MUST we support the President SOLELY he is the President?

Question

Pretty much every time I turn on a news program or talk about politics with people I hear some version of "Well, whether or not you agree with Bush, you should support him BECAUSE HE IS THE PRESIDENT."

Theodore Roosevelt once said "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."

I'm not asking whther you think we have a RIGHT criticise or question - because we DO, (1st ammendment - read it!) but whether you think people should.


What are your thoughts on these two opposing opinions?

Answer 1

I believe that there is some kind of misunderstanding about patriotism. Patriotism is love and devotion to ones country and NOT whoever is in power!
That misunderstanding is high lighted when you consider the 'insurgent ' activity in Iraq, even after Sadam Hussian is dead. These Iraqi people who are resisting the United States military are Iraqis who believe they're defending THEIR country and what's rightfully theirs. Most Iraqis want the U.S. military to leave.
Thanks

Answer 2

"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."

You said it, Teddy. Thanks for the quote, Maialaia- as a non-American, we know little of your past presidents - cept Bill! Bring Back Bill!

Answer 3

I don't think so, and back in 1999 when Bill Clinton was sending troops to Kosovo these Republicans didn't think so either:

"You can support the troops but not the president" --Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)

"If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy." --Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of presidential candidate George W. Bush

"Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?" --Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99

"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is." -- Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)

"My job as majority leader is be supportive of our troops, try to have input as decisions are made and to look at those decisions after they're made ... not to march in lock step with everything the president decides to do." -- Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

Answer 4

Others might have to, I don't and won't. When the President of the United States starts making and implementing decisions which are clearly negative for America and Americans, it's time to speak out. After nine-eleven this administration has six years of complete control to do whatever they wanted and six years later we have an out of control Iraq, massive debt, open borders and now our President is pushing to reward millions of illegals with amnesty and a Vice President out of control. If this is what we get for blind obedience without question, who needs it? Instead of solving issues, they have made them worse. I absolutely believe we the people need to watch our government, haven't the past six years proved the point?

Answer 5

I have great respect for the office/position of President of the United States.

At the same time, I have no moral obligation to support someone who is a bull-headed moron!

Bush is a bull-headed moron!

I have a right (under the constitution) to criticize him and I am morally obligated to speak-out against his wrongdoing!

This country would be a better place if many of us (US citizens) would face the facts and speak-out 'WHEN" he says/ does something outrageous!

Bush makes me mad each and every time he opens his mouth!

Answer 6

I believe that while Bush is the president we should respect him as our leader and give him the respect a leader is entitled to. Because if the world thinks that we as the people of the USA don't like our leader than they should not respect him either, and this is the wrong signal to send it puts us all at risk of war or what ever people in the world think they can get away with.....loose lips sink ships.......keep a tight upper lip...

Answer 7

No, at a certain point, you can no longer support him. When I see what is going on, there is no way that I can support or condone it.

when we can no longer criticize the president, we have lost our freedom of speech (what is left of it).

I do believe that we must support our military no matter what we think of what they are doing. They are only following orders.

Answer 8

Of course not. The president works for us and is accountable to us. There is not much to be gained from freedom of speech if we cannot use it to criticize our leaders.
And the right wingers that keep spouting this hardly supported Clinton did they?

Answer 9

Uh.........NO! And if Hillary gets elected, my *** isn't gonna pull for her, either. I don't care if someone's the president or not....I will NOT support someone if they are not fulfilling their role. The forefathers probably never had to deal with presidents slacking off as much as Bush is.

Answer 10

Respect who you want and what you want.Nothing more and nothing less.You are probably a better person than the president of the united states.