Why are patriotic Americans so blinded by their patriotism that they cannot see what is actually going on?
348796
We are on the same page. People are making this a witch hunt and are forgetting who allowed this situation to get out of control. They are ignoring the ones that have benefited from exploiting cheap labor and making tons of money from poverty stricken illegals. Shame on American patriots!!
305790
What makes you ask this?  Do you think thee is a lack of patriotism in the US?\n\nIf so, I couldnt disagree more.  Even in a time where we are fighting a very unpopular war, there are American flags on every corner and a "support our troops" magnet on every 3rd car.\n\nOr maybe I just think that because I'm in the Air Force and live in a military community
373703
What a loaded question. XD \nOver the past several years, events in this country have caused feelings of increasing disdain for my fellow Americans (yes, I am American). I'm not quite sure of the one source this ignorance stems from, but I've widdled it down to either fear, the media, or blind patriotism. All those things do seem to connect. \nIf given the choice, I think Americans would much rather live in ignorance, feeling that they are the strongest, most powerful nation, where no opposing force can touch us. Whenever an event like 9-11 happens to destroy that false sense of security, people forget to use their common sense.\nOf course, the media does play on people's fear. They've been doing it for years, even before this whole War in Iraq fiasco. The news covers things like, "How to protect your 15 year old from internet predators," and "Bird Flu is coming, so stock up on imperishables." "How to keep your child out of the gun closet" is a good one too. \nBut during times of heightened paranoia, people really have been looking for a figure to turn to give them hope and peace of mind. Some will turn to God, believing that faith is the way to peace and safety in one's life. Then some of those will turn to Bush, hoping a man close to God will show them the way. \nBut if you were to take God out of this picture, you would see that Bush is two-faced and has no more inner strength and intelligence than your average blue-collared factory worker. \nOh, wait, those are in short supply in America these days. \nAnyways, Bush is just an average guy. \nSo why is he president? In my opinion, this is what really kills me, how twice he could beat opponents who had plans for the well-being of the country, who had better backgrounds, who were more knowledgeable about all the problems our country has... \nBut the majority vote went to the man who talked of patriotism and faith in God and country. In times of crisis, the weak-minded will follow the man who speaks of ideal circumstances. Bush pretty much sweet-talked his way into the White House. \nIt is really far more complicated than this, but I'm sure I've given a basic answer to your question.
385287
Why don't americans realize....?\n\nAnswer; Right wing fascist propaganda.
149191
Yes, there are many people who love Bush and think all of his stumbles and gaffes were made up by the media.  These are the same people who think that if you criticize the president, you are somehow giving comfort to "the enemy" and are a traitor.  They say they believe in America and the flag, but they would stifle freedom of speech in the name of patriotism.  They scare me because if there are enough of them, they can destroy America and all that it stands for.
701225
Why do you Americans have such little pride in your Nation? Do you not realise how much derision you attract from Europe because of your enthusiasm for fools and bigots like the Bushes and Regan?\nNone of these would go far in any European country
1073589
Unfortunately, the general populace's lack of interest in politics, its complete apathy, failure to vote, to find out what is really going on in this country, has lead to the intolerable situation we find ourselves in right now.\n\nI'm sure that not every public official is a bad person; the law of probability alone does not allow it.  However, the average American citizen does not know much about his/her local and national officials, the pressing issues of the day, laws, etc.\n\nTherefore, we now take what we are told at face value, do not question anything for fear of bashing/retribution, and accept what the press and politicians tells us - the webs of lies craftly spun to keep us ignorant, in the name of "National Security".  The abuse of power is blatant and appalling.\n\nNot only are we at war, but foreign countries have bought much of our important domestic assets, our privacy is basically non-existant, we are denounced as traitors if we dare question laws such as the Patriot Act, our phones are being tapped, our e-mail messages and regular mail read, etc.\n\nIt is terrible, scary, and indecent.  Our country was founded precisely because our forefathers decried the intrusion of their mother country into their personal affairs.  How ironic then, that those who now try to preserve those Unalienable Rights, the same ones safeguarded and preserved with the blood of countless men, women, and children throughout our history, we are denounced as anti-American and told that if we don't like it, we should leave.\n\nThe signers of the Declaration of Independence must be rolling over in their graves.  What a tragedy.  It makes me very sad.
76611
Because Americans are so patriotic about their country, flag, and beliefs. Disclaimer: I think that's a good thing too.
923546
I hear that.  I find it ironic that our country was founded by people who spoke out against the establishment, and yet now we are faced with an administration that claims that if we don't think, speak and act like them we are against them and giving comfort and safe harbor to the terrorists.  BS!  I love this country - if I didn't I wouldn't be so concerned about its current direction.  I am a Patriot.  I'm also a huge fan of thinking for myself.   Bottom line - you are not a traitor.
1156274
The flag is the symbol of our COUNTRY ... not the successive governments ... consequently, if you desecrate the flag, you desecrate the country ... any American who desecrates the flag, spits on his country and on the people who spent their lives defending it ... well, if that's what they want to do, then that's what they want to do, in the name of "freedom of speech" .. personally, I think if anyone feels they have a need to express contempt for their country, all I can say is ... America is not for you ... get out of it ...
1031449
was this sort of on, sort of not on, the news tonight?  All I saw was them talking about an "incident" and not saying what it was.  \n\nWhat you describe is a horrific crime and brings shame on those men's families, combrades, country, and flag.   But the answer to the question is that everyone is capable of their very own acts of evil.  \n\nThe question here may be partly one of respect.   If you think you're part of the best nation on earth, what is everyone else?   If you can dehumanise the "others", regarding them as less than you, you can justify anything. That is not a uniquely American problem - aggressor nations very often commit horrible violations, with attitudes like that never far away from the action.\n\nBut it's also about self-respect.   If that were you doing that, could you look yourself in the eye afterwards?   Of course not.   So how can they?   People who have pride in their good qualities are less likely to descend to such horrible depths.\n\nNot much of an answer, more of just a train of thought.   Not much shocks me these days, but that does.   If I believed in hell, I reckon I would believe in it for that.
504810
A difficult question.\n\nI do notice that a lot of the public response that I heard or read (especially in letters to the editor) seemed to indicate that most Americans don't understand that our constitution gives anyone who is physically present inside our borders, whether or not a citizen, the right to peacefully assemble and to express their opinion. \n\nMoreover, they further fail to understand that our Founding fathers regarded such expressions of divergent opinion to be not merely things to be tolerated but a positive good that makes a valuable contribution to public understanding of issues.\n\nThere has always been a streak of nativist bigotry in America. They even had a party of their own back in the 19th century which was popularly called the "Know Nothings." I see from some of the answers here that, sadly, they live on.
1133500
Because people don't like to take responsibility for their actions. And also it is an extremely rare quality of character to have to be able to say "I was mistaken." John Kerry has the backbone to say, "I made a mistake". That requires character. Instead of being able to appreciate that these people went on to call him flip-flopper, as if they never made a mistake in their life. But anyways, as I was saying these people don't like the idea that the government is not benevolent and is not looking after them. Because saying that comes with a lot of responsibility. When you say we don't want King George (irony!) as our king, you have to fight a war of independence and draft your own constitution. Now thats an enormous responsibility. The founding fathers weren't afraid of that responsibility so they went ahead and did what they had to do. The people you are talking about lack the intelligence, courage or moral backbone to do that. Instead they dig their heads in the sand and pretend the government is good and will always take care of them. And since there wasn't enough sand in America to cover all their heads, they had to go to Iraq to find more sand. And hence anyone who disturbs that fake sense of stability and peace seems to be an enemy to them. And they start crying "unpatriotic" and etc.\n\nThese people think patriotism is limited to supporting the war and supporting the president. They don't see patriotism in helping the poor and needy who are also fellow Americans. They don't see patriotism in uplifting the downtrodden who are also American. They don't see patriotism is envigorating the economy or creating new jobs for their fellow Americans. They don't see patriotism is protecting their environment although that is the American environment. Their sense of patriotism is myopic indeed.
1096284
Don't feel that they hate liberty and America exactly, but have own opinions that don't really express the true American spirit.  They tend to look at the small picture instead of the whole.
454146
Because people hate what they don't know. It's really sad to see Americans say some things they do on here. It shows just how narrow minded we can be. It's a disgrace, and they're the ones who probably claim to be the most patriotic. Which is nothing but bs. Part of what makes this country so great is the diversity. Instead of such racism, they should show an eagerness to learn.
941476
No they understand it. Why do they care though? They don't care enough to wave an American flag, Learn our language, Raise their litters to be well behaved members of any society, Learn our culture rather than use ignorance as an excuse to change ours. Or apply for naturalization or citizenship because they truely love the country that is feeding them, providing them with special financing on everyhting from buying and owning property to SBA loans. They ruined their own country look at their water for example so they have now invaded the neighboring one like roaches moving to the next apartment. DON'T MISTAKE what I am saying...MY GRANDPARENTS WERE BORDER JUMPERS...but they where happy and greatful they contibuted served this country in times of war, hung an American flag, learned english and expected nothing. And became LEGAL citizensThey raised their litter (5 children total) to have respect and work hard instead of leech. They put themselves through college and raised their children as AMERICANS because thats what they we are. I chose to take Russian in HS and the only sentance I learned in spanish (as a HS student) Me Gusta Beber Cervesa. I like to drink beer.
122068
I believe most Americans can not see past their own noses.\nWe seem to be under a silvered bell jar inward looking only and not able to see past into the rest of the world.\nMost Americans only speak one language and have a world view presented to them by corporate controlled media.  We are kind of like the people in Plato's Cave.