Patriotism Paranoia: Democrats' Patriotism Problem

Weekly Standard ^ | 4/5/08 | Fred Barnes

[MartinaMisc]

During an appearance in Philadelphia last month, Hillary Clinton introduced a controversial couple as part of her presidential campaign. She defended them as victims of smear attacks. "Valerie and Joe have had their patriotism questioned," she insisted. "They have been maligned as un-American because they believed that President Bush was waging a preemptive war that was not in America's interests and now because we believe our troops should not police Iraq's civil war."

Of course this wasn't true. Both Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson were accused of being untruthful (and shameless self-promoters), not unpatriotic. Plame was a CIA official who blamed the Bush White House for revealing her identity to the media in retaliation against her husband. Wilson claimed the president lied about Saddam Hussein's efforts to obtain uranium in Africa. Actually, Bush was correct. Saddam had sought uranium in Africa. And Plame's identity had been leaked not by vengeful Bush aides but by a State Department official who was an Iraq war skeptic like Plame and Wilson.

The episode had a familiar ring, the ring of patriotism paranoia. When criticized for being soft or wrong on national security, Democrats routinely respond that their patriotism is being questioned. In fact, they're rarely if ever accused of being unpatriotic. But to the paranoid, that's immaterial.

John Kerry went so far in 2004 as to insist he knew how the Bush crowd would respond even before he delivered a foreign policy speech. "I know what the Bush apologists will say to this--that it is unpatriotic to question, to criticize, or to call for change," he said. Of course, Bush and his allies said nothing of the kind.

[EQAndyBuzz]

When questioned about saying someone isn’t patriotic, the Republican should say “you bet I said that. Now let them prove they are patriotic.”

[Morgan in Denver]

I’ll stand by my sig line.

[LibLieSlayer]

They are ALL ANTI-AMERICAN, marxist POS dims without a scintilla of PATRIOTISM... that's right... the plames should be put against a wall and shot for TREASON! hildy and her hubby too... for they aided and abetted many enemies of the US when if office... the chicoms especially!

LLS

[societygirl]

The Democrats DO have a patriotism problem, which always costs them the White House. It's because since Vietnam they are NOT patriotic. I tell them they hated Reagan because he defeated Communism, and they they were on THE OTHER SIDE. Many Dems were on the side of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and are now on China's. They are on the TERRORIST'S side, not the side of their own country. Nothing has changed, I see. Seems like treason, to me. Americans do not want traitors anywhere near the White house. Obama takes the cake. He wasn't even raised in this country.

[societygirl]

Kerry should be in the slammer for LIFE, for aiding and abetting the Viet Cong. His cell mate should be that traitorous skank Jane Fonda.

[pnh102]

What's to question? Most Democrats hate the USA as well as everything it stands for and they don't make any effort to hide it.

If anything, they should be honored that some of us question their patriotism, as that would imply that they might have some.

On that note, I've never questioned the patriotism of most Democrats.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Exactly my thoughts - shot for treason.

[societygirl]

If you REALLY question a Democrat about Patriotism, they EXPLODE. They start screaming things like, “I hate Republicans.” “I hate Bush.” “I hate white men.” In the end they scream; “I HATE THIS COUNTRY.” Case closed. They would never admit to having ANY patriotism in the first place.

[societygirl]

When questioned about their loyalty too their country, Dems will say, “I am a CITIZEN OF THE WORLD.’ Like that excuses them. I tell them, “fine, go live in the world, not this country.”

[nyyankeefan]

Patriotism Paranoia: Democrats’ Patriotism Problem....

what problem.....blame America first....America is bad ~ the World is good....surrender at all costs but support the troops.....support hollywod anti-american anti-troop movies...support the UN and the World courts over US law...give amnesty to f’n muzzie terrorists....

Democrats’ Patriotism Problem....NO PROBLEM....completely un-american!!!

[societygirl]

Democrats’ Patriotism Problem....NO PROBLEM....completely un-american!!!

That’s why they lose the White House, time and time again. They will this year, too.

[pnh102]

If you REALLY question a Democrat about Patriotism, they EXPLODE.

I must have become really deranged. I seem to enjoy watching this happen more than I enjoy arguing about my own views.

I once had a co-worker who is a flaming liberal. He always seemed to enjoy provoking me. I really got frustrated about it. But over time, I decided that instead of defending my views, I would simply do everything I could to irritate and antagonize him each time he bugged me. I would not go and start fights with the guy, but I wouldn't back down if I was challenged.

This led to me getting quite the chuckle when he threatened to shoot me because I disagreed with him, especially when I twisted his point about "violence not being the answer." I must be quite the sadist.

[rootntootn]

See my tagline.

[LibLieSlayer]

Yep... one day I pray!

LLS

[societygirl]

OHMYGOD, pricking Liberals has become a national pastime! It beats baseball. Violence is the MAIN tenant of the Left. They ALWAYS resort to threats, and saying “violence is never the answer,’ makes them appear even DUMBER, if that is possible. I was raised a Democrat, and violence was always their FIRST option. Whats really a kick is that THIS year, they are turning their venom on THEMSELVES. I wouldn't be a BIT surprised to see a riot at their convention, regardless of WHO manages to win. I have seen posts from Obama supporters threatening to riot, if their guy doesn't win. Get the popcorn out. The Dems are be revealed for what they've ALWAYS been; VIOLENT.

[econjack]

I think most of us Freepers have enough neurons firing to figure this tactic out. What I don't understand is why the GOP doesn't grow a pair and start hammering the Dims with the truth. Until the GOP puts on the gloves, returns to the core values that used to be the GOP, drops the PC attitude and starts fighting for those values, they might well just see me stop donating my money to the cause. The reason: they are not acting like the GOP I want. McCain supports much of the liberal agenda and even voted against the Bush tax cuts. He supports amnesty and “crosses the isle” far too often and gets nothing in return from the other side. I want lower taxes and less gov’t and the GOP seems to have abandoned those principles. Until they get back on track, my money stays at home.

[societygirl]

PS; Liberals do like provoking fights with conservatives, because they feel we will not fight back, and they are usually correct. The expression on their faces when we DO say something back is one of sheer SHOCK becoming HORROR, and they do shut up, lol.

[societygirl]

:-)

[toddlintown]

“when he threatened to shoot me”

I would have called the cops and then mention it to your boss, just to watch him freak.

[elfman2]

I don’t think Patriotism should be a primary value. I don’t expect my friends to love any kind of collective, not a sovereign one, not even this one. But I do expect them to have sense enough to not blame it for problems around the world or for their own, especially if they pretend to be knowledgeable enough to have an opinion on events.

I think most people have visceral reactions to being told that they should be patriotic, and Democrats are attempting to exploit that by patriot baiting. It’s a loosing strategy. Republicans are generally smart enough to promote America’s greatness and celebrate their patriotism without implying others should do the same. People come to that conclusion on their own. Democrats are so screwed on this one, and they know it.

[elfman2]

“...he threatened to shoot me because I disagreed with him, especially when I twisted his point about “violence not being the answer.”

Sounds like a good member for the next peace riot.

[pnh102]

I didn’t really feel threatened by him. Outside of politics we actually got along at work. That incident actually happened during his last week when we were taking him out to lunch for a send-off. He moved out-of-state shortly thereafter.

[brushcop]

If you REALLY question a Democrat about Patriotism, they EXPLODE.

Yeah, I've been on the receiving end of those explosions, but they're easy to combat, just keep hammering their lack of patriotism which is chronicled in the news for all to see.

Patriotism: (Webster's New World Dictionary--2nd College Ed.) love and loyal or zealous support of one's own country.

Sorta says it all...

[societygirl]

Yeah, I've been on the receiving end of those explosions, but they're easy to combat, just keep hammering their lack of patriotism which is chronicled in the news for all to see.

God, don't I know, and I also LAUGH at them, which drives them crazy. They never intended to say they hate their country, but I always manage to get them to scream it out, lol. However, some Dems LOVE their country.. when DEMS are running it. Most Americans, even some Dems like Senator Lieberman do not want to put a Dem in the White House, BECAUSE of their lack of patriotism. NO ONE ever questioned the patriotism of Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson. They all LOVED their country. However, the Dems that came after, have been a sorry lot, when it comes to patriotism.

[goldstategop]

Patriotism isn't affectation. Its a natural reflex. To the Democrats its more like a foreign language.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

With such a wonderful guy like Jeremiah Wright, the Patriotism Ship sailed... long ago for the Democratic Party. "Damn America" is the least of their problems but its become a symbol for how they can't bring themselves to say America is a good country.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

The Democrats adversaries don't raise patriotism as an issue. No the Democrats keep bringing it into the spotlight. As though by implication, they feel uncomfortable with wearing a lapel pin, pledging allegiance to the Flag and standing up for the country. Obama, their candidate apparent, can't do all these things. Why they're so allergic to love of country is something for them to deal with. All their opponents are noting is they can't bring themselves to disown the "hate America" sentiment so much in vogue in their own camp. Just like Obama can't disown Wright.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

Liberalism has become estranged from the idea of American exceptionalism. The uniqueness of America in many ways explains the people's strong attachment to the country. In a world where nation state's futures are a question mark, America still sees itself as an extraordinarily blessed nation, full of the bounty of hope, opportunity and freedom. The country would be even more blessed if the Democrats stopped seeing everything that was wrong with America and began celebrating everything that is special about her. That's the spirit of the true American patriot.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

One doesn't have to do that. I hope the Democrats keep being paranoid about patriotism. They will never deal with it as long as they are not honest with the American people about their real attitudes towards the country. All of which redounds to the benefit of those who do love America and all for which she stands.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[elfman2]

"The country would be even more blessed if the Democrats stopped seeing everything that was wrong with America and began celebrating everything that is special about her. That's the spirit of the true American patriot. "

That's just the kind of talk that I think that inspires resentment from both the middle and the left. No one reacts positively when told what they should feel.

Every nation is exceptional in some significant way (except France;^) and every people have reason to be patriotic. I think that it's MUCH more productive to be specific and promote the mechanisms of justice and freedoms that define and enable our exceptionalism than to go around as Rush and Hannity do and broadly claim that the absence of the value of "American exceptionalism" is the reason for our difficulties. That just comes off as hollow, opportunistic, and the flip side of leftists blaming America for their problems.

[The_Republican]

LOL! The Sig Line!

[Morgan in Denver]

Wish I could take credit but I got it from another Freeper who said I could use it. I am now saying to others, especially independents and Democrats. LOL