wrbones
04-03-03, 11:44 PM
http://www.yougottareadthis.com/amonra3.html
Patriotism For Dummies By Amon Ra
Posted: April 1, 2003
Some have used the recent conflict between the United States and Iraq as an opportunity to abuse the right of free speech for the purpose of shamelessly advancing their political agenda at a time that demands the greatest unity. Others, it would seem are simply confused as to the difference between dissent and unpatriotic behavior. Apparently, we need to spell it out for them.
In a democracy, decisions generally follow the majority. Those in the minority, who oppose a given decision, are free to express the reasoning, which has led them to their decision to dissent. In addition, they are also free to express their ideas in the hopes of persuading others. At all times, we are welcomed to express our position to our government. Recently, some dissenters have become confused.
Dissension requires one to remain on topic and to say something of value in a compelling and respectful manner. The phrase, "If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all," might be the best guideline. "Good" in this case, does not require agreement. It simply means that your input is constructive criticism and not blatant verbal attacks on your own country, its people or its representative government. Any such attacks are by their very definition unpatriotic.
Marching in protest while displaying banners that read, "Give peace a chance" or "Pray for peace" are on topic, patriotic dissensions.
Marching in protests with posters that call for the unqualified impeachment of the president or attack his character is not reasoning for dissent, it is simply an attack on the President of the United States. And that is unpatriotic.
Making public statements that question the integrity of the people of the United States or their elected government is not an expression of ideas. They are simply attacks on the character of the United States. And that is unpatriotic.
Propagating ludicrous conspiracy theories, name-calling, civil unrest, violence and property damage are also unpatriotic.
It is alarming how we have come to accept the technique of civil disobedience used during the civil rights movement as applicable today. Civil disobedience was necessary at a time when the source of the problem was civil status itself. Starting a war at home to stop a war else ware is not logical, yet peace inspiring. Sorry, the 60's are gone and with them, you've missed any causes for which civil unrest might apply. Tie-dye and acid sit-ins are equally ineffective now too.
The United States has always encouraged dissent. From its inception, it has recognized that there are times when the wisdom of a few may even outweigh the opinion of many. When a clear majority cannot be established, it is nonetheless necessary to support the decisions of our elected leaders. We benefit from our cohesiveness as a society much like a marriage.
There is a presumption that the greater good is served sometimes at the sacrifice of certain preference. Those who choose to attack their spouse instead of staying on topic and resolving the issue at hand are likely to find themselves living alone much of their lives. In fact, those who are behaving in this manner today may be providing invaluable forewarning to potential spouses.
The most insulting aspect during this current crisis isn't necessarily even the behavior. It's the notion put forth by these protesters that it is war against a murdering tyrant they object to when in reality it is vindictiveness over the election of president George W. Bush from his opposition. Be assured that had Bush taken the opposite extreme, he would be roundly condemned for refusing to act militarily by the same individuals. The fact that these individuals believe we've not noticed that they've been Bush detractors from the beginning and that therefore their objections are entirely altruistic are insulting to the public's intelligence.
Their focus on attacking the president instead of formulating real solutions to the Iraqi situation is the clearest evidence of their lack of patriotism.
This behavior goes even beyond insulting. It turns damaging when it affects the morale of fighting men overseas. They accept and expect dissent at home. The damage is the demoralizing effect of a vitriolic political war punctuated with civil unrest. No one can focus at work when strife at home weighs on his conscience. Causing such negative rifts in the country is, you guessed it, unpatriotic. But these people don't seem to care as long as it happens to further their personal political interests.
Those servicemen, by contrast, continue to support their country and its government with maturity, professionalism and dignity even if disagreeing. Any number of them may be sitting on a battlefield, writing a letter of dissent to their congressman at this moment. And even in combat, many of them manage less violence than a so-called peace marcher.
The peace seeker may take example from the warrior in this case and attempt to display the same patriotism and dignity. It's a grown up world. Maybe someday, you'll join us.
Patriotism For Dummies By Amon Ra
Posted: April 1, 2003
Some have used the recent conflict between the United States and Iraq as an opportunity to abuse the right of free speech for the purpose of shamelessly advancing their political agenda at a time that demands the greatest unity. Others, it would seem are simply confused as to the difference between dissent and unpatriotic behavior. Apparently, we need to spell it out for them.
In a democracy, decisions generally follow the majority. Those in the minority, who oppose a given decision, are free to express the reasoning, which has led them to their decision to dissent. In addition, they are also free to express their ideas in the hopes of persuading others. At all times, we are welcomed to express our position to our government. Recently, some dissenters have become confused.
Dissension requires one to remain on topic and to say something of value in a compelling and respectful manner. The phrase, "If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all," might be the best guideline. "Good" in this case, does not require agreement. It simply means that your input is constructive criticism and not blatant verbal attacks on your own country, its people or its representative government. Any such attacks are by their very definition unpatriotic.
Marching in protest while displaying banners that read, "Give peace a chance" or "Pray for peace" are on topic, patriotic dissensions.
Marching in protests with posters that call for the unqualified impeachment of the president or attack his character is not reasoning for dissent, it is simply an attack on the President of the United States. And that is unpatriotic.
Making public statements that question the integrity of the people of the United States or their elected government is not an expression of ideas. They are simply attacks on the character of the United States. And that is unpatriotic.
Propagating ludicrous conspiracy theories, name-calling, civil unrest, violence and property damage are also unpatriotic.
It is alarming how we have come to accept the technique of civil disobedience used during the civil rights movement as applicable today. Civil disobedience was necessary at a time when the source of the problem was civil status itself. Starting a war at home to stop a war else ware is not logical, yet peace inspiring. Sorry, the 60's are gone and with them, you've missed any causes for which civil unrest might apply. Tie-dye and acid sit-ins are equally ineffective now too.
The United States has always encouraged dissent. From its inception, it has recognized that there are times when the wisdom of a few may even outweigh the opinion of many. When a clear majority cannot be established, it is nonetheless necessary to support the decisions of our elected leaders. We benefit from our cohesiveness as a society much like a marriage.
There is a presumption that the greater good is served sometimes at the sacrifice of certain preference. Those who choose to attack their spouse instead of staying on topic and resolving the issue at hand are likely to find themselves living alone much of their lives. In fact, those who are behaving in this manner today may be providing invaluable forewarning to potential spouses.
The most insulting aspect during this current crisis isn't necessarily even the behavior. It's the notion put forth by these protesters that it is war against a murdering tyrant they object to when in reality it is vindictiveness over the election of president George W. Bush from his opposition. Be assured that had Bush taken the opposite extreme, he would be roundly condemned for refusing to act militarily by the same individuals. The fact that these individuals believe we've not noticed that they've been Bush detractors from the beginning and that therefore their objections are entirely altruistic are insulting to the public's intelligence.
Their focus on attacking the president instead of formulating real solutions to the Iraqi situation is the clearest evidence of their lack of patriotism.
This behavior goes even beyond insulting. It turns damaging when it affects the morale of fighting men overseas. They accept and expect dissent at home. The damage is the demoralizing effect of a vitriolic political war punctuated with civil unrest. No one can focus at work when strife at home weighs on his conscience. Causing such negative rifts in the country is, you guessed it, unpatriotic. But these people don't seem to care as long as it happens to further their personal political interests.
Those servicemen, by contrast, continue to support their country and its government with maturity, professionalism and dignity even if disagreeing. Any number of them may be sitting on a battlefield, writing a letter of dissent to their congressman at this moment. And even in combat, many of them manage less violence than a so-called peace marcher.
The peace seeker may take example from the warrior in this case and attempt to display the same patriotism and dignity. It's a grown up world. Maybe someday, you'll join us.