Is it delusional to say that dissent and burning troops in effigy is Patriotism?

Question

Main Entry: pa·tri·ot·ism
Pronunciation: 'pA-trE-&-"ti-z&m, chiefly British 'pa-
Function: noun
: love for or devotion to one's country

LOVE AND DEVOTION would mean SUPPORT for one's country --- wouldn't it?

Answer 1

Of course it's delusional. And your question didn't have anything to do with free speech. It had to do with an opinion of acceptable morality. I don't see that you think they should be arrested, just perhaps medicated.

But the problem with the Liberals' (who support this kind of free speech) interpretation of this "free speech," is that they don't afford us the same free speech.

For example, if it is free speech for them to burn our troops in effigy (and our flag), it should be acceptable free speech for us to put them on a plane and ship them to France. And Studbolt, I kind of didn't see an answer. But I sympathize with your limitations, so it's okay if it's the best you can do. And Argle, you obviously haven't talked with too many vets lately. It is highly insulting to them, which is the only reason it is insulting to us. Oh, my, so there is nothing between not "airing the family's dirty laundry" (that no one else really cares about but nosey people anyway) and hiding perverts? Oh, my!!

Answer 2

no and yes. Dissent, if done with the best interests of the nation at heart, IS patriotic. Burning the troops in effigy, when it is the sacrifices made by those troops and the millions who came before who gave you the right to free speech, is not.

Love and devotion do not mean blindly following. Do you follow your husband unconditionally? Or do you sometime say "no" because something is not in the best interest of your family?

Too many people think nationalism and patriotism are the same thing. They’re not; they’re completely different.

Generally, any selfless act that directly benefits the nation is considered patriotic.

Nationalism does not require any action, simply excessive pride, which, in and of itself, is a sin.

How does love of country manifest itself? The same way as love for family and friends. If I see a friend doing something that could hurt him, I don't cheer him on and tell him he's doing the right thing. Admittedly, that would be the easiest (or most amusing, in a sick kind of way) thing to do. The harder—and more responsible—approach is to warn my friend of the dangers of his actions.

The danger of all these displays of false patriotism is that they emphasize "American Pride" over any attempt to find solutions to our nation's problems. Those who point out flaws in our way of life do so because they want to see our country live up to the promise of democracy laid out in our Constitution. To allow any less is contrary to what America truly stands for.

Answer 3

No. I don’t approve of burning troops in effigy but it is a form of protest. Individuals have different ideas of what the country stands for and where the country should be going. I think that a true patriot would not lend blind and unquestioning support to whatever the country is doing, nor would a true patriot try to stifle dissent. The best interests of the country are served when people question and debate the issues and protest wrong actions rather than letting whatever administration that is currently in power run amok.

Answer 4

I despise the stupid liberals who espouse hate for the troops (and I am a liberal). Nobody should be against the troops.

However, this nation was founded on dissent. It has been said that "dissent is the highest form of patriotism." I support the troops, and yet I've been against the war from the very beginning.

In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with disagreeing and voicing your disagreement. But disrespecting the people who die for a cause, be it right or wrong, is just plain wrong.

Answer 5

Boswell is the worlds leading scholar on the life of Samuel Jackson.
Boswell tells us that Samuel Johnson made this famous pronouncement that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel on the evening of April 7, 1775. He doesn't provide any context for how the remark arose, so we don't really know for sure what was on Johnson's mind at the time.

However, Boswell assures us that Johnson was not indicting patriotism in general, only false patriotism.

which is exactly what these people are doing. trying to portray false patriotism.

Answer 6

Definition - propaganda: information, esp. of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Propaganda also encompasses empty words and phrases such as "support the troops."

Dearie, we ALL support the troops if we're taxpaying citizens. We have no choice.

We can "support" the ideals of our country without having to get on board with every hairbrain scheme someone dreams up.

Apparently, your definition of "supporting" one's country means automatic endorsement of ANYTHING the president says or does. Am I correct, or not?

Tell me, do the Cheney's "support" their daughter while possibly disagreeing with her lifestyle? Hmm? Do ya think?

Take 3 minutes to think about that one. Let it roll around in your mind a bit.

See, dearie, THAT'S the problem with language (which is my area of study). Many words are open to interpretation.

And who's to say WHOSE interpretation is THE correct one?

Your "intelligent" spouse should be able to explain that one to you. No insult intended, whatsoever.

Sweet Jesus, woman...do you actually ever READ the responses to your "questions?"

Answer 7

NO

Without identifying which troops or what decenter. Your statement is open to a wide debate.

How about the women of Darfir protesting the Janjuwee Would that be wrong???

I not trying to placate your disdain for American freedom. Simply pointing out your views might not be universal.

Answer 8

Love for one's country can mean going against the government's corruption.

But burning troops om effigy is not patriotism

You ned to go to bed Grandma.

Answer 9

YES, but there is nothing wrong with dissent, if it's done in love for one's country. However, burning our soldiers in effigy (like the video I just posted here, please check it out) is WRONG and treacherous. Those people make me so angry that I could swear, and I haven't used that kind of language for months!

Answer 10

Very delusuional, and very cowardly to wear masks while doing so. I would rather protect the Constitution than start a bad precedent by ammendments to protect the flag. We do need to preserve freedom of speech, and I should be able to call people burning the flag or effigies "cowards" and "traitors". Besides just being stupid idiots, because they wouldn't live two seconds protesting like that against the governments or culture we are at war with. That's the difference between "us" and "them". But I admit I might be tempted to violence if I personally witnessed it. You don't have to support the policy of the elected government, but you DO have to support those who have or are willing to give their lives for this country, and those who don't like it are invited to LEAVE NOW.