The controversy with Rev. wright brought up an interesting discourse about patriotism. There are two sets of people in America; the first group believes any utterance of criticism of the US is completely unpatriotic and the second believes that dissent protects democracy. I have met many people who believe that America is perfect and that we should never say anything negative about it. We all have heard when people who publicly express discontent are often told things such as "if you don't love America then leave the country". The people who hold this belief, I believe just don't know their history. Well here is a news flash-America is not perfect. Gasp! Should I leave the country because I am an unpatriotic communist? It was the work of people who were critical and willing to protest that were responsible for bringing about change in the many things that America has gotten wrong. For example, women would not have the right to vote, we would still have slavery and segregation. People who are critical of America are not so because they are unpatriotic, it is because they love America and want it to be the best it can possibly be. America was founded on the same principles that protesters believe in. America was founded because of unjust treatment from the British. The type of government we have is based on dissent. If you are not happy with elected officials or how they are running things, it is not patriotic to support them no matter what. It is actually your civic duty to vote for someone new, the very act of voting is to show your criticism or your approval. The Second amendment, the right to bear arms was created so that the people could have a militia in the event that there was corrupt government, the people could overtake it. Protesting an unjust war is not unpatriotic, it is the exact opposite. It is your right and duty to voice when you believe that America is participating in something unjust or wrong. These principles is what this country was founded upon.
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