Our "Founding Fathers" were dissenters. They wanted us to be able to speak our mind about our government. If I criticize the government or its current administration it doesnt mean that I hate my country or the citizens. Arent people tired of being called "commies" or "unpatriotic" because we dont blindly follow an administration that is driving our country into the Sh**ter?
2007-07-06 05:10:39 · 28 answers · asked by Confused Guy 1031 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
It always has been, when chronic power abusers have held the reins. The less defensible their positions, the shriller the cries get.
There's a difference between not supporting the government and not supporting the country. But those in power would like us all to forget that they are Public Exployees and you're supposed to give employees **** when they screw up on the job.
2007-07-06 11:05:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some quotes from some men that were smarter than all of us:
"The nationalist not only does not disapprove of atrocities committed by his own side, but he has a remarkable capacity for not even hearing about them."
-- George Orwell
"A man may be loyal to his government and yet oppose the particular principles and methods of administration."
-- Abraham Lincoln
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry
"Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption." -- James Garfield
The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry." -- William F. Buckley
"Of course the people dont want war...that is understood. But voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." -- Hermann Goering
2007-07-06 06:45:40 · answer #2 · answered by David M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whether I agree with your positions or not, I will not call you unpatriotic. That is provided what you are saying is not obviously anti-American. Unfortunately many people are unprepared to deal with dissent. They feel that their way of looking at things is the only way. When this worldview is challenged they resort to a rebuke which in their minds is the most terrible thing imaginable.
I will respect your right to dissent as long as you respect my right to disagree reasonably your position. I say this because it burns me up every time someone complains about their right to dissent being challenged and then calls the opposition fascists, Nazis or worse. Do not misunderstand because I am not making an accusation against you personally, but rather an observation about a double standard which exists without question. In short respect is a two way street. If we would all observe the rights of others there would be no need for questions of this nature.
Edit: LadyZania's answer is a great example of what I am talking about. She considers her position to be the only correct one. Therefore she has a right to dissent, but anyone who disagrees with her dissent is only deserving of name calling and denigration unless they accept her version of the truth.
2007-07-06 06:36:06 · answer #3 · answered by Bryan 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As you said, this country was founded on dissent. Many on both sides of the aisle refuse to be open to opinions which are not in line with their own, generally because if they were, they might have to admit they were wrong. People who blindly follow their party, in the hopes that everything will be okay, will be the first to jump ship when the problems can no longer be fixed with attacks on the opposition and false platitudes. Speaking your mind Is the American way, I only wish people would do so without feeling the need to resort to childish tactics such as gross generalizations, innuendo, and diatribes disguised as patriotism.
2007-07-06 05:23:22 · answer #4 · answered by What's The Point 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-19 02:40:35 · answer #5 · answered by rhona 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's NOT unpatriotic. It's just the whole "you're with us or against us" rhetoric from the Bush Administration. So those who are still loyal Bushies still put this out there to try and character assassinate every person who disagrees with what this President is doing in Iraq. They don't have much else these days but screaming that liberals love terrorists and don't support the troops. Both lies of course, but that's their game. Heck, if you go by their twisted logic at least 70% of this country are all liberals now. They don't get that most people stopped buying this b.s. long ago.
2007-07-06 05:22:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
>>>>because we don't blindly follow an administration that is driving our country into the Sh**ter?<<<
You guy's did just that during the 90's.
2007-07-06 10:18:31 · answer #7 · answered by scottdman2003 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dissenting is your Constitutional right. As they say...'You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.'
But it seems that those with opposing viewpoints can't seem to have an intelligent, rational debate about things.
They always stoop to the level of toddlers and resort to name-calling (i.e., sheeple, Dumbya, Repugnicans, Demon-crats etc., etc.). I've see most of the labels that are out there....and it's almost like watching children at daycare.
As we continue to grow as a country, we need to stop labeling EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY.
2007-07-06 05:30:13 · answer #8 · answered by Nibbles 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing wrong with speaking out against your government. Complacency gets us all into trouble.
What is wrong is the constant badgering and name calling from one apposing side to the other. Look at some of the 'questions' that are asked and notice that the majority are nothing but rants, accusations and name calling with a question mark added to make it look legitimate. :)
Both sides are very guilty of this.
2007-07-06 05:24:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Actually, I believe questioning the government is the most patriotic thing an American CAN DO.
Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.
Theodore Roosevelt
2007-07-06 05:21:53 · answer #10 · answered by JBS7878 3 · 11⤊ 0⤋