make sure they criticize everything he does.
There was a time that the things said on YA would get you jail time. We've come a long way, don't you think?
If you don't know the difference between criticizing him and being treasonable, I'm afraid there is no hope.

I do not support the President in everything he does, but I support the office and feel he is doing what he feels is the right thing for his country. That is MY right, you have yours.

Answer 3

What makes you think people that support Bush on some things don't support him on other things?

I for one don't support his fiscal policy and loath how he prances around pretending to be "Christian" when he has yet to show that he cares about Christian values at all.

I would also ask if you have considered if there are people that bash the president no matter what?

In response to US attempt to delay Saddam execution..

"Some sort of political gain from this for the Bushite. Trying to make himself look good. Bloody George is what he is - bloody and a liar."

Answer 4

there is not a "no matter what" in supporting Bush.. but a major disagreement of how he is criticized. Usually the criticism contains complete disrespect for the office of President. Words like "Nazi" , "Satan" and the list goes on, and usually there are questionable "facts" and very little truth in the rantings.... That is being unpatriotic.....

Answer 5

I do not agree with all decisions that George Bush has made. For one he should give the military objective to the military planners, and then step off, and let them decide the best way to achieve the mission. I do agree with his assessment that Defeat is not an option!

Answer 6

It's called patriotism. We stand by the office of the president. We are Americans, and happy to be free to elect a new president when the time comes. As we will in two years.

Answer 7

In my experience, most of these people show attributes of the authoritarian personality. It takes all types to make the world go 'round.

Review of John Dean's book: "Conservatives without Conscience" http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/07/23/john-dean-and-authoritarian-cultism-a-review/

Answer 8

It sounds like you are trying to speak for all supporters, which I don't understand and therefore, do not really know if you are just making a statement or asking something.

To me, I support Bush's actions, choices, and policies because I know he is correct on most issues. A true leader is able to make the tough choices even when he loses personal popularity.

He is a great man, a great leader, and a great American patriot.

Answer 9

Because America "The Beautiful" has now become a haven for a capitalistc petrfied community of dictatorship influenced people, who, by the way have already lost their heavenly inheritance. In other words, history will always tend to repeat itself in the minds of selfish,prideful and ignorant brats. A quote from "RomanGabriel 1V".

Answer 10

Some people still think he is doing a good job.

I am not one of them, but whatever.

Edit: Ah I now see your point, excellent. I find those are generally older people who feel that one should always respect those that are in authority. My parents taught me that respect is earned not given because of ones position though so I really dont understand that way of thing. I find it very disturbing and think perhaps those type of people would be happier living in a Big Brother type of society.