the military-industrial complex the right has propagated has insured us we have an enemy to fight at all times.
does this mean we can never criticize the government?
2007-09-21 08:37:07 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Exactly.
Between that, "free speech zones", insane executive orders, and Illegal anti-terrorism laws we're just being softened for the big one. Bend over now to beat the rush.
2007-09-21 08:42:17 · answer #1 · answered by Showtunes 6 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I criticize the government all the time for things they do that I don't see in the Constitution. Most of it, for example.
Now, let's take the whole War on Drugs. I criticize that. I think it should be ended immediately, and all the people in federal prisons who are there for non-violent drug offenses should be immediately released. That's my view, you may not share it, but I don't think regulating recreational use of one's own body is any of the federal government's business.
That is not to say that I think all the wardens and correctional facility officers are guilty of torturing those I would release, and I don't accuse the judges of all being corrupt, and the prosecutors that put them there aren't criminals for their participation in the trials, and the legislators that passed the laws aren't morons for starting the War on Drugs.
It's treason when you knowingly aid the enemy. The problem with the liberal left is that they don't know who the enemy is. They think it's George Bush. They see no problem inviting Ahminajad to speak at Columbia University. They think it's awful that some young soldiers sported with some prisoners at Abu Gharaib, but beheading non-combatants is just what the enemy does.
But, no, by all means, you are free to criticize. Just realize that your criticism will also be criticized.
2007-09-21 16:01:39 · answer #2 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I strongly feel it is not only my right, but my duty, to criticise the Government when it acts against the interests of it's people, whether that be in war or peace.
Of course, I'm a brit and we don't have a constitution to tell us what is and is not a legitimate criticism.
2007-09-21 15:59:12 · answer #3 · answered by toowit2wu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Criticize the government all you want. Just not the troops. Besides, take that with a grain of salt, or a pound. If a Democrat had led us into Iraq and stayed this long, do you really believe they would be quiet about it?
2007-09-21 15:53:24 · answer #4 · answered by grumpyoldman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just a guess here, but if you believe that the military is fighting for a just cause you should not criticize them as it looks like we are not together... However, if you disagree with the entire premise of terrorism and all that goes with it, criticize away...The military is only doing what the commander and chief directs, that's their job.
2007-09-21 15:44:58 · answer #5 · answered by ggraves1724 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all -- we're not in a time of war.
Congress never declared war. The "war on terror" is a marketing phrase, like the "war on drugs" -- it has no legal meaning.
So, if we count as being at war now -- we will always count at being at war, forever and in every situation -- especially if politicians can uniltaterally declare "war" on any concept we don't like. So yes, we would never be allowed to criticize the govt.
But more importantly -- criticism of the govt is an absolute guarantee under the Constitution. So, anyone saying we should not be allowed to do so is saying that the Constitution doesn't apply -- and apparently never will apply again.
2007-09-21 15:58:15 · answer #6 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
The Cons are trying to reinstitute an era of McCarthyism.
They're pathetic. They need to understand the intent of the Constitution...Hell maybe even READ IT...not just get spoon fed what to say / think by Rush and Hannity. America is ABOUT voicing your opinion. If you dont like what the government does, we have EVERY RIGHT to speak up.
2007-09-21 15:41:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋
Well remember, the If you not with us you against us thing?
So I guess alot of you are the enemy.
It's your duty to speak out. not just a right.
Evil will provail, if good men do nothing.
2007-09-22 01:08:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a First Amendment right to criticize the government. It is the way you criticize that is at issue. Left wing liberal loonies in Congress and in the main stream media cover the front pages of newspapers with complaints that aid the enemy.
If you have a criticism. Write it out and email it or send it to the President. Don't blab your doubts in the Daily Birdcage Liner. That behavior is treasonous.
2007-09-21 15:43:32 · answer #9 · answered by regerugged 7 · 1⤊ 6⤋
There's a difference between criticism and calling your general a "Betrayus" or your President an idiot, AWOL, coke snorting cheerleader. Or accusing him of every crime in the book over and over with total disregard for any facts.
Criticism is "I think you're wrong, Mr. President, and you should end this war."
That's it. "Thank you for your opinion." Move on. (Not moveon.org)
2007-09-21 15:44:25 · answer #10 · answered by Philip McCrevice 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋