Is it Un-American to be critical of Obama?

[Jabadoodle]

I'm just wondering, because we were told we were defeatist and unpatriotic if we thought the war in Iraq wasn't going to go well or if we spoke out against it.

So are those people saying that Obama can't live up to his promises and will fail -- are they Un-American, unpatriotic, and lilly-livered conservatives??

[DF]

Its actually Un-American NOT to be critical of any predident, for the sake of being Un-American.

[TEO]

I certainly hope not, as all Obama is to do, is to uphold the Constitution to the best of his ability.

[Chip]

No, this was what pissed me off the most about W and crew the polarization of party and patriotism.

descent is patriotic, and I'm glad it is the Right that will have the right, I won't call them Un-American, just asshole.

[Sir Nose]

No, this was what pissed me off the most about W and crew the polarization of party and patriotism.

descent is patriotic, and I'm glad it is the Right that will have the right, I won't call them Un-American, just asshole.

Many individuals of the world believe,

if your American, your an asshole

[Chip]

Many individuals of the world believe,

if your American, your an asshole

So what, they can think whatever asshole thoughts they want.

a lot like America and are trying to move here too.

A lot of Americans are assholes.

[Tabbooma]

Nope

[wookie luvvah]

No - that with us or against us shit is just that - bullshit.

It's not unamerican to speak up and say your opinion about anyone - including the president.

[Dolla Jill]

ya gotta be critical. hes only human, not god, and like ive said before, what a man says and what a man does are two different things. for the sake of hope alone, i so want him to suceed. but i also dont want him to succeed. there are changes he wishes to make that are just absurd
like gun and bullet laws..........if he get his way with that, then bye bye constitution, bye bye freedom and our rights

[Joia]

I don't know.... is the patriot act still in effect, or does it terminate when bush leaves office?

If the patriot act is still in effect, then it is unamerican to be critical of obama, but if the patriot act is nullified, then you are within your constitutional right to voice your opinions.

[Jabadoodle]

Exactly. It wasn't Un-American or unpatriotic then and it isn't now. I just wanted to point the light of reason at the hypocrites for a minute (or 4,207,680).

[KindGeeGirl]

Being un-american continues to be a subjective opinion.

I have high hopes for Obama so if he starts fucking up I will start bashing him lightening speed quicker than I did Bush after 9/11.

[bast]

I'd say it's very American to criticize, but maybe not so politically correct to be critical of Obama right now. I'm certainly not going over to the local projects and screaming Obama Sucks.

[Feesh]

Just don't say what Ralph Nader said! ;)

[GoPlastic]

I'd say it's very American to criticize, but maybe not so politically correct to be critical of Obama right now. I'm certainly not going over to the local projects and screaming Obama Sucks.

:wavey:

i used to rehearse in a warehouse next to those projects.

i wouldn't scream that, either.

:heart: LB :heart:

[vinandtonic]

my thoughts on Obama:

I'm excited that the end of the W era is nigh. I don't really know what to expect from Obama though. A lot of people view him as a savior who is going to wave his magic wand and everything will be alright. To me, he's like someone you've had a crush on for a while, but you don't know very well, who asks you out on a date. You're excited yet nervous because you don't know what's going to happen.

so I guess that makes me cautiously hopeful?

[HoopsTer]

That's a really good analogy! :)

[Don Nucka]

Yes it is. I cite as precedent
The Bush Family, Cheney et al.. vs the People of America, 2000-Jan 2009.
What's good for the goose............
Now lets send Rush Limpballs off to Gitmo!

[In A Silent Way]

Americans have been criticizing the President since the beginning of the republic. Jefferson took so much heat from the press that he didn't want his presidency mentioned on his grave stone.

[Feesh]

These next hundred days will be very interesting!

[elder]

I wish Obama well, we need change, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I think it's funny how he is being called "great" already and how the country is celebrating so whole heartedly, but he has proven nothing except getting elected when the country obviously needed a change.

Change is what he promises, but many of the same contributors to his party payed to play in the last so how much change can actually be made remains to be seen.

In my opinion they should do away with this Inauguration party and throw one at the end of his term. Accomplishments, then measurable can be cerebrated, instead of celebrating blind faith.

[Feesh]

Well, the guy has to be sworn in.

[Joker]

If you don't want to be labeled a racist around here, you best keep your mouth shut and not criticize him

[Feesh]

That axe of yours must be ground down to a nub, Jack. ;)

[Joker]

On the contrary I imagine it's sharp enough to get me "axed" from this place for doing no more than speaking the truth :lol:

[TEO]

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" ~ Jack Nicholson from some movie

[DF]

I wish Obama well, we need change, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I think it's funny how he is being called "great" already and how the country is celebrating so whole heartedly, but he has proven nothing except getting elected when the country obviously needed a change.

Change is what he promises, but many of the same contributors to his party payed to play in the last so how much change can actually be made remains to be seen.

In my opinion they should do away with this Inauguration party and throw one at the end of his term. Accomplishments, then measurable can be cerebrated, instead of celebrating blind faith.

good point.

[TEO]

I was thinking of all the good that could have been done with the $50 million being spent on all the inaugrual parties and such.

[BHB]

ouch, that swearing in hit some hiccups / stuttering. that was hard to watch for a moment.

[wookie luvvah]

ouch, that swearing in hit some hiccups / stuttering. that was hard to watch for a moment.

It was very human. All who gathered in my office did a bit a of a giggle.

[drvic]

It is patriotic to question your elected officials.

[mario]

Most of what I think on this issue has already been expressed in this thread. The one thing I will add is it would be naive to criticize him just now, before he's had the chance to actually DO anything. :lol: I'm taking a wait and see. I hope he does great things for the country, but I hardly believe we've all hopped onto the gumball express to candy mountain.

If we have, I better not wake up without a kidney!

[Joe]

Its actually Un-American NOT to be critical of any predident, for the sake of being Un-American.

Agreed 100%.

As Americans our freedom allows us to question our leaders. If we can not question our leaders we would just be a dictatorship.

[lost-in-boston]

like gun and bullet laws..........if he get his way with that, then bye bye constitution, bye bye freedom and our rights

well lets not get carried away here....I doubt its bye bye freedom...no more than the last too many years. :wink:

I think he needs to be given a fair shot and not deemed as a savior or a failure in his first moments in office...
I think he is giving some Americans what they need, hope. Sometimes all you need is a little sunshine on your face to push on through the tough times. He has some BIG plans to follow through on...we shall see.
I personally thought it was amazing that so many people were there. That so many people are excited. Hell if someone can get me talking presidents and politics he must be at least a good speaker :blush: :lol:

[Nevrmore]

I was thinking of all the good that could have been done with the $50 million being spent on all the inaugrual parties and such.



I had the same thought :undecided:

[Jesse D]

I had the same thought :undecided:
No shit!!! Or the 3 carat diamonds in Michelle O's ears...

[elder]

...he must be at least a good speaker :blush: :lol:

I will give him that. Listening to him speak at least I'm no longer embarrassed to be an American...like I was whenever W stumbled his way through the English language.

But words are words. We need change. We have no economy anymore. We're financially bleeding to death. Stop the bailouts. Reduce taxes (corporate too somehow). Stop lavish govt. parties on our bill. What a statement and example of sacrifice he COULD have made if he just said no this $50 million party and just got to work.

I WANT MY MONEY BACK!:joker:

[Luna]

I think there is a lot of pressure laid on one man. If things fail its not all his fault, if things get better he is not the only one to thank. He is a symbol with some power, not all. All we can do and he can do is hope that his ideas are the right ones for the right time. But I think its just fine to feel a lil extra hope today :heart: Make it a fresh start tomorrow. :)

[KindGeeGirl]

If you don't want to be labeled a racist around here, you best keep your mouth shut and not criticize him

Or say he will have fried chicken, collard greens and watermelon for dinner :funny1:

[Nevrmore]

Or say he will have fried chicken, collard greens and watermelon for dinner :funny1:

oh great, now I'm hungry! :funny1:

[SunshineDrummer]

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" ~ Jack Nicholson from some movie

That would be "A Few Good Men" whose plotline (interestingly enough) surrounded the prosecution of soldiers stationed at Guantanamo Bay for hazing.

[dizzy lizzy]

Absolutely not. It is called free speech.

[Joker]

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" ~ Jack Nicholson from some movie

It's beginning to look that way.

The "truth" around here is that it's acceptable to attack and criticize the US government and it's politicians but if God forbid there's a thread that dares criticize Israel (or hell even the mention of Israel) the thread will be removed to another forum.

I do have a hard time handling this truth.

Blatant hypocrisy, double standards and the suppression of dialogue concerning events that will affect us all just because some have a problem with anything that shows Israel in a negative light is a truth we should all have trouble handling.

Then again it's been shown time and time again truth, honesty and fairness aren't really important to some folks around here. :censor:

[purple cowboy]

I wish Obama well, we need change, but I'll believe it when I see it.

I think it's funny how he is being called "great" already and how the country is celebrating so whole heartedly, but he has proven nothing except getting elected when the country obviously needed a change.

Change is what he promises, but many of the same contributors to his party payed to play in the last so how much change can actually be made remains to be seen.

In my opinion they should do away with this Inauguration party and throw one at the end of his term. Accomplishments, then measurable can be cerebrated, instead of celebrating blind faith.

IMO the country isn't celebrating because Obama is great, they are celebrating because we have just endured what history will show as one of the three worst presidencies in our nation's history. The feeling would have been the same no matter who the next President was, as long as it wasn't another Republican. The social significance of Obama's win has also contributed to the feeling. I don't think it has anything to do with Obama being perceived as a great President.

[purple cowboy]

And yes, this doesn't belong on the Family Forum.

[Nevrmore]

Isn't "Thou Shalt Not Critisize the Obamessiah" one of the new commandments? :huh:

[robberry]

I'm sort of in the belief that if Obama does a third of what he's promised, he'll go down in history as a great president!!!

[mule64]

as long as folks are as critical with Obama's decisions and policies as they were with past administrations, I think it is a good thing. If folks just sweep problems under the rug so as to not criticize the current administration, I think it is wrong.

[Chip]

as long as folks are as critical with Obama's decisions and policies as they were with past administrations, I think it is a good thing. If folks just sweep problems under the rug so as to not criticize the current administration, I think it is wrong.
And too similar to the Bush Administration, and Red State folks from about 3 years ago.

[little frog]

my thoughts on Obama:

I'm excited that the end of the W era is nigh. I don't really know what to expect from Obama though. A lot of people view him as a savior who is going to wave his magic wand and everything will be alright. To me, he's like someone you've had a crush on for a while, but you don't know very well, who asks you out on a date. You're excited yet nervous because you don't know what's going to happen.

so I guess that makes me cautiously hopeful?


yeah .. co-sign .. i think it might be a little early to be critical of Obama since today is his first day on the job.

however a government by the people for the people is meant to be judged BY THE PEOPLE .. amen :heart:

[Deadshow Dan]

this thread is hilarious

[purple cowboy]

http://i41.tinypic.com/2mw7ct2.jpg

[cybertentbob]

It's beginning to look that way.

The "truth" around here is that it's acceptable to attack and criticize the US government and it's politicians but if God forbid there's a thread that dares criticize Israel (or hell even the mention of Israel) the thread will be removed to another forum.

I do have a hard time handling this truth.

Blatant hypocrisy, double standards and the suppression of dialogue concerning events that will affect us all just because some have a problem with anything that shows Israel in a negative light is a truth we should all have trouble handling.

Then again it's been shown time and time again truth, honesty and fairness aren't really important to some folks around here. :censor:Joker

It's acceptable to attack and critisize whomever you want ....
The problem most of us have with Israel bashing is that If it were OUR country being attacked you'd be the first to step up and fight to protect it...yet you have a problem dealing with the simple fact that one side(Israel) has tried over and over again to make peace and the other side BLATENTLY says they have no interest in it UNLESS they get Israel! Joker this is fact!. Do you really think I like the Palestinians letting their children die as martyrs??? The choice for peace is THEIRS.
By continueing terrorism against Israel they make it impossible to get peace. It's not a zionist conspiracy..it's a common sense conspiracy.

the problem with the boards in my opinion is that some people think that there is no wrong and right and that we should coddle people who use terror as a political tool.

:joker:

[staggerlee024]

WHY IS THIS THREAD ALLOWED IN THE "FAMILY" FORUM?

[Joker]

Joker

It's acceptable to attack and critisize whomever you want ....
The problem most of us have with Israel bashing is that If it were OUR country being attacked you'd be the first to step up and fight to protect it...yet you have a problem dealing with the simple fact that one side(Israel) has tried over and over again to make peace and the other side BLATENTLY says they have no interest in it UNLESS they get Israel! Joker this is fact!. Do you really think I like the Palestinians letting their children die as martyrs??? The choice for peace is THEIRS.
By continueing terrorism against Israel they make it impossible to get peace. It's not a zionist conspiracy..it's a common sense conspiracy.

the problem with the boards in my opinion is that some people think that there is no wrong and right and that we should coddle people who use terror as a political tool.

:joker:

You don't see anything wrong or hypocritical in allowing threads that bash OUR country to remain in the family forum while those that bash a foreign country are removed asap?

See the thing is it's not acceptable to attack and criticize Israel in threads in the family forum yet these threads attacking Bush and the US governments policies have a history of being allowed to remain.

While a post like the one I posted last week about the media being banned from Gaza is shuffled right over to here simply because it shows Israel in a bad light.

Even if I did have a problem with the fact Israel has tried to make peace (which I don't) that still doesn't explain why threads critical of the US are continually left on the family board while those critical of Israel are immediately removed.

Notice all the threads that were allowed to remain before finally being moved?

Notice how my thread discussing the banning of the media from a war zone was removed in no time despite the fact there was no insults, name calling or any other reason to move it?

[DifferentDrummer]

being critical of a corrupt & criminal administration is not "bashing our country".

in fact, it's the most patriotic thing you can do.


i always found it odd that you can see through all of the pro-israel jingoism, yet you fall victim to the same exact thing w/ the u.s.

[PeaceFrog]

I already disagree with a few of his cabinet appointments.