Are Americans afraid to speak out against their government?

Question

Being a United States citizen I see many speak out against things with our government but when it comes to stand firm most back down. I know with the passing of hr 1955 The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 and the Patriot Act it allows much play with what and who can be determined a terrorist. The President as well saying your either with us or against us also make it difficult to speak out. But to make this question as simpliest form are you afraid to speak out against the government if so why? Personally it is easier for me to speak out for those once of the court system easily loose their rights.

H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-1955

Answer 1

both hillary and obama signed hr1955. i am not afraid to say anything.

Answer 2

No I am not. For the most part I support my government. But when it does something I don't agree with I will speak out.

Answer 3

The only reason I can think of for sucha thing is....

We feel like we have better things to do. (or that is the perception).

We are worried about ourselves and the now.  Will I keep paying this mortgage?  Is this job giving me my "career"? Is my kid on dope?  Am I too fat?  I think I have a wrinkle...

And so on.  

We are all in our own little microcosms.  We only come out to watch and "root" for a team in the political season.. just like football season.  

Maybe my grandkids will ask me one day.. Why didn't you do anything?  I'm just going to have to say that we were sidetracked.

Answer 4

Yes.  They are not patriotic anymore.

Answer 5

I am PROUD to speak out against my government and the TRAITORS that are running it now.

I stand and sign my name to the oath that I will do everything in my power to take it BACK from the THIEVES that have STOLEN my country FROM ME.

Come and arrest me for this...  I will spit upon your face from the gallows.

Cowards.  Hypocrites.  Liars.

We are coming for you.

Join the freedom movement, the game is on.

Answer 6

Are you kidding? Half of the Liberals on YA have called for the death of the President, nobody is afraid to speak out.

Answer 7

Yes.

Answer 8

I have been speaking out for our freedoms for a long time. I've even run for office a few times. Along the way I have managed to pi$$ off both Republicans and Democrats. I guess that's why I lost. Nobody likes to hear common sense when it comes to politics.

Answer 9

I call and write my congressmen on issues all the time. I think McCain thinks I'm one of his nutcase constituents but I don't care, I'll keep needling him with my side.

Answer 10

We have a moral obligation to speak out against all that offends us.

These are frightening times - a first in US history.  There are people that are fearful, I'm not.  Having said that - I feel people have a right to be fearful.

Answer 11

You are right.  Since the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 it is hard to say whether or not you are going to be arrested for speaking your mind.  However, I would rather die on my feet than be a slave on my knees.

Answer 12

Good question!. No Americans are not afraid of speaking out against the government. We the observers in the eastern countries notice the sound courage that the americans carry. You must watch the documentary named " Darfur now". It shows the strength and the courage and the will to fulfill the needs of the concerned. Can you imagine the will and the strength of and UCLA graduate was determined to stop the ongoing investments in Darfur where the money was unilaterally going to the Janjaweed rebels. So americans are not afraid

Answer 13

I am not afraid to speak out against anybody or anything.

Answer 14

I speak out alot against the gov, by emails, letters and phone calls...but most of em don't have the back bone to give a real answer

Answer 15

Yes, we are. The government makes Americans dumb, and those who are free thinkers can't speak against the government. Because the government is shady they will try to silence you by killing or torment. They scare Americans by lying to them like in 9/11. That is why we must gain knowledge and remain silent.

Answer 16

Note how Your Own Reference proves your comments are wrong:

"SEC. 899F. PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES WHILE PREVENTING IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM.

`(a) In General- The Department of Homeland Security's efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism as described herein shall not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents.

`(b) Commitment to Racial Neutrality- The Secretary shall ensure that the activities and operations of the entities created by this subtitle are in compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's commitment to racial neutrality.

`(c) Auditing Mechanism- The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer of the Department of Homeland Security shall develop and implement an auditing mechanism to ensure that compliance with this subtitle does not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of any racial, ethnic, or religious group, and shall include the results of audits under such mechanism in its annual report to Congress required under section 705.'."