Can liberals be patriotic?

Question

A lot of conservative askers on here seem to think that if you have liberal ideals then you automatically can't love your country. Tell me what you think.

Answer 1

The definition of "patriotism" is not limited to just wrapping one's self in the flag and writing a pass for everything the Bush administration does.

Patriotism is also questioning things instead of blind loyalty.

Patriotism is helping others, both personally and indirectly, instead of just being concerned with one's own success and hiding behind "personal responsibility."

Patriotism is also being kind to God's green earth wherever possible.

Answer 2

Posted by Yo: "I think there is a difference between loving one's country and being willing to do what it takes to preserve and protect it. That's why the statements about Liberals not being patriotic."

I think this is a fairly accurate sentiment among Conservatives. They think there is a very real, external threat that can only be dealt with via violent force. Which is probably one reason why that answerer's avatar is of a nuclear explosion, and those of many conservatives contain guns & other violent paraphenalia. Basically, their first response to disagreement is to attack. They associate patriotism with war, and are mentally incapable of associating patriotism with peace.

Unfortunately, what Conservatives don't understand is that

1) The threat may not be real,
2) If the threat is real, the best way to deal with it may not be a 150,000-man army & $400+ billion/year defense spending.

Anybody who thinks the US government believed Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan was the greatest threat to America, so it decided to invade IRAQ which was 2 countries away, really needs to look more deeply into US foreign policy motives & objectives.

And anyone who thinks a huge army is the best, most efficient, and most affordable way to fight "terrorists" & gain the support of the local populace should really study some military history & tactics. Look at how long the IRA, the ETA, and PKK have survived - 30+ years.

Answer 3

I was not aware that the Thousands of American soldiers currently risking their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq were carefully vetted so that only true blooded staunch Republicans could go and serve their country.
I suppose it saves some of these conservative haters the
blushes to state openly that any liberal minded of the 3300
soldiers killed died as an unpatriotic traitor to his country.
This is the only logical conclusion if you extrapolate the argument to the final conclusion .
In other words to claim that a liberal can't be patriotic is a bigoted, insensitive, downright obscene statement.
But there will always be idiots to defend the indefensible,
or proudly step up and state the unmentionable.

Answer 4

right here in usa liberals wrote The assertion of Independence, fought england and won freedom from super britain whilst the cons of the day have been brit boot lickers, wrote The shape and The bill of Rights. What have cons finished for the country this is patriotic?

Answer 5

I think there is a difference between loving one's country and being willing to do what it takes to preserve and protect it. That's why the statements about Liberals not being patriotic.

Answer 6

I doubt that conservatives actually believe such nonsense. I think some conservatives question the patriotism of liberals as an attack technique and a propaganda ploy.

Answer 7

Since liberals believe in individual liberty, respect for life, and supporting the Constitution, I'd say we're pretty patriotic.

Of course, since we don't believe in invading other countries because we don't like their system of government, don't believe in forcing others to follow our religious beliefs, don't condone torture, or racism, I suppose by the neo-con standards we're not very patriotic.

And, of course, since we don't consider any leader to be above the law and immune to criticism, we're definately not patriotic.

Answer 8

If a person utilizes their freedom of speech to the extent that they can actually be linked to a political party, then that person is PARTICIPATING at some level in the democratic process. That, in and of itself, is PATRIOTIC.

Answer 9

most of us believe were being patriotic.
What better could anyone ask for?

Answer 10

they did till 20 minutes after the Cameras left during the 9/11 battle. You can still see the faded "support the troops" magnets on their prius's.....................