Is distrusting your government REALLY unpatriotic?

Question

HOW is it that people have gotten so mixed up as to believe that distrusting government is the same as disloyalty to ones own country? There's a disturbing trend I've noticed here.. people say that we don't deserve to be americans if we distrust our government so much.. That's absurd! Where did they get this idea. Patriots are supposed to be watchful of the government. And the love of country should not mean the love of government.

“But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of Liberty, and that you must pay that price if you wish to secure the blessing. It behooves you, therefore, to be watchful in your States as well as in the Federal Government.” – Andrew Jackson

“The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.” – Thomas Jefferson

“The tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants…God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such rebellion; what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms!” – Thomas Jefferson

Answer 1

It seems you put some thought and research into the question.  My response is no it is not unpatriotic.

Answer 2

Another good question (And additional details). Others have said it better than I can ever express, but I've always believed that it is both the onerous duty and burden of every person in a democracy to question the authority and motives of those who take up office.

Why? In a democracy, you deserve the government you get. So the buck literally stops with us. Therefore, unless you limit the voting franchise to only those of kind hearts, decency, and intelligence (Instead of just anyone who can barely understand their own language), you can only do what you are doing right now - try to persuade the rest to be a little more thoughtful.

It's not as futile as it immediately appears - for every foaming nutjob ranting on about liberals, there are 10 of us who hope for a better future by being vigilant against the admirers of militarism and fascism.

Edit: As for the idea of patriotism - at the risk of being unpopular - I don't believe anyone has the right to enforce nor question an individual's patriotism. I've seen too much, and travelled too far to have the conventional ideas of patriotism in my heart. My loyalties lie with high ideals, the pursuit of knowledge, humanity and peace. Not to a piece of dirt attached to an area I happen to be born near, nor to the crass flag waving and breast-beating hysteria. And no, you're out of your mind if you think that means I would not defend my friends and colleagues with force if anyone harmed them. It's just that patriotism can very easily be turned into something far more ugly. We all know it, we've all seen it.

Answer 3

I think a love of your country is patriotic.  The government isn't the country, it is just a part of the country.

You can love the USA and the ideals the USA is based on and still think the government doesn't do everything right.

Answer 4

Rational distrust is fine.  Like I do not trust Obama because I believe his economic policies would be a disaster.

It's the lunatic conspiracy theories and distrust that's unpatriotic.

You know, like saying 9/11 was an inside job, without a shred of real proof.  Or that Bush and Diebold stole the elections.  Or that Bush will declare martial law and stay in office past his 2nd term.

Answer 5

Dissent is patriotic in a democracy.

Those who believe otherwise are brainwashed and generally have a lower educational level.

Answer 6

No, it's not unpatriotic to distrust your government, in the sense that placing so many of your responsibilities into the hands of the government does not equal democracy, but communism.  Seriously, questions should be asked to political candidates, including the very ones you seem to admire at first glance,  that's what America's about.  It's about a government that serves the people, that can be respected by the people, not a government that is supposed to "nanny" us around.  We should be taking action in our elections, in our Rights to Free Speech, and in our rights to make appeals.  Otherwise, it's not democracy, it's a socialist, or, hopefully not, a communist system.

Answer 7

I would argue that Democracy is based on not trusting your government. If everyone trusted the government the system would collapse.

Answer 8

Nope it's not unpatriotic at all. I love my country but I have a strong distrust for my Government regardless of which party is in power.

Answer 9

"Blind faith in poor leadership is not Patriotism" (do not know the source, but a great quote nonetheless).

Answer 10

It's the same in every country - everyone seems cheesed off with their government, dictator, military regime.  We can but hope to vote out the rabble - if allowed.  

God Help the peoele of Zimbabwe.

Answer 11

Your quite right, the US Constitution is full of it, 'checks and balances', if we could trust our governments we woudn't need any Constitutions or Bill of rights, the power is with the people, it has to be as there is a few more people than government, it's when the people allow their governments to over step the mark, and do nothing as our governments are doing now, this it when we go under their heel, when they pay no head to the pleads and demands of their people, when 85% of the people take to the streets, and are totally ignored.

Answer 12

I don't have time to read every single one of your quotes, but you might be misunderstanding the difference between dissent and disrespect.

Dissent means you disagree. This is great and should be promoted. Unfortunately, many nowadays treat the country without any respect, and these are who are most often called unpatriotic.

For example, saying the president is unfairly treating the situation in Iraq is dissent. Protesting this is fine. However, comparing Bush to Hitler and so on is disrespectful and obviously not true. These people are usually attacked.

Being patriotic doesn't mean dissenting 100% or agreeing 100%, but as long as you're respectful either side should be tolerated.