Call me crazy... but I'm the eternal optimist and think that we are all proud to be American.
There have been times, especially over the past 8 years, when I have been unhappy with the way our country has been used and presented to the rest of the world.... but I am STILL proud to be American.
Is it a perfect country? There is no such thing as "perfect" in this life. But, it is the best that the world has to offer and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Period.
I think some areas might tend to be alittle less patriotic due to the fact of some immigrants congragations that maybe don't fully appreciate how we got to be the best country. I'm talking town size areas not county wide, state wide areas. For the most part though in a troubled time we all pull together no matter what and would help the one beside us, I believe ghost of a chance might even help me if needed.?
Submitted by Suzi LeVeaux on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 10:50pm.
Blakey, I think you may just be wrong here. The very fact that they are immigrants speaks volumes about their love of this country. The left their homelands, giving up ties with loved ones and a familar way of life to come come to the USA for a better way of life. I'd be willing to bet dollars to donuts that immigrants are very appreciative of their new country and what it stands for.
You very well could be correct, but some might just take for granted its just this way and wil always be without us pulling together when we need to. I didn't mean for fact thats how it was or anything just an idea.
The correct answer to this question is that some people think they are more patriotic than others because they define it terms that people who think like ME are patriotic and others are not.
What patriotism means is up for each person to define. For me it is knowing what is going on in America not just putting your hand over your heart to recite the Pledge or singing the National Anthem.
Submitted by Central TX Mom on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 10:25pm.
Yes, the people in my cul-de-sac are the most patriotic in this country. And of those homes, I am the most patriotic of us all. Therefore I declare that I shall be Supreme Ruler of all that is The United States of America. (Or I wouldn't mind being called Your Majesty.)
My first act shall be to have Sarah Palin bow before me, kiss my ring and ask my forgiveness for assuming that I am not as patriotic as she.
Even if you paint the 13 originial colonies with the demographics of the corresponding states (250-300 years later) there would only be 4 traditionally red states. Stands to reason that a majority of the framers would be from 'blue states'. Interestingly enough - most were businessman, speculators, public officialls - while only 2 were farmers.
How do you even correlate this geography with patriotism? Funny most people today can't even name which party is control of congress. Yes indeed we Americans are so patriotic.
There is nothing funny about that post. It is a direct insult but since it seems to fit with your agenda you overlook that insult.
I perhaps went overboard and should have just left off the bit at the end. Will refrain in the future.
I don't understand the condesceding nature that this blog has taken. There are always 2 sides and disagreements but rather than rationally discuss it seems much easier to post propaganda and denigrating remarks. I know this election cycle has been tough but does that absolve everyone from remaining civil.
I have been overreacting to some of responses I have received so I do apologize for that. If you would like please feel free to scrub the mock at the end of the post.
Submitted by Suzi LeVeaux on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 11:21am.
jill, I reread the post in question and found no personal inult within.
Even your "apology" is confrontational, and attempts to excuse yourself for your behavior.
While I totally agree that there are always two sides, and we are always open to discussion of opinions, we grow weary of being constantly pounded with that opposing opinion. For the most part, we are a group of intelligent, educated voters, who have examined and researched the facts in reaching our decisions. But we are not a site founded for the purpose of political dissention. We are Republicans FOR Obama, which makes our position clear. Our purpose is to help elect Barack Obama, and to give other Republicans, who are upset at what our party has become, a safe haven with like minded people. Our purpose is much larger than this one election, although I don't expect you to see that.
With all of that said, if RFO is so troubling to you, perhaps you would be happier at a site that is more suited to your particular needs. You are not going to influence anyone here.
Fascinating you see it this way. I was only trying to illustrate my POV and why I reacted. Why is it you have one set of standards for people you agree with and another set for those you don't? Of course it is your call as moderator but shouldn't that mean you apply rules equally?
I realize the purpose of this website but it is saddening that you shirk other POV. Do you not care more about understanding issues - how is that political dissention?
I care not about influencing - only presenting another POV that seems to be desparately needed.
Submitted by Suzi LeVeaux on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 11:37am.
jill, we DO understand far more than you give us credit for, but often do not agree. You have presented your POV repeatedly. We get it. As long as you refrain from personal insults in the future, you may post your POV over and over again.
Submitted by Kim Miller on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 11:44am.
Jill, don't know if you realize it but your posts don't come across as opposing viewpoints. They come across as condescending, not just toward RFO-ers but toward people in general.
It comes across as "well, I know how to allocate my 401k, therefore everyone else should too." Guess what? I've been in the investments biz for over 20 years, and lots of people don't know about investing. That doesn't make them less intelligent, it just makes the world a well-rounded place to live. A brilliant artist doesn't know how to plan for retirement on her own? Shame on her! A skilled surgeon doesn't spend his precious spare time learning about estate taxation? Well, he should be more like Jill.
Perhaps if you framed your arguments more from that perspective, I for one might have more patience with it.
The problems we face will not be solved by the minds that created them.
Submitted by aileron on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 11:44am.
Jill, the only people I aim to insult are the ones who disparage the patriotism of people who live in certain parts of the country including, apparently, the GOP's selection for VPOTUS.
Of course it's ridiculous of me to argue that there were more so-called Founding Fathers from blue states.
"Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions." -Thomas Jefferson.
"I don't understand the condesceding nature that this blog has taken."
Jill, you are an articulate and seemingly intelligent Republican. Do you agree with the likes of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman when they call anyone who disagrees with them anti-American? Palin has made the statement by ommisson. Bachman has come right out and said it.
Liberal doesn't equate to Anti American. Dissention and disagreement allow for a collection of ideas and for the best alternative to be chosen.
Oddly enough, I could draw the same parallel to this forum - the not wanting to hear or discuss of differing opinions (not the Anti American sentiment). Why would that be?
As far as your question is concerned, I cannot answer that for you. I'm clearly not doing your thinking for you, therefore, I cannot answer how you can draw your conclusion.
However, I can give you my humble opinion: I realize you've just been publically chastised by the moderator. That's always a jagged little pill to swallow, but in all faireness, I've also witnessed our moderator chastise other members of this forum who are Republicans for Obama being insulting to other members.
I think it's clear that you were called out for personal insult and not for your POV. I, for one, have enjoyed many of your posts, and have even learned from them. I would agree that it is important to have a contrasting POV, and I'm glad you're here to provide that... just not in an insulting way.
To answer the question about the seeminly downward tone of the site recently: Personally, I think we're all a little sensitive here, today, having been called anti-American by two very prominant public officials, because our POV's differ from theirs. Quite frankly, there is nothing more unAmerican than calling someone unAmerican because they don't agree with a fellow citizen. The fact that we can agree to disagree without personally attacking each other is one of the things that makes our country great!
Submitted by cameron12 on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 11:40am.
"Liberal doesn't equate to Anti American. Dissention and disagreement
allow for a collection of ideas and for the best alternative to be
chosen."
Well Jill just explain your point and move on. Whether people accept it or not should not be your objective. Some people will and some people won't. I can tell you this much this anti-american or pro-american rhetoric bullcrap is played and old. Anybody who pays taxes here is an American.
Submitted by DiBaskin on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 2:49pm.
Well I am the only on in my neighborhood to have red, white and blue house numbers on the curb. I also have a flag pole in front with three flag holders on my house. Appearance is everything. It doesn't matter that they were there when I brought the house. This is like the flag pin thing. It doesn't prove anything.
As I read and listen to others there are spots in the U.S that I question patiotism, for instance on the radio the other day I heard of a reporter going out, I will leave out the place, but he went out to this place and was interviewing Barack supporters and was asking questions, they were questions like, What do you think of Baracks VP selection of Sarah Palin, many people thought it was a good pick, told these people McCain plans on issues and said they were baracks plans and these people thought they were good plans. I don't know exactly what you call this, perhaps unpatriotic is not the term, I not sure what the term is.
Submitted by Piquedinterest on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 3:11pm.
You are referring to one of Howard Stern's lackeys asking people in Harlem seriously misleading questions. The responses are attributable to a lack of knowledge. In my mind, it has nothing to do with patriotism. If they were really being "fair" they would've tried the same stunt in suburbia. It was clearly biased and disgusting and the fact that it's being cited all over the place is even more so.
Actually I don't know the radio station but perhaps it was referring to what you are talking about, I just heard about it and brought it up. I am sure it does work both ways as the are probably ones who think George Bush is running again or it Obama and McCain against Biden and Palin, these people do exist and that is what I wonder what this is called is it unpatriotic or what is it. Also I don't listen to Howard Stern I can tell you that.
Submitted by David 4 Obama on Sun, 10/19/2008 - 7:34pm.
What do most Republicans know about patriotism after grinding our nation into the ground with their economic and political policies?
Its time to tell John McCain, Sarah Palin and all of their Republican necons to "love America or leave it." Sarah likes hunting, so she should head off to Iraq to fight the war she wants US to fight. Its time we required every politician who promotes a war to fight it in person. The truth is many Republicans don't like our nation, and complain constantly about those who do not look like them, worship like them, or vote like them. They don't like Americans very much, so maybe they should seek another country like Iran or North Korea where their autocratic beliefs will be welcomed.
We are all proud to be American. I think national response to 9/11 proved that.
10/10/2008: The day I early-voted for Barack Obama!
Call me crazy... but I'm the eternal optimist and think that we are all proud to be American.
There have been times, especially over the past 8 years, when I have been unhappy with the way our country has been used and presented to the rest of the world.... but I am STILL proud to be American.
Is it a perfect country? There is no such thing as "perfect" in this life. But, it is the best that the world has to offer and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Period.
The correct answer to this question is that some people think they are more patriotic than others because they define it terms that people who think like ME are patriotic and others are not.
Exactly, lep.
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, & wiser people so full of doubts.
-- Bertrand Russel
What patriotism means is up for each person to define. For me it is knowing what is going on in America not just putting your hand over your heart to recite the Pledge or singing the National Anthem.
This is truly dissappointing: Americans Flunk Simple 3-Question Political Survey
18% of people polled could answer the following 3 questions:
Name the following:
Controlling party of the U.S. House of Representatives
The U.S. secretary of state
Great Britian's PM
Heh -- that means that you are in the minority with the rest of us.
Welcome!
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, & wiser people so full of doubts.
-- Bertrand Russel
Yes, the people in my cul-de-sac are the most patriotic in this country. And of those homes, I am the most patriotic of us all. Therefore I declare that I shall be Supreme Ruler of all that is The United States of America. (Or I wouldn't mind being called Your Majesty.)
My first act shall be to have Sarah Palin bow before me, kiss my ring and ask my forgiveness for assuming that I am not as patriotic as she.
I think Ms. Palin is confusing patriotism and blind loyalty.
Great quote AG! Oh if we could only resurrect Mark Twain to help us out in the 21st century!
Unfortunately, I don't think Sarah Palin has ever heard of Mark Twain, let alone read him. ;)
Attn: People in the red states.
Re: Patriotism.
Most of the patriotic Founding Fathers who you reference so frequently were from blue states.
Sincerely,
John Hancock.
Really?
Even if you paint the 13 originial colonies with the demographics of the corresponding states (250-300 years later) there would only be 4 traditionally red states. Stands to reason that a majority of the framers would be from 'blue states'. Interestingly enough - most were businessman, speculators, public officialls - while only 2 were farmers.
How do you even correlate this geography with patriotism? Funny most people today can't even name which party is control of congress. Yes indeed we Americans are so patriotic.
Attn: Intelligent People
Re: aileron's post
Nothing to read here. Please move along.
Sincerely,
Common Sense.
jill, a bit of levity on a serious subject seemed to go right past you, therefore I am trying to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Your barbs are becoming personal attacks, and I am asking you officially to back off.
Thank you, Suzi
There is nothing funny about that post. It is a direct insult but since it seems to fit with your agenda you overlook that insult.
I perhaps went overboard and should have just left off the bit at the end. Will refrain in the future.
I don't understand the condesceding nature that this blog has taken. There are always 2 sides and disagreements but rather than rationally discuss it seems much easier to post propaganda and denigrating remarks. I know this election cycle has been tough but does that absolve everyone from remaining civil.
I have been overreacting to some of responses I have received so I do apologize for that. If you would like please feel free to scrub the mock at the end of the post.
jill, I reread the post in question and found no personal inult within.
Even your "apology" is confrontational, and attempts to excuse yourself for your behavior.
While I totally agree that there are always two sides, and we are always open to discussion of opinions, we grow weary of being constantly pounded with that opposing opinion. For the most part, we are a group of intelligent, educated voters, who have examined and researched the facts in reaching our decisions. But we are not a site founded for the purpose of political dissention. We are Republicans FOR Obama, which makes our position clear. Our purpose is to help elect Barack Obama, and to give other Republicans, who are upset at what our party has become, a safe haven with like minded people. Our purpose is much larger than this one election, although I don't expect you to see that.
With all of that said, if RFO is so troubling to you, perhaps you would be happier at a site that is more suited to your particular needs. You are not going to influence anyone here.
Fascinating you see it this way. I was only trying to illustrate my POV and why I reacted. Why is it you have one set of standards for people you agree with and another set for those you don't? Of course it is your call as moderator but shouldn't that mean you apply rules equally?
I realize the purpose of this website but it is saddening that you shirk other POV. Do you not care more about understanding issues - how is that political dissention?
I care not about influencing - only presenting another POV that seems to be desparately needed.
jill, we DO understand far more than you give us credit for, but often do not agree. You have presented your POV repeatedly. We get it. As long as you refrain from personal insults in the future, you may post your POV over and over again.
Case closed.
Thank you, Suzi
Jill, don't know if you realize it but your posts don't come across as opposing viewpoints. They come across as condescending, not just toward RFO-ers but toward people in general.
It comes across as "well, I know how to allocate my 401k, therefore everyone else should too." Guess what? I've been in the investments biz for over 20 years, and lots of people don't know about investing. That doesn't make them less intelligent, it just makes the world a well-rounded place to live. A brilliant artist doesn't know how to plan for retirement on her own? Shame on her! A skilled surgeon doesn't spend his precious spare time learning about estate taxation? Well, he should be more like Jill.
Perhaps if you framed your arguments more from that perspective, I for one might have more patience with it.
The problems we face will not be solved by the minds that created them.
Jill, the only people I aim to insult are the ones who disparage the patriotism of people who live in certain parts of the country including, apparently, the GOP's selection for VPOTUS.
Of course it's ridiculous of me to argue that there were more so-called Founding Fathers from blue states.
"Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions." -Thomas Jefferson.
"I don't understand the condesceding nature that this blog has taken."
Jill, you are an articulate and seemingly intelligent Republican. Do you agree with the likes of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman when they call anyone who disagrees with them anti-American? Palin has made the statement by ommisson. Bachman has come right out and said it.
What do you think about the subject?
Liberal doesn't equate to Anti American. Dissention and disagreement allow for a collection of ideas and for the best alternative to be chosen.
Oddly enough, I could draw the same parallel to this forum - the not wanting to hear or discuss of differing opinions (not the Anti American sentiment). Why would that be?
Thanks for clarifying.
As far as your question is concerned, I cannot answer that for you. I'm clearly not doing your thinking for you, therefore, I cannot answer how you can draw your conclusion.
However, I can give you my humble opinion: I realize you've just been publically chastised by the moderator. That's always a jagged little pill to swallow, but in all faireness, I've also witnessed our moderator chastise other members of this forum who are Republicans for Obama being insulting to other members.
I think it's clear that you were called out for personal insult and not for your POV. I, for one, have enjoyed many of your posts, and have even learned from them. I would agree that it is important to have a contrasting POV, and I'm glad you're here to provide that... just not in an insulting way.
To answer the question about the seeminly downward tone of the site recently: Personally, I think we're all a little sensitive here, today, having been called anti-American by two very prominant public officials, because our POV's differ from theirs. Quite frankly, there is nothing more unAmerican than calling someone unAmerican because they don't agree with a fellow citizen. The fact that we can agree to disagree without personally attacking each other is one of the things that makes our country great!
"Liberal doesn't equate to Anti American. Dissention and disagreement allow for a collection of ideas and for the best alternative to be chosen."
Well Jill just explain your point and move on. Whether people accept it or not should not be your objective. Some people will and some people won't. I can tell you this much this anti-american or pro-american rhetoric bullcrap is played and old. Anybody who pays taxes here is an American.
As I read and listen to others there are spots in the U.S that I question patiotism, for instance on the radio the other day I heard of a reporter going out, I will leave out the place, but he went out to this place and was interviewing Barack supporters and was asking questions, they were questions like, What do you think of Baracks VP selection of Sarah Palin, many people thought it was a good pick, told these people McCain plans on issues and said they were baracks plans and these people thought they were good plans. I don't know exactly what you call this, perhaps unpatriotic is not the term, I not sure what the term is.
What do most Republicans know about patriotism after grinding our nation into the ground with their economic and political policies?
Its time to tell John McCain, Sarah Palin and all of their Republican necons to "love America or leave it." Sarah likes hunting, so she should head off to Iraq to fight the war she wants US to fight. Its time we required every politician who promotes a war to fight it in person. The truth is many Republicans don't like our nation, and complain constantly about those who do not look like them, worship like them, or vote like them. They don't like Americans very much, so maybe they should seek another country like Iran or North Korea where their autocratic beliefs will be welcomed.