Is it just me or does anyone else find American Patriotism worrying?

Most of the threads on this site, particularly from the southern states such as Texas, to name but a few, seem to blindly accept whatever America does without question.
It honestly reminds me of German Nationalism immediately prior to World War II, particularly the whole flag waving culture that now seems to be embedded in America.

The fact that Bush came into power under the guise of a 'War Presiedent' even before Iraq etc terrifies me and has no place in a modern civilisation.

Anyway, this is not a 'Flame' on America. I hope some Americans can prove me wrong. Let's keep this civil, i'm just looking to be corrected.

Discuss!!

Yea idiots who voted for bush terrify me. They aren't really patriots, but mindless morons.

American patriots who love freedom and liberty, and constantly question their government don't scare me at all. Neither do gun-owners.

We were given the 2nd amendment for a reason, and I'm not particularly scared of patriots who own guns.

Blind Patriotism is a step in the path to fascism. I agree that the blind patriotism is growing steadily too. THAT'S a seriously serious worry.

However, there can be confusion between blind patriotism and steadfast patriotism.

Informed patriotism is what I like to cuddle.

Cuhail

Nobody needs fear informed gun owners. I grew up in Northern Idaho, and guns were tools to procure food, and to protect one's homestead from varmints -- both four and two-legged. I believe that the majority of gun owners in the U.S. are LEGAL gun owners, and folks like that understand safety, and to a lesser extent, understand that a person has a higher level of responsibility when employing them.

Living here, in a British Dependency Territory, I've had many occasion to observe how gun owners are viewed by folks who have been "socialized" ...... ooops ... socialised... by English rule. I'm not racking on the Mother country, truly, but I fail to see where removing firearms from law-abiding citizens accomplishes anything. Criminals will always have guns. They don't give a crap about legal conventions.

I agree with the OP, in that Patriotism can sometimes seem like a head-in-the-sand support of anything that the government promulgates. I think the truth is closer to the bone. People want to protect their own, and they want to believe in their country. Patriotism for many people seems a fond backward gaze toward a time when Americans were proud of their accomplishments, and supportive of the government. I think we might all be surprised at the number of people who question, really question the government. I think it has been so for more than 16 years, as the shift away from nationalism and common goals became more apparent. Sure, you can go to a NASCAR race, and hear the National Anthem, and see more than a few people with a tear in their eyes. They have hope, and they wish for a return of times when we were together, aligned along a common goal.......... and they feel cheated, because they know, most of them, deep down, that our leaders have let us down.

I think more than anything, most Americans want a strong leader, someone who we can trust and belive it, and I think the choices before us fall a good margin short of what we need. Lesser of evils. Let's ban the notion of evil. Lesser of mediocrity. Good luck all. We'll make it if we hold our values that the country was founded upon close to our hearts.

Sure, the previous paragraphs were filled with platitudes. Should I feel guilty or @#$@#$@# "asleep" [God, that pisses me off] for being hopeful?

I live in Texas ...and I could very well be about the only one who does not have a gun ..hates war ...loves my country but does not believe either of these wars were about Bin Laden or 911 ....but other reasons ..
I voted for Bush the first time and have been regretting it ever since .

I argue with every Texan I know lol about most of the things I mentioned ..

And I have been told I am unpatriotic because I question what Bush is a part of (Skull and Bones) ... the war ..911 ..and everything our Gov has been doing since 911 ...

So your just about right on with what you said about most Texans at least in my town ..they are just about all Republicans ..and just about all Bush supporters (And now McCain) ...so I am just screwed here and will more than likely be the first one rounded up for the camps ..at least from my town lol ..

Maybe its because I am not a Texan ..I am from Alaska originally and down here they are for sure different than what I am used to ...

Originally posted by skeptic1

As for a war president....I am not too sure about that. It normally refers to a president that serves during war time. But, Bush sure wasn't elected as or to be a war president. Last time I checked, things were pretty peaceful when he was elected and took office. Things got dicey about 9 months after his inauguration.

Yes exactly, he wasn't elected during war time but sure turned that around pretty quickly.
Before he was elected he announced that he would be a 'war president'

Fun Eh"!?

If Patriotism means nationalism, as in, supporting one's country no matter what, then that is evil.

If Patriotism means supporting the Constitution and the ideals behind it against all enemies, even if the enemies are American, then that is a good thing.


And regarding the guns, "cold, dead fingers," my friend.

[edit on 10-10-2008 by Grumble]