The Patriotism Game: Completely Disgusting

Martin · 15 years (8:24 PM · Sep 3, 2008)

I've tried not to watch any of it, but by chance I caught a bit of the Republican National Convention this evening, while trying to relax after work. As you've probably guessed from the title of this post, I am completely disgusted by the whole thing.

I try to stay away from the topic of politics here for the most part, but the tiny bit of the convention that I happened to see (Mitt Romney's portion of the show) made my blood boil, and I simply have to say something about it.

During my brief viewing, Mr. Romney continued beating the desparate drum of nationalism and fanning the flames of divison and hatred between countrymen. Over and over, he stated in so many ways that the Republican party is the party of patriotism and love for country, and that to be anything else is anti-American, supporting terrorism, ad naseum.

I'm tired of this utterly stupid stance. It's a pathetic attempt to appeal to your fears of the unknown, and it makes me sick that anyone in any political party would find need to wield this ridiculous argument against his fellow American.

We all want this country to be great. We all want this to be a good place for our children. We want the U.S. to be a prosperous country where anyone who's willing to put in the work can make something for themselves. That is the "American Dream," is it not?

To suggest that someone who strives for the same things as you, but by slightly different means, is completely against the U.S. and ideals that drive it is completely insane. I'm perfectly happy sharing this country with others who have all sorts of different ideas from mine - that's what makes the world work, after all. Working together with people who don't share the same thoughts as me helps me grow as a person, and helps us all accomplish many otherrwise impossible goals. Anyone who has any sort of relationship with other people can recognize that compromise is the corner stone of progress, and yet instead of encouraging people to work together and help maintain unity during these trying times, the Republican party would rather see the nation's citizens bicker amongst themselves.

Demonizing one party or the other for striving to make this country great in a different way than you accomplishes nothing but create divisions between neighbors, relatives, and friends. It makes people look upon others with fear, and it prevents people from enjoying life.

Neither party wants bad things to happen to this country. Neither party is helping terrorists. Neither party is any more patriotic or "American" (whatever that means) than the other.

Let's stop this shit once and for all. Whether you're liberal, conservative, or somewhere in between the two, I urge you to look past all this superficial patriotism garbage, and look at the real issues. The people who use this rhetoric are crooked liars, and you are a fool if you fall for it, no matter which party is pushing it at you.

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7 Comments

  • xot says:

    Divisiveness is how politicos have cemented votes for eternity. It’s a game (literally) that’s never going to change. I think a bigger problem is voter apathy and the pollution of the minds of those who actually do vote. If the press only did their job honestly (I’m looking at you television networks and newspaper editors), most of these jokers wouldn’t get into office, or if they did, they’d never get a second term. Corruption in government is horrible, but being kept ignorant of it more so.

    There are some alarming trends in this nation, but I still believe that of all the hellholes on Earth, this is by far the best one. If you don’t vote, vote! If you do vote, don’t vote the party line, vote with total selfishness using your informed conscience as a guide. And never forget, no matter who you vote for, they all suck. Tush, this old anarchist does ramble on.

  • That’s a good point Xot, and I agree – informing voters about their options and making them care about it is definitely a more important issue.

    The problem is that it’s hard to educate people on the issues and help them make informed choices when their opinions are already corrupted by this silly patriotism stuff. How do you show someone that they can vote on issues as they want, and not as their party wants, when their party makes them feel like they might be labeled a friend of the enemy if they do?

    The media is indeed also to blame – sensationalism sells, and intelligent conversation doesn’t. It’s a shame.

    Maybe I’m just being cynical, though. I do believe there is hope for reform in the whole process, if we push for it and help the people we know make informed decisions. But when I see some buffoon get on a stage, tell a room full of people that half of the other half of the country is welcoming terrorism into the country with open arms, and then see all the people cheer to this, it makes me wonder how much hope there really is.

    I don’t want people to agree with all my views on the issues… I just want them to stop allowing themselves to be wooed by empty husks who just repeat sound bytes over and over until the point is drilled home. It’s fine no matter which way you decide to vote – but please, do so because you actually believe in the cause, and not in fear of some fabricated evil.

  • xot says:

    “The media is indeed also to blame – sensationalism sells, and intelligent conversation doesn

  • “No matter how cynical you get, it

  • xot says:

    That’s a paraphrased Lily Tomlin quote. She’s has a lot of great ones, I should have credited her.

  • Yourself says:

    It’s also nice to know that if I vote the same way my state does (Illinois), my vote may essentially count for nothing. If one candidate wins the state, it doesn’t matter if the won by 1 vote or 1 million, it ends the same way. If I see another person lose an election even though they have the popular vote, I’m starting a revolution.

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