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quote:
Originally posted by Dreamcatcher
I'm American, though I'm not living there now. So, having an 'outsider's' view, I'm sorry to say, but a lot of the so-called patriotism seems more like plain hate. Yes, the country has become more united, and that's good, but the thing where people go buy their flags etc, and talk about how much they hate Muslims and Sikhs and Afghans and terrorists (they can't tell the difference between terrorists and people that wear turbans anymore than I can) just seems like more hate. As if we don't have enough already. And then every time the 11th of any month comes around then the news is full of another tragic story of someone who died in the twin towers, and to me it just seems like another Bush ad trying to milk the War on Terrorism. I haven't been back to the US since 9/11, so perhaps I'm not in a position to say, but from HK all the patriotism and nationalism just seems like a big ruse and a flock to Bush.
agreed. The war on terrorism is the only thing bush has going for him, if it weren't for 9/11, he would have his ass fried because of the Enron Scandals. Unfortunately, because most of Congress are idiots and have thrown full and unconditional support behind Bush, we cannot address some issues that should have some focus.
As for patriotism, I'll just add in a little story  . There is this guy at our school, white, boy scout, etc. Before 9/11 he was pretty cool, but after what happened he started becoming radically opposed to anything that had to do with the middle east. For example, we had a fund raiser to send money to an Afghani school. After one of my friends went and donated some money (20 dollars i think) the guy went over, shoved my friend, and asked him what the fuck was his problem and whether he was retarded or not. Not just that, but whenever there is a discussion of politics, he is so supportive of bush that it becomes ridiculous. This is representive of how most Americans are. They have thrown their unconditional support behind Bush without thinking through it first. It seems that in a situation like now, most people believe that there is no middle ground. You're either with the Americans or not. And this idea is perpetuated by the speech made by Bush. In his speech he stated that, "You're either with the Americans, or you're a terrorist." First off, thats a logical fallacy (appeal to force/threat), but mostly does anyone else see the blindness and stupidity in that statement?
Ill end with that, because i have to study for my latin final now
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ni pour ni contre; ça m'est égal
"The weight of this sad time we must obey,/ Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say./ The oldest hath borne most; we that are young/ Shall never see so much, nor live so long."
King Lear (V.3.300-304)
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06-05-2002 12:20 AM
