Smile When You Say That

Yesterday in response to one of my posts about the apparent absence of any moderates in the Republican Party, Michael van der Galien took exception. That's great, most of what I write and post now I'll go back and read it later and think, "wow, that was pretty stupid". So, it doesn't trouble me at all when other people do the same. I thought he was doing just fine until this:

Besides, the Democrats have their own problems with the progressive, anti-semitic, anti-capitalism and, yes, in many ways anti-american base.

Let's take these one at a time.

Progressive. Let's see, is that the same as liberal? Nothing wrong with liberal or progressive. That's a label I can live with.

Anti-semitic. A problem there. Does he mean opposed to some of Israel's policies? I think he's just using one of the republican talking points here. With the republican party in congress totally controlled by the evangelical right, you would be called anti-semitic if you criticized Israel's highway system. Not agreeing with Israel's policies does not make you anti-semitic.

Anti-capitalism. According to the right if you are for a fair wage and good benefits for employees you are anti-capitalist. If you expect businesses to pay their fair share of taxes and not incorporate in some Caribbean country, you are anti-capitalist. If you are for the right of employees to collectively bargain, you're anti-capitalist. OK, I guess I can live with that title.

Now, we come to the biggie. Anti-American? I think some clarification is needed here. Just what do you mean? Do you mean opposed to the present U.S. government?
Do you mean using statements or encouraging positions that are un-American?

To be an American gives a citizen a lot of latitude in what they say and do before they become anti-American. I couldn't accuse any of the republicans in congress of being anti-American, it would be un-American of me to do so.

Now, that said, I think an American leader or government that encouraged or legalized torture is un-American.
I think to use pre-emptive war against another country without a clear and present danger or to lie about the danger is to be un-American.
I think to imprison American citizens without constitutional protections is to be un-American.

I think the republicans and George Bush are doing what they think is best. I just think they are wrong. They couldn't be anti-American, but they could employ actions that to me are un-American based on time honored traditions.

To accuse Americans of being anti-American is way over the top.

Jim Martin