Posted on 02/16/2003 2:33:00 PM PST by political_chick
Acting Patriotic
We often hear from the "anti-war" crowd that "dissent is what America is all about." That by protesting against the war, they are not "unpatriotic," rather, they are the "true patriots." Not to mention the pat on the back they give to themselves because of their "bravery."
Bravery has many definitions, "The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it." – Thucydides. More to the point, "Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared." -- Eddie Rickenbacher
Basically, unless an act is made in spite of fear, it cannot be considered brave. The people who strap explosives to themselves, or fly aircraft into buildings hoping to kill many innocents are not brave. They see eternity and virgins as their reward and seek them out. They are not afraid, just the opposite. If you are doing a despicable act that you want to do and no courage is involved, it is in effect, cowardly. It cannot even be considered neutral because of the horrific results.
Patriotism too has many definitions. Most, quite surprisingly, are against being patriotic to one nation. We hear Samuel Johnson's quote often, "Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels," as somehow being the last word on the subject; it isn't.
Those who are aware that America as a nation did not achieve greatness because of its faults, but rather its citizens love of country and freedom to excel, prefer it to remain that way.
As George Washington clearly understood when it came to securing America, "Put none but Americans on guard tonight."
It has become fashionable in elite circles to trash America. The "elite" claim to "love America," it the government they hate, or the foreign policy, or whatever. To them, America became their individuality, rather than a collective. America is no longer the "United" States; rather, like the protestors in the sixties, they wish to make an America in their own image, and not as our founding fathers envisioned.
Congress by a large majority gave our President authority to use military action against Iraq. Yet, Senator Kennedy wants a do-over and Senator Paul wants to expunge the resolution altogether. In effect, they desire America only act militarily after mushroom clouds appear over our cities. They are willing to sacrifice millions. They don't believe the evil ones will act on their watch; others can deal with it then.
Celebrities have been described as "American Royalty" who we all seem to hold to a higher standard. Here are a few excerpts from our "heroes" of the stage and screen:
Danny Glover: “Going to war and taking lives is not the process that works. What you've done is effectively cut off any discourse or dialogue. If we're only going to govern by anger, then we've lost the game." Moreover, "One of the main purveyors of violence in this world has been this country, whether it's been against Nicaragua, Vietnam or wherever."
Dustin Hoffman: "For me as an American, the most painful aspect of this is that I believe that administration has taken the events of 9/11 and has manipulated the grief of the country and I think that's reprehensible," And, "I don't think, like many of us, that the reasons we have been given for going to war are the honest reasons."
Susan Sarandon: In a TV commercial asks, "Before our kids start coming home from Iraq in body bags and women and children start dying in Baghdad, I need to know, what did Iraq do to us?" Former Ambassador to Iraq Edward Peck replies, "The answer is nothing. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, nothing to do with Al Qaeda, its neighbors don't think its a threat, invading Iraq will increase terrorism, not reduce it."
Tim Robbins: "I'm against this whole 'Let's bomb a new country because things aren't going our way.' It's 'Let's change the subject from Cheney and Halliburton and the crumbling confidence in the stock market.' Talk about cynical! Adding, "Let's not be so arrogant as to believe we can do whatever the hell we want regardless of what the Europeans, the Chinese or the South Americans think. It's not good."
Sean Penn: "If there's going to be blood on my hands, I'm not willing to have it be invisible. I wanted to come to Iraq and see Iraqi faces -- children, adults, diplomats, anybody that implies -- and go home with some impressions that will not let me off the hook . . . . It's not abstract anymore."
Sheryl Crow: "One has only to read European newspapers to get a glimpse into how our policies are perceived. I believe the only answer to not having enemies is to start living as allies...not as bullies who need to control the economies of other countries. Ridding Iraq of Saddam will not solve the problem of hate for America." Adding, "I do believe Saddam is a real threat to the world but it is only right that we allow the process that we have been insisting on to take place." And, "I love America deeply, but all other souls that exist outside of this country I love as a citizen of the world."
Woody Harrelson: In an Article entitled I'm an American Tired of American Lies, said, "This is a racist and imperialist war. The warmongers who stole the White House (you call them "hawks," but I would never disparage such a fine bird) have hijacked a nation's grief and turned it into a perpetual war on any non-white country they choose to describe as terrorist."
Oliver Stone: "Does anybody make a connection between the 2000 [presidential] election and the events of Sept. 11?" Adding, “Bin Laden was completely protected by the oil companies in this country who told [President] Bush not to go after him because it would piss off the Saudis.” And, "there’s the cover-up involving ground zero: limbs getting cut off bodies for jewelry, a man walking off with $132 million.
Jessica Lange: Talking about George W. Bush: “I despise him. I despise his administration and everything they stand for.” -- “To my mind the election was stolen by George Bush and we have been suffering ever since under this man's leadership.” -- “And I think this latest thing with Iraq is absolute madness and I'm stunned that there is not opposition on a much more global scale to what he's talking about.” -- “There has to be a movement now to really oppose what he is proposing because it's unconstitutional, it's immoral and basically illegal.” “It is an embarrassing time to be an American. It really is. It's humiliating.”
George Clooney: “We’re picking on people we can beat, you know, and we’re saying, okay, we’ll go get them.” Adding, "The country needs a leader, not a manager, and President Bush doesn't fit the bill."
Mike Farrell: Speaking about the "Artists United to Win Without War" coalition, "The breadth of support within the entertainment community for this statement in opposition to war is unprecedented. This reflects the deep concern that so many have about the dangers of a military invasion and expresses their firm desire to see Iraq disarmed without war." The coalition's central demand is, let the UN and its weapons inspectors do their jobs.
There are dozens of more celebrities against America; Barbra Streisand, Ed Asner, Martin Scorsese, Warren Beatty, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Rob Reiner, Kim Bassinger etc. Who believe or rather "feel," America should not go to war to protect American values or its people. Patriotism for them is just a word they define according to their needs at the moment. The American flag, raised or worn, American sovereignty, American needs are scoffed at and found offensive to these "patriots."
What they all have in common is a sense of self above country. Which is in fact, anathema to being patriotic. But for their being American, how far would their “talents” have taken them in Iraq, the rest of the Middle East, or anywhere else for that matter?
While many celebrities and the "elite" of America view themselves as citizens of the world, I prefer Daniel Webster's view, "I was born an American; I live an American; I shall die an American!"
Paul can be contacted at paul.walfield@cox.net
Looks like the casting call for a new version of "Ship of Fools".
Only problem is that this is the SAME cast of characters (for the most part) that have been shrieking since rocks were warm.
When a man tells you what a good patriot he is, he's trying to sell you something; but when he tells you what a good patriot you are, he's trying to get you to do something for free.
Until then, Hollywood, sit down and shut up.
Since 9-11
1) American Catholics and Jews have been dragged throught the mud while Islam had been glorified.
2) The American flag cannot be flown in this country for fear of offending foreigners.
3) The political attacks are personally leveled against the president rather than the issues of Iraqi threats to world stability.
4) All liberalism has exploded in anti- Bush rhetoric since the voters spoke in the 2002 midterm elections. The Pelosi doctrine was established "Trash Bush"
5) Hollywood has supported whatever Barbara Streisand tells them to support and opposes anything she doesn't like.
6) All "peace activist" rehtoric is anti-American and anti-Bush not anti-war or anti- Saddam.
Yea Ollie, I've seen a trend.
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