Quote:
Originally posted by DragonMage:
Guys - Istaron and AboveTheRimYo, for example - the reason I take offense at the tone is that I am aware of the fact that, while some people and some whole countries think America is great, other people and countries don't. That's fine. But what I wish you would understand is that not ALL American citizens are what is projected. We have no more say - ultimately - in what our government does than you do in yours. It keeps coming across to me that you seem to hold 'we, the people' responsible when this country isn't for 'we, the people' anymore - not really. Yes, we vote on our leaders, but anyone we vote on can screw up. How are we, the individuals, now responsible for their decisions? I certainly have no say in whether or not we declare war.
It just seems that those of you who have a bad view of America and Americans due to our GOVERNMENT'S decisions are saying that we are all bad and are happy about everything. Some are, some aren't. But being rude or sarcastic certainly isn't going to get you taken seriously. And insulting people - ATRY - is going to get you ignored in the end instead of having your views considered.
Oh! I don't know why I bother! You've decided we're all a bunch of bullies.
[This message has been edited by DragonMage (edited 10-10-2001).]
|
Oh illuminated sister DragonMage, I AM an American.
I am glad to be living in this country. However, that does not mean it is perfect or beyond criticism. Criticizing American's political actions is NOT the same thing as claiming all Americans are scum, and I think you know that.
Are we to say that America's actions cannot be criticized, because that would be an attack on the American people?
Even in Nazi Germany, not all Germans supported the terrible actions done by Hitler's government. Surely you don't believe that condemning the actions of that Nazi government, even in harsh terms, amounts to condemning the whole German people? Surely one can criticize that goverment without attacking the whole people?
I think, as an American, that the American government and its actions in recent history very much need to be criticized. That does not mean i condemn all Americans (which of course would include condemning myself
)
Food for thought