Love It or Leave It
I have never been known to shy be about critiquing American domestic/foreign policies and their consequences. There have been many times when people have responded to my critiques with the wise redneck sayings that goes something like this, "Hey man, you don't like America? Why don't you just leave then?". It is as if trying to hold political leaders to civilized standards is somehow an act of treason. What is so wrong with trying to hold America and its leaders accountable for its actions? Is America somehow not of this world and therefore cannot be held to account? Do the people with this "Love it or Leave it" mentality actually believe that America is incapable of wrong doing and does what is best in every situation?
You might agree with the "Love it or Leave it" club, but you need to be made aware of a few things before you place membership. The "Love it or Leave it" crowd is content to let injustice roam free for the sake of its own comfort and leisure. If one is to question the status quo, then they fear it might cost them their upper-middle class fairytale. This mode of thought is first step towards a totalitarian state where no one dares question the actions of the government or its leaders. Those who believe in the "Love it or Leave it" myth will be the first in line when they start to pass out the armbands because they have been made to believe everything the government does is for their own good.
I've been called naive numerous times for my passion for non-violence. But who is more naive, me or those who believe that government cannot tell a lie or do wrong? Me or those who believe that government does everything in the best interest of its citizens? America has inflicted vast amounts of suffering here at home and around the world, but I am not leaving any time soon. Those who are power hungry would like nothing more than to see those who disagree leave so that they could have their way unopposed.
It may sound strange, but I do believe America is full of great potential to good things. I critique America and its policies because I desire to see America live up to its potential it has shown in the past. One example was after WII when America decided to rebuild Europe with the Marshall Plan. This is the America I want to live in. Those who proclaim "Love it or Leave it" are unknowingly letting the good America slip away. We must critique America not to tear down, but to build up. In the end it is not a matter of "Love it or Leave it", but "Critique it or Loose it".
CJE
Coming Next Week: Deceiving The Youth
