This last month has brought a whirlwind of political activity. Bipartisanship as concept has taken a beating. But once again the news of the day has caused us to redefine what we call “Patriotism”. Let’s first go back a few years. In 2003, one of the hottest music groups on the planet regardless of genre the Dixie Chicks, made the following statement while traveling abroad, “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas”. The result was magnificent. They were black listed, ridiculed, called un-American, and label “un-patriotic”. Many pointed to freedom of speech, while others said such comments were wrong. How do the recent events compare to these words?
It was January 25, 2009 and the newly minted President Obama began a serious of daily meetings with the American people and press. Though President Obama inherited one of the worst economic periods in world history, he has made swift and decisive moves since coming into office. In light of these efforts, what was the response by Rush Limbaugh, conservative talk show host? “I hope he fails”, said Limbaugh. I hope he fails? Is not expressing that you hope the new president fails the same as hoping your country fails? In order for a president to fail so must the well being of the country in which he or she presides over. Whether this failing be economic, socially, or morally it is a failing that would have a negative impact on the masses. Where are those who criticized the Dixie Chicks? Where are those who burned albums, canceled shows, and refused to play their music on the radio? I smell hypocrisy.
It was January 25, 2009 and the newly minted President Obama began a serious of daily meetings with the American people and press. Though President Obama inherited one of the worst economic periods in world history, he has made swift and decisive moves since coming into office. In light of these efforts, what was the response by Rush Limbaugh, conservative talk show host? “I hope he fails”, said Limbaugh. I hope he fails? Is not expressing that you hope the new president fails the same as hoping your country fails? In order for a president to fail so must the well being of the country in which he or she presides over. Whether this failing be economic, socially, or morally it is a failing that would have a negative impact on the masses. Where are those who criticized the Dixie Chicks? Where are those who burned albums, canceled shows, and refused to play their music on the radio? I smell hypocrisy.
Questions:
1. Is Rush Limbaugh Patriotic?
2. Why do you think Bi-partisanship is not working?
3. What do you think about the Dixie Chicks now?
2 comments:
Even though many of us weren't fans of President Bush I can say that we never wished for such failures such as the economy, the handling of Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq. At the end of the day we want our country to be a prosperous one regardless of who the President is. Our dissatisfaction with Bush is not because we don't like the Republican Party but because of the party's failed policies in making our country prosperous. Rush Limbaugh seems to hate Obama so much that he wishes for him to fail so he can say to everyone I told you so. I would hope that someone in his position would realize that we all have to band together in the hopes of fixing the problems we face and put the political agendas aside. Wishing for the President to fail is synonomous with wishing the country to fail and this is "UNPATRIOTIC"
Well let me be blunt. If Rush really did say that I hope President Obama fails, we need to truly examine the context as to how he said it. I need to see the transcript of the radio/television talk or speech that he made. One really needs to find out what he was talking about and try to get a feel for what he is trying to say. I don't want to pull anything out of context and then jump on a few words or lines without getting the whole story. There has been far too many instances where individual are fired up (either deliberately or indirectly) by choice phrases handpicked by the media to incite conflict between people, races and political parties.
But let's take it one step further shall we? Regardless of what or how its said, I know that two things are happening with this country right now. for one, individuals that are trying to cast negative shadows on our present situation with doom and gloom are becoming more and more marginalized. No one really has time for negativity right now because they realize that not being positive and not moving forward with possible solutions is counter productive. No one likes a whiner. And no one with half a mind wants to continue to run the country how it was run for the past eight years. This is how we got here. My second point has a lot to do with the first. In today's society, I also believe that comments like this (if it was indeed directed at Obama and his total plan for America) do not need a response. We give them weight and power when we give them our attention. We rob them of the impact that they are intended to generate when we simply ignore them. It would be one thing if he was offering up an ALTERNATIVE NEW plan to deal with the present situation but alas, I didn't hear one put forth here.
J
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