It's incredibly annoying that some of those in the Right Wing have managed to re-define patriotism. This new brand of patriotism tolerates no dissention. It promotes blind loyalty and labels anyone not conforming to its views as a liberal at best, or a traitor at worst.
What's is so annoying is that: 1) this is an obvious attempt to bury criticism; and 2) that people – both Red and Blue staters – actually put up with this nonsense.
For many people, America is appealing because of its supposed tolerance. We used to relish standing up for the little guy and celebrate diverse opinions. Our fathers and mothers left other countries to practice their religions and make a better future devoid of old world, close-minded thinking. Now some – particularly Right Wing pundits – would have us think that the only true American can be one that backs the Bush administration and its policies (the Iraq War, Social Security reform, etc.). Having a contrary opinion, according to this strain of thought, demonstrates a person’s anti-American tendencies, is clear evidence of their hatred for our country, and belittles the sacrifice of the troops.
Governments need criticism to learn, improve, and do the right thing
So when did having different opinions – having an argument – become a bad idea? In most organizations, input from multiple sources improves the final product. For example, in manufacturing, R&D, marketing, sales, and others help develop new offerings. When writing a book, the collaboration between the primary author, draft readers, and editors makes the final output stronger. In a country as large and diverse as the United States, we should encourage multiple viewpoints, debate the ideas, and then select temporary winners by voting, answering public opinion polls, and supporting the people, products, and services that the wining idea represents.
The beauty of the system is that a prevailing, powerful idea can win. And then it can be found to be the wrong way to go. And then a counter-idea can take root. Don’t like the Bush administration’s policies? Think they are extreme? Convince your fellow American’s and the neo-conservatives will be gone. Don’t really care? Then prepare to bitch about a Bush successor – maybe even brother Jeb – living in the White House for a decade.
In a democracy, there is no guarantee you get what you want. You get what the most people want – or at least what the most vocal or active people want. Or, in the case of the 2000 Presidential election, what the Electoral College voters want.
Often, those who claim to be so concerned about current events don't even bother to get out and vote. I'm no Bush Republican, but let's give them credit for mobilizing their voters and aggressively promoting their issues. Democrats, moderates of all stripes, independents, and others have no one to blame but themselves. Don’t whine because the other folks were elected. Get your candidates elected. Worried about education curriculum being affected by the Christian right? Take a page from their playbook and get you and your like-minded citizens on local school boards.
Everyone has the right to get pissed off about what's going on in the world. But if you don't do something, quit yapping.
What can you do?
- Talk politics with your friends. Sports, the kids, and the latest episode of Lost are easy and enjoyable to talk about, but how about actually trying to engage in a civilized debate about a pressing issue, like our possible troop commitment in Iraq through 2009?
- Support your candidates and your ideas. Send a check, go to a rally, read your party’s platform (and the opposing party’s agenda). Instead of thinking you know the issues, dig into the issues and understand both sides.
- Run for office. Some like to say our current President is an idiot. Well, that idiot got elected to the most powerful position on the planet. No matter what you think of his brain, he's done very, very well. He didn't just get handed the election by his daddy or the Christian right, no matter what Al Gore apologists think. He worked hard to be a two-term president.
One of my friends is a smart guy, but a fool for his political beliefs. But then again, he thinks my political views are idiotic. The beauty of our discussions is we can argue, yell, and gesticulate wildly until we are blue in the face. We try and bring facts to the table as often as possible. But the key is we talk about these important topics. We both want America to be strong and an example for the world. We are still miles apart, but at least I know his somewhat defective brain contemplates these things. Unfortunately, that's a lot more than you can say about most people. Most folks seem to be only parrots of their preferred media outlet. They don’t take the time to learn about the people and policies they oppose. They can’t discuss politics, religion, or other social issues because they have a light-weight opinion, but no real thinking or knowledge behind it. And they rarely, if ever, check their facts or go to the best source.
In the end, ignorance and apathy are much more dangerous to America's future than Bush or Kerry.