To criticize America? What do those who call liberals "traitors" think?

Question

Edward R. Murrow:
We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.

Sinclair Lewis:
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.

James Baldwin:
I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

Mark Twain:
The government is merely a servant -- merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them.

Ralph Waldo Emerson:
When a whole nation is roaring Patriotism at the top of its voice, I am fain to explore the cleanness of its hands and the purity of its heart.

Theodore Roosevelt:
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. (1918)

William O. Douglas:
Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.

Answer 1

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."--Benjamin Franklin


Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president. ---Theodore Roosevelt

The death-knell of the republic had rung as soon as the active power became lodged in the hands of those who sought, not to do justice to all citizens, rich and poor alike, but to stand for one special class and for its interests as opposed to the interests of others.--- Theodore Roosevelt, Labor Day speech at Syracuse, NY, Sept 7, 1903 ("Theodore Rex" - Edmund Morris)

Answer 2

President Roosevelt also felt that the criticism had to be factual, or it would otherwise be "base and servile." He said that in the Kansas City Star, I do believe.

Now, on to the question.

I fail to see how anyone can criticize a nation. That's a bit wierd. A homeless guy in Chicago has little to do with the decisions made by a US Senator, or President, so, he must be protected from such nonsensical notions of criticizing the whole for the misdeeds of a few. Utter hogwash, ma'am.

Now, criticisng the government is a horse of a different color, and I fully believe that if one can back their words up with facts from a reputable sorce, then they are worthy of being listened to. Anything else is either an opinion, or silly, overdramatic bashing of people or ideas.

That said, I do not think Liberals are traitors. They are simply the other ditch in the road than the one the Conservatives are in. Me? I'm a Moderate playing in the traffic.

Answer 3

It is easy to cast the word traitor around from the pulpit. That is why you see it so often. I doubt you'll find a conservative who considers your sources great Americans. Likely they will immediatley be labeled as liberal scum. Your point is well taken. I consider myself to be a conservative person (most of my opinions tend to be to the right of center). I have to tell you. I don't even know what these conservatives on YA are talking about most of the time. Likewise for the liberals. Civics is completely dead. These people form their opinions based on the party line before there is an issue. Because there is no need for debate, they immediately begin flinging insults and labels. They just trade accusations as if their side hasn't committed a similar act. I don't get it.
Dissent is the foundation of this country. Sometimes it will happen when your favorite guy is in power - that does not make it treason.

Answer 4

those are numerous an analogous those that think of they understand what God thinks or needs. it particularly is extraordinarily ordinary to apply that comparable prepare on Liberals, once you think of roughly it. yet they do no longer relatively have self assurance that, this is why they get so offended while challenged. when I study expenditures like "Liberals hate the U.S.", to me it interprets as "i'm an fool and could say something to win a controversy i understand no longer something approximately, and that i should not be taken heavily by technique of all and sundry." relatively, all and sundry that makes use of the words you have suggested could have that as a disclaimer on their posts.

Answer 5

I am a moderate Republican & I have never ever here or anywhere else called Democrats traitors It is everyone's right to disagree with the Government Don't take answers to heart a lot of the trolls don't know what they are saying

Answer 6

If you bothered to read the WHOLE of most conservative posts rather than be blind as to the whole point.....you would see that we defend your right to free speech...if fact the armed forces made up of 82 % conservatives ARE defending that right.now...it is the blatant lies and support of the muzzies that attacked the US that we HAVING THE SAME RIGHT TO EXPRESS OUR OPINION place the traitor label on you. To ask questions like there are here on the board..LIKE...would Bin Laden make a better Pres...if you can not see how that is traitorous...you are blind as many of your fellow LIBS actually SUPPORTED THE IDEA...so if your so unknowing as to not see why that term is used in reference to some of your liberal partners..TRY REALITY as the understanding of others is lacking in your imaginary land..

Answer 7

God someone close to it
You reap what you sew
You sew seed of hate, treason and surrender and top with defeatism that is what you reap

Answer 8

Good point, now who said:
"I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" .

Answer 9

I take it you had a bad day

Answer 10

They don't. They are just repeating the same old rhetoric they've been told from generations before them.