I Guess I'm Unpatriotic!

NUPE4LIFE · #1 10-06-2002, 12:30 PM

Why does it seem that sense 9/11 anyone who has publicly disagreed with the Administration's agenda has basically been bashed. Why I do feel that some could have used more tact or approached their criticism in a different way, I thought we lived in America. Doesn't the Constitution give us the right to voice our opinions and disagree with government without fear of execution. Isn't that one of the reason's we want to invaid Iraq, to bring about a regime change and introduce democracy to the Middle East. I'm not saying we should or shouldn't invade Iraq, I do feel that people should have the right to voice their concerns without being treated like Communist. And another thing, why do people feel like Bush is off limits. Oh we shouldn't say anything about him, he lead this country during tragedy. Big deal, I would hope that the American people would support any President regardless of party affiliation in time of National crisis. I feel as though civil liberities are being taken advantage all in the name of stopping terrorism. But isn't it ironic that the very same day of 9/11 Bush stated that the terrorist wouldn't stop our way of life. I'm a registered Democrat and I don't always agree with my party, but I feel like Republican strategist(see I didn't say Bush, so don't start!) are using this debate about war with Iraq to their advantage. They claim that the Democrats are turning it into a political issue, but isn't even the allegation also a political move? After all is said in done I don't know which way I'll feel about war with Iraq. I have a brother in the Marines, and the thought of him going to war is pretty unsettling to me. But I do feel that either way people should be able to express their concerns about a possible war, without being labled "unpatriotic". If that makes them "unpatriotic", I guess I am too. I'm reminded of a song we song in my 6th grade chorus, This is My Country. Sometimes these days, I feel that that song and other patriotic hymns are a contradiction to the truth. Just my .11 cents.

12dn94dst · #2 10-06-2002, 09:26 PM

no, i wouldn't say you're unpatriotic. you & i and others are simply victims of an overly-pc society.

Love_Spell_6 · #3 10-07-2002, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NUPE4LIFE
Why does it seem that sense 9/11 anyone who has publicly disagreed with the Administration's agenda has basically been bashed. Why I do feel that some could have used more tact or approached their criticism in a different way, I thought we lived in America. Doesn't the Constitution give us the right to voice our opinions and disagree with government without fear of execution. Isn't that one of the reason's we want to invaid Iraq, to bring about a regime change and introduce democracy to the Middle East. I'm not saying we should or shouldn't invade Iraq, I do feel that people should have the right to voice their concerns without being treated like Communist. And another thing, why do people feel like Bush is off limits. Oh we shouldn't say anything about him, he lead this country during tragedy. Big deal, I would hope that the American people would support any President regardless of party affiliation in time of National crisis. I feel as though civil liberities are being taken advantage all in the name of stopping terrorism. But isn't it ironic that the very same day of 9/11 Bush stated that the terrorist wouldn't stop our way of life. I'm a registered Democrat and I don't always agree with my party, but I feel like Republican strategist(see I didn't say Bush, so don't start!) are using this debate about war with Iraq to their advantage. They claim that the Democrats are turning it into a political issue, but isn't even the allegation also a political move? After all is said in done I don't know which way I'll feel about war with Iraq. I have a brother in the Marines, and the thought of him going to war is pretty unsettling to me. But I do feel that either way people should be able to express their concerns about a possible war, without being labled "unpatriotic". If that makes them "unpatriotic", I guess I am too. I'm reminded of a song we song in my 6th grade chorus, This is My Country. Sometimes these days, I feel that that song and other patriotic hymns are a contradiction to the truth. Just my .11 cents.

I don't think it's a matter of being patriotic or not......actually I think that is buying into the Republican rhetoric. The republicans know that if the focus is on the war (AND NOT THE ECONOMY) they will come out on top. Therefore, any disagreement with the stance on invaded Iraq was quickly critiscized. And actually they have accomplished their goal. I don't believe that the war is being waged simply for political advantage, because Sadaam does need to be stopped, however, Republicans are milking it for all it's worth.

Bamboozled · #4 10-07-2002, 11:22 AM

Nupe4life, you bring up some very valid points. I had this same discussion with a friend last week. As you all may already know, the governor of New Jersey is asking for the resignation of Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka. Baraka is being criticized for his poem "Somebody Blew Up America" and accused of being anti-Semitic. However, he stands by his work and refuses to resign. During a speech last Wednesday, Baraka insisted that Israel, as well as President Bush, the FBI and a host of U.S. allies knew of the impending terrorist attacks. So, my question to all of you is this: Do you think that Baraka should resign as Poet Laureate and apologize for his poem or do you agree with the stance he's taking? The poem can be found below (sorry for the length) and the most controversial parts are in blue. I, for one, love the poem and am proud of Baraka for standing by his beliefs, no matter how unpopular they may be.

*I am editing this because I didn't realize it was already being discussed in the Alpha's forum. Blackwatch provided the following link to the poem: http://diversity.uoregon.edu/SomebodyBlewUpAmerica.htm

Exquisite5 · #5 10-07-2002, 08:57 PM

You are so right. The war, especially, is an entire political move and the powers that be want to use 9/11 as a way to keep anyone from objecting.

Ever seen the movie Wag the Dog?

It's going on here. Dubya wants to start a war to keep the press focused on Sadam and not how crooked D. Cheney is. Doesn't want us to know how he's been in bed with Enron, Martha, Worldcom and the whole lot of 'em. My friend, your pres doesn't want you to know he and his right hand man are crooks, so he wants you to support him in killing some people of color.

Choo-ChooAKA · #6 10-22-2002, 02:03 PM

Nupe4Life, you are so right. I teach freshman college English and it's amazing how much of this Republican jargon they uncritically swallow and then have the nerve to regurgitate: word-for-word (they learned quickly not to put it into their papers, though

)! You would be shocked and amazed at how conservative their thinking is (or maybe I just am). They truly believe that to disagree with the government is un-american and even un-patriotic. I've had to teach (and try to show) them that actively questioning our government's actions and policies is a profound way of DEMONSTRATING our patriotism and belief in the democratic system.

Bamboozled, Love Spell 8, and Exquisite5, right-on! This war stuff is all just a distraction from the tragic state of our economy. I'm going to a peaceful protest march in San Francisco on Saturday (a civics-in-action lesson for my children [my real children, not my students, lol]) and I'm hoping to encourage others to join me who have so far remained silent. When we look at the tragedy we're facing - loss of lives on both sides, desecration of a country just trying to pull itself back together, and the unfairness of it all

- it's impossible for me to sit still and just let it happen. Dubya is a power-hungry, maniacal, greed-driven devil and will say anything in order to be able to get his hands on Iraq's oil - and as Exquisite 5 said, create a diversion from his and his administration's crooked and scandalous dealings. OK, enough.

Nupe4Life, good topic!! Thank you.

AKA_Monet · #7 10-22-2002, 09:21 PM

Wait a minute!!! Nupe4life: Somebody actually told you that you were unpatriotic because you disagree with the policies and practices of Bush the Son since the 9/11 tragedy? Maybe I'm a little slow, but how are you suggesting you unpatriotic? Even the "American Talibah" gets a trial...

Okay y'all, do you REALLLY FATHOM that Bush the Father and Bush the Son's inclination to go up Saddam's ass has A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G to do with what happened on September 11, 2001?

I could give you my rant, but even the Kard Karryin' Kind of NRA conservatives havta agree that Mr. Shell and Mr. ChevronTexaco has get that pipeline thru the Euphrates and Tigris somehow.... Or Mr. Lay is gonna cook some MORE books to jack the Republicans on their internet stocks... Really, invasion of Iraq has something to do with gassing a dog and possible scud launches... Okay...

And like, Bush the Son REALLY would have been a 1-termer if he did NOTHING regarding the Californian Coast line Longshoresman Strike... Unfortunately, he invoked this old law that made these poor people work for 80 day--just enuf days until after the Holidays...

And so people, with "Read my lips, no new taxes" Dubya Bush the Son not wanting to upset the Amerikkklan public that he cain't racial profile--while shuttin' up psycho Ward Connerly on his rant--but that's another story, Bush just figured in the immortal words of Chris Rock, the comedian, when the light bill ain't paid--it's the daddy's fault! Who's gonna havta pay for this jacked up, cooked book, fouled up economy besides you and me the taxpayer?

It is my understanding, that the United State Military Forces, can and will do their job whatever the Commander and Chief says... Or at least what their CO says. I have the curdling feeling that numerous military brass are rather shall I say, disgruntled with Bush the Son. From what I am reading, there is more they can do for different theaters... Military personnel has been going to Baharain for over a year now, so Saddam-ass-kicking has been in the works for awhile... What I think that just through the military aback is the North Korea announcement. So now they have to deal with that mess. But I am sure, the Military KNOWS how to FUBAR a fool up when they havta... And different from the disgruntled feelings, there is allegiance to a person in Bush the Son's cabinet... And it ain't Tricky Dick...

My feeling is most military personnel including some brass had to work their way up from the bottom. Bush the Son thinks he's a king... I have this scary feeling that well, the way to stay outta the Bushes is by--coup... I think they'll give democracy a chance, but they dayum sho' ain't gonna carry no flag where the government makes them a photo op!!! And I think they are pretty pissed of with Congress too... Except for Daschle for some reason... Don't ask. And they really don't detest Gore, since he's a buddy of Vietnam. But Saddam needs to taken out. And I think they have enuf qualified sharpshooting snipers to just do that with satellite imaging and laser beam targetting...

Hell, I'm still pissed that those Al-Qaeda guys got an all expenses paid trip to the Carribean at Gitmo!!!

Sexy Mocha · #8 10-23-2002, 10:11 AM

I haven't had the chance to read through this thread yet...but I just wanted to say Hey

to Nupe4Life...haven't seen your name in a while!

Choo-ChooAKA · #9 10-23-2002, 04:50 PM

AKA Monet,
That went sooo far over my head. What in the world are you saying?