Why is being liberal seen as hating America?

Question

I lean to the left, but I don't hate America. I think America's great, even if our government doesn't make the best decisions. That's not necessarily a reflection on the American character, spirit, and values, though.

I even served in the U.S. Army for 6 years, including 2 tours overseas.

Even though I served over there, I don't support the war, and never did (part of the reason I got out last year). It's a drain on our resources that we could be spending here. There are a lot of Iraqis that resent our presence, and those who like us are mainly just like our money.

My conservative friends say this makes me unpatriotic. I don't know what more I can do to prove them otherwise.

Answer 1

You don't have to prove anything to someone who relegates their ideas to political rhetoric. And labeling people "unpatriotic" because of how they vote or whether they support a military intervention.... is... political rhetoric.

If one hates one's own country, then the person obviously doesn't care to see the country thrive, but would rather see it fail, by nature of the word "hate." A person who wants to see a country fail is effectively an enemy of the country. In order to demonize one's political opponent, one will often resort to lame tactics that intend to display the opponent as a dangerous enemy. This is essentially a strawman logical fallacy.

Even more simply put, liberals tend to embrace change, meaning they're often uncomfortable with the status quo. This discomfort is exaggerated by political opponents to be a raging hatred.

Answer 2

As conservative as I am, I gotta go on record and say that being liberal does not make you un-American. If all the liberals I see here took the even-handed approach you seem to have, then there would be a healthy dialogue between people who just don't agree. Instead, what I usually see here is extremists who trade broadsides with each other. It's healthy to have debate, and opposition keeps us centered. I don't believe for a minute that just because you lean to the left that it's unpatriotic. Most folks just can't stand for someone to disagree with them is all. I have fun twisting tails on this site just for that reason. There are obviously plenty of people here who are of a different mind than I who do so too. We'll serttle our differences at the polls, and then hopefully, try to support whoever comes out on top with a little respect and dignity, something else that is in short supply here.

Answer 3

If you can manage to keep Iraq out of every single subject that's brought up, it might make more sense to answer your question. Now then......correct me if I'm wrong, but don't liberals believe in:

* Higher taxes?
* More government hand outs?
* Abortions for all?
* Modified socialism?

The reason I am against liberalism as a whole is because I see very few differences between liberalism and socialism. I believe in FREEDOM. The freedom to work or be a bum. The freedom to succeed or be a failure. The freedom to live my life my way without the government censoring me for fear I might be offending somebody. I believe in smaller government, lower taxes, civil liberties, and protecting the unborn from mothers determined to murder them.

As for Iraq..........not worth arguing with you over. You have your opinion and I respect that. But if you want to talk about waste of resources, why don't you look at how much illegal aliens are costing this country. Over $250 billion a year! Imagine where else that money could be spent!

Answer 4

Your friends are wrong on both accounts. You don't have to support the war or be a conservative in order to be a patriot.

I'm conservative, but I know liberals who love this country just as much as I do. The reason, I think, liberals are associated with being anti-American or unpatriotic is because of people like Michael Moore and Jim McDermott.

While it's okay to think that America makes mistakes (because we do), it is thoroughly unpatriotic to believe that we aren't an overwhelming force for good in this world. We liberated the Jews from Nazi Germany, we helped defeat oppressive Soviet Communism, we give billions in federal aid to Africa and other needy countries, we are always the biggest donors after a natural disaster has occurred. I could go on and on.

So, people who say that America is the reason the world sucks can cram it. Those are the unpatriotic ones. Unfortunately, they also tend to be liberal. That's why that association exists....but it's wrong.

Answer 5

Its a traditional line spewed by ultra-conservatives to guide the flock of weak-minded people into fear that they aren't patriotic enough, if they do not ahdere to strict guidelines that are defined by their trainers.

Its a scapegoat to denounce any difference in belief as the enemy, and as immoral. Just about every fascist leader used this tactic, just before they start burning books.

If they keep their flock believing that all other ideas are evil, unpatriotic, or "liberal", they can keep their flock denouncing them before they even hear an opposing view, which keep them tightly under control.

Answer 6

The problem is people who say that beleive everything we do our president and Co. does is perfect.... As a military member serving over here I agree with you. It is unpatriotic to be here. By fighting these people what I have I proved? Our "Dominance"? These people that say that DO NOT know the first thing about loving a country. As Al Franken says liberals love their country. although knowing we have done wrong and will fix it next time. Conservatives love the country as if it were mommy and she is perfect....

Hope you are doing well now that your out mann...

Answer 7

Its just a tag line that anti-liberals use. I think they are worried because liberals tend to be more sympathetic to other cultures and countries. It puts fear into them, that "our America" will never be the same!!! Often, they are hard pressed to admit that we can actually learn something from other countries and cultures, and that is okay! They are generally afraid of other countries, other cultures, etc. A lot of right-leaning people tend to be more conservative and are afraid of change. I think they think that America is going to fall if we all don't think the way they do. I think its a shame that you served for our country, yet your friends still question your patriotism.

Answer 8

Of course not all liberals are unpatriotic, but all the anti American rhetoric is coming from the left. For example, the anti war left that spits on our troops, accuses our government of 911, democrats playing political games with the troops lives for political gain, democrats undermining our troops and emboldening our enemies, Hollywood liberals making our troops and America look like evil warmongering savages in their movies, left wing professors spouting their hatred for traditional American values to students whom are suppose to get a balanced unbiased education, siding with and defending murderous terrorists at Abu Grahib yet condemning our troops, the list goes on.

Answer 9

Not supporting the war is not necessarily unpatriotic.

That depends on the manner in which you choose to not support it, and your reasons for doing so.

Answer 10

Liberal conquers up many far left wingnuts that will not allow recruiters on college campuses, or San Francisco that would not establish a battleship museum there, or nutcase lawyers helping terrorists, or professors that claim the US deserved 9/11, etc... you could go on. You sound slightly left of center, nothing wrong with that.