Kinda punchy today.
Quick lesson in democracy to all the trolls out there with an internet connection, a "love it or leave it" sticker and a 10th grade education.
Supporting the troops does not mean you have to support the war.
Loving America does not mean you have to love our elected leaders.
Criticism of American policy does not make you less American.
In fact, based on the history of this country, I would argue it makes you MORE American.
Blind support of an administration only means you are gullible. Or ignorant.
Telling the critics to leave makes you a fascist.
The "American way" isn't always the right way.
Just because we are American, doesn't make us right.
Just because you vote that way doesn't mean you are right.
And if you are going to flame me for this entry, post something at least vaguely intelligent and have enough balls to leave your email address. Anonymous commenting is for pussies.
Comments
Jim, I have never wanted to make out with you more than I do right now.
Posted by: Kat | November 17, 2003 03:26 PM
Rock on. As Sarah Vowell wrote, "The true American patriot is by definition sceptical of the government."
Posted by: Nicole | November 17, 2003 03:45 PM
preachin' to the choir jim, preachin' to the choir.
Posted by: brent | November 17, 2003 03:47 PM
You are a trater and a linguist. I'm sure you are a libralian like most of these fuckers around here. My sticker is,"VOTE DEMOCRAT. ITS EASIER THAN WORKING!" You are clishay yuppay.
Posted by: melly | November 17, 2003 05:20 PM
Awesome post. It's funny because just the other day I did some reading about the differences between a patriot and a nationalist - you are a true patriot! It is refreshing and nice to see that people like you are still out there! So many people get the two confused, the word 'patriot' and 'patriotic' are very often misused.
Posted by: Kim | November 17, 2003 06:41 PM
I'm not right because I'm American... I'm right because I am!!
I'm neither ignorant nor facist... just an old fashioned narcissist. And what's wrong with that, jerk ass? yeah, well you're stupid anyway!
Posted by: mia | November 17, 2003 07:33 PM
But I'm more american than all of you because I wear a T-shirt with a flag on it!!!!!
Posted by: yvonne | November 17, 2003 08:40 PM
Ok, I tried to link a picture, but it didn't work, and that kind of makes my entire comment a waste and very UNfunny, however, had I been able to post the link, it would have been very funny!
Posted by: yvonne | November 17, 2003 08:41 PM
That's precisely why, when I hear the expression, "If you're going to come to this country, you should learn the language," I respond with, "I heartily agree...and I'm glad to hear that your Cherokee is coming along so nicely. Or, "Well, if you don't like it here, why don't you just go back to Europe?"
Posted by: Nachofeathers | November 18, 2003 01:09 PM
good point nacho. however, i don't totally agree about the language. i think its important for new arrivals here to learn the language of the majority. at least enough to get by. i don't think it's the public's responsibility to conform. the same should be expected of me should i visit places that don't speak english. like thailand. or tanzania. or great brittain.
Posted by: the mighty jimbo | November 18, 2003 01:24 PM
"Anonymous commenting is for pussies."
...but I thought you LIKED pussy.
Posted by: April | November 18, 2003 01:36 PM
Great post! I think Thoreau said something like this, "In unjust times, the only place to find a just man is in jail."
I don't know where I saw it but someone had a graphic that went like "Putting a flag on your car is the LEAST you can do to show you are a patriot (and by least, I mean its the absolute least possible effort you can do).
Patriotism isn't about waving a flag, its about standing up for the country and attending town meetings and voting and engaging the political process where ever possible. And prosecuting true traitors that work to tear down America.
Posted by: Johnny Huh | November 18, 2003 02:21 PM
Hear hear!! Our illustrious President has made a practice in the past 2 years to cast all who oppose or criticize him and/or his administration as unpatriotic. To that I respond with the words of one of his well-respected predecessors:
"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. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."
Theodore Roosevelt, Kansas City Star (May 7, 1918) p. 149.
Posted by: bridget | November 18, 2003 02:43 PM
Our soldiers are trained to fight for our freedom and risk their lives for our country.
I do not see how they can do either of those things when they are half across the world enforcing regime change on a third world country.
Posted by: Ed | November 18, 2003 03:28 PM
The thing that has bothered me most (as a non-American, and political scientist) about the Bush Administration has been the mind-boggling success they have had convincing, with very little opposition, a country of (mostly) passionate individuals who know and believe in their codified rights (the Bill of Rights) to sign those away without protest through the encouragement of a culture of fear. How can you fight for your freedom and civil liberties while the Bush administration is using them as a doormat?
When the civil rights of anyone in a society are compromised, the civil rights of everyone are compromised - you cannot have selective civil rights. If they take the rights of one group today, which group is tomorrow? Isn't it justice, freedom and liberty for all?
"You have the right to free speech as long as you're not actually dumb enough to try it" The Clash, 1974.
Posted by: cassie | November 19, 2003 05:58 AM