is it unamerican to oppose government?

Answer 1

No, it is not, especially when the government is failing its people. It is actually patriotic of you to question it, no matter which party is in power. The problem we encounter is the behavior by rabid supporters of both sides who feel you should not criticize.

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

~Edward R. Murrow


Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official...

~Theodore Roosevelt

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

Answer 2

Never confuse government with politicians. Government is an institution. Without government, we have anarchy, which is not a good thing.

There is nothing un-American about opposing politicians. In our system, our politicians work for us. They are our servants, not our masters. They seem to forget this, as do the American people.

The function of government is the protection of life an property. That is why we have government. When government starts doing more than that, it becomes oppressive. Government is non productive: it cannot give to one what it does not take from another.

For this reason, the Founders gave us a Constitution that strictly limits the power of government. The bigger government gets, the less freedom we have. The very essence of freedom is the limitation of government.

Our politicians all take an oath to the US Constitution. Do they follow it? Most Americans have no idea, because they have never read the Constitution, or don't seem to be able to understand it. Let's take one example: only Congress can declare war. When is the last time Congress declared war? The anser is December of 1941.

So why have we sent American military personnel into combat in Korea, Viet Nam and South West Asia? Why has Congress allowed the President to usurp its authority?

Other examples include the obsessions of our politicians to nullify the Second Amendment (the right to keep and bear arms). This is a civil right of the American people that many of our politicians are trying to eliminate.

Look at the USA PATRIOT Act. Read the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the Bill of Rights, and see if you see a conflict. Our politicians feel that they can pretty much do whatever they please today, as the American people seem to accept their actions.

I think that it is un-American to sit back and allow politicians to violate our rights. We need to be ever vigilant. Politicians are people, just like you and me, but because there is so much power in government today, public service tends to attract the worst elements. That's how Germany ended up with Hitler.

If you take away the power (by enforcing the Constitution), you will attract good people who enter government service to serve, rather than what we have now.

Answer 3

Opposing the government is a valid exercise of freedom of expression as long as it is not against the laws and public order. It is not being Unamerican to oppose an erroneous government.

Answer 4

To oppose the Government, Yes. Why would you oppose one that allows you the freedoms you enjoy?

However, Opposing the PEOPLE in the government is very acceptible, and granted to you by the government. Remember, the Government, and the politicians in the Government are different things completely.

Also, remember, freedom of speech is a good thing, but always respect that right in others. Including said politicians.

Answer 5

Nope, you have the freedom of speech (but then there is censorship). You don't have to agree with everything the government says or does, you do have to follow the laws that are made and enforced by the government. This doesn't make you unamerican, it makes you a person with a mind to think and feel as you want.

Answer 6

In America you not only have the right but the DUTY to oppose the government when it is in error.

The idea that this is unAmerican was engineered by the political hacks to grab votes

Answer 7

You can oppose anything you want as long as you do not step out of bounds with it.


Most of the time when the Federal Government steps in is when there are illegal weapons charges against the person or persons and that leads to a big mess when they oppose them coming on their property and the fight begins.

The Government is always in charge, but one day their going to meet their match and alot of people are going to die.
Some citizens don't just pack 38 revolvers in their house.

They have full loaded automatic weapons, grenade launchers, M-50's and Field Artillery. Hell all they needs is a tank now....lol

What I'm saying is that one day someone will oppose the Federal Government and all of their agents will literally get their azz kicked or killed before it's over. Americans are gretting tough and will fight to the death.

The next War is not in Iraq, it will be right here on the ground of USA and against our Government.

Answer 8

Are you kidding? The right--and duty--of the citizen to oppose the government when it's called for is the essence of America. Read the Declaration of Independance.

"Government, in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one"
---Thomas Paine

Answer 9

It is unamerican to oppose the constitution and the America as it is structured. You can disagree all you like though.
"I think the war on terror is being run poorly" - not unamerican
"I think the military and Bush are evil and should be impeached for their oppression in Iraq" - unamerican.

Answer 10

Absolutly not, America is no Utopia. People should constantly pressure and keep their government in check so that their actions reflect the main goals and ideologies of the majority and entire people of the country.

Manywould say the American government ais trying to push the idea that it's unpatriotic to question your Big brother for torturing potential terrorists for the people of America's own freedom and security.
(youtube Rosie and Elizabeth's constant arguing on the view)
Many people in America argue for the protection and security of other countries and people and causes but their own..which is a little ironic and funny in a sense when they have so many problems in America alone.