Patriotism means what they choose it to mean, neither more nor less

[wyldwolf]

In the following quotes, well-known cable news hosts express anti-war feelings to hawkish guests. Can you guess which quote is “anti-American”?

* "Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?”

* "We're sending 250,000 of our young men and women to die so that somebody in Washington can prove they're tough. It's not us. We're not the ones that are going to die, they are.”

For many right-leaning pundits, these seemingly similar expressions of dissent are worlds apart. To them, the first quote--Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity (Hannity & Colmes, 4/6/99) expressing opposition to the Clinton administration’s 1999 Kosovo actions--is responsible criticism of the government. The second remark, said by then-MSNBC host Phil Donahue (Donahue, 2/13/03) in opposition to the war in Iraq, is disloyal, anti- American--possibly even treasonous.

..........

Ubiquitous pundit Bill Bennett is just one of many more double-standard dissenters. Appearing on CNN’s Inside Politics in 1999 (4/16/99), Bennett dismissed U.S. Kosovo actions: “I think this policy is nuts." Four years later on CNBC, Bennett dismissed dissenters: "Well, you shouldn't listen to these protests because they're obviously helping Saddam Hussein.... It is worth noting, however, that Saddam was much encouraged by these protests."

In the bizarre world of conservative television pundits and talk radio hosts, loyalty means supporting the wars they support. Patriotism to them--to paraphrase Humpty Dumpty in Through the Looking Glass--means just what they choose it to mean, neither more nor less.


http://www.fair.org/extra/0305/kosovo-doves.html

[bluestateguy]

1. This is why I very much want a Democratic president again

To smear the patriotism of right wing critics. I can't wait to say things like, "You criticize the president during a war and give aid and comfort to the enemy". And put a "God Bless our President and Our Troops" bumper sticker on my car.

[DoctorWeird]

3. I don't think

I'm the type to put bumper stickers on my car, but it sure as hell would be funny to see every right wing neo con turn right around and say stuff like "criticizing the President makes democracy stronger" and everything else that we've been saying that's been classified as "aiding the terrorists"

[Solon]

2. I'm no patriot...

I'm not anti-American, simply un-American, never did understand the primitive tribalism displayed under the ugly veneer of Nationalism that many Repugs and Democrats display.

[izzie]

4. I like my country but at times it does thing wrong,

It is as cut and dry to me as that. When I think it has done things wrong I feel I can speak up. I think it is anti-American to want a church rule state. It was a thing we did try before we became a country and I do not wish it to come back. Lets face it "the city on the Hill' was not the great place one wished to live and it is where my family came from.

[H2O Man]

5. Symbols such as the flag

must not be allowed to remain the "property" of the right-wing. I think that this is one of the most wonderful things about Kerry vs bush: a war hero vs a coward .... and the roles are reversed. The full meaning of how the far right attempts to define "reality" was shown when they question Kerry's service record. (!) The democrats and associated interests have an opportunity to reclaim some of these important symbols in this election. Not everyone on the left need like Kerry or Wesley Clark, but we can all appreciate the fact that they allow our side to confront the right on the patriotic issue.