Isn't disagreeing with the government the most American thing a person can do?
2007-03-19 09:45:25 · 9 answers · asked by witchiebunny 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
It is *not* un-American, no matter how many "patriots" tell you it is. It is, in fact, the very definition of an American patriot, to voice disapproval and cynicism of our elected officials. After all, they are OUR EMPLOYEES.
"In a free society with a government based on reason, it is inevitable that there will be no uniform opinion about important issues. Those accustomed to suppression and control by governmental authority see this as leading only to chaos. But a government of the people requires difference of opinion in order to discover truth and to take advantage of the opportunity that only understanding brings."
Thomas Jefferson
2007-03-19 09:51:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Its not unAmerican to disagree with the government - we have free speech, free press, and the right to peaceful assembly.
Good judgement has to be used, though - part of being American is accepting responsibility. That includes not doing things that jeopardize the security of the country or the security of our fellow citizens.
If you want more info on the history of this issue, look up the alien & sedition acts. They were very controversial, and in the past have limited the extent to which people speak out against the government.
2007-03-19 17:03:11 · answer #2 · answered by steddy voter 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It depends on who you ask. There are two general types of people - those who love and trust the government, and those who are skeptical to its motives and actions. Either side can look unAmerican, or unPatriotic, but they both have valid points in their argument.
I think it's necessary for both of these groups of people to exist. It is our own form of checks and balances. If everyone loved and trusted the government, it would exploit us more than we are already exploited. If everyone distrusted the government - there would be chaos.
2007-03-19 16:57:52 · answer #3 · answered by smellyfoot ™ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately the Tories of the 1700s did have children so there is a race of government asskissers living amongst us. But notice they only make up about 20% of the population, just like in the 1700s.
2007-03-19 16:55:59 · answer #4 · answered by Studbolt Slickrock Deux 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes it is. But the neo-cons would rather adopt a facist mindset and call anyone who disagees UnAmerican and send them to prison.
2007-03-19 16:50:50 · answer #5 · answered by Louis G 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
The only time it is unamerican to disagree with your government ids in a time of war. If the media had been this negative during WWII, we'd all be speaking German and all the Jews would have been killed. Is it to much to ask to not air our dirty laundry in public during war? Maybe I'm wrong, but I find it unpatriotic. If you disagree with policy, vote them out, but during war we must present a united front.
2007-03-19 16:52:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋
think you mean unUnited Statesian not unAmerican, not the same thing.
You see everybody in America from Nome to Patagonia, from Easter Island to Greenland is an American, not every United Statesian is an American. For instance, Hawaiians are as United Statesians as they come, but they ARE NOT Americans, they are Pacific Islanders.
Hope that helps.
2007-03-19 16:48:59 · answer #7 · answered by r1b1c* 7 · 2⤊ 10⤋
It's not, wishing your leader dead is, wanting to take away freedoms of those whom you disagree with is.
2007-03-19 16:50:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
It's very American to do. The cons don't like you questioning their monkey leader, so they spout out attacks like "lieberals," "anti-American," "un-American," "terrorist suporters," etc.
2007-03-19 16:48:52 · answer #9 · answered by Groovy 6 · 4⤊ 5⤋