Forced patriotism invites the unpatriot - Kathleen Parker

townhall ^ | July 6, 2003 | Kathleen Parker

[300winmag]

If Bill Maher had made his statement (terrorists aren't cowards, we are) today, "Politically Incorrect" probably would still be on the air. Emotional distance allows for cooler heads.

What Maher did was tell an outright lie, and engage in despicable "moral equivalence". "Cooler heads" today would still demand his removal from employment, otherwise they would take their business elsewhere, as is their right.

[RichardW]

The operative words are "forced patriotism." I believe she is stating what some of us might experience if we were to visit a church and were expected to participate. Evidently some people have gone overboard with their overt expression of patriotism and she is taking exception. I still see cars driving around with flags flying the wind. A bit much, in my opinion.

[SandRat]

If Bill Maher had made his statement (terrorists aren't cowards, we are) today, "Politically Incorrect" probably would still be on the air.

No Bill Maher would still get his head handed to him.

Some things after 9/11 cross the line and will not be tolerated.

This is no longer the Vietnam bovine droppings, Anti-War tolerant, America that accepted sheepishly, its service members being called "Baby-Killers." Publicly bad mouth the US military today by even inferring that they are cowards and it does not matter. If you have a high visibility job in the public eye get your resume “up-to-date,” because you will soon be unemployed.