Which is more patriotic? Questioning the government or standing behind them no matter what?

Question

Can you give reasons behind your answer?

Answer 1

Depends on the circumstances. Generally speaking, questioning the government is more patriotic, but when they are right, then it is patriotic to back them up. Questioning everything they do for the sake of it is definitely not patriotic.

Answer 2

both

Answer 3

Good question, IMHO, being a patriot is showing support towards your country as a hold (show the flag, wear a yellow ribbon, protest when unjust treatment is apply to citizens rights). Being patriotic is serving your country (be it military, civil service etc). With that said, one will allow you to question your government. The other will not (being in the military you are obligated to follow the rules of those appointed over you, you have a say but it will fall on deaf ears).  

Without the will to fight, unjust or maltreatment, citizens are but pawns in a chess match (dictator's/tyrants know this and use it to there advantage).

Citizens who protest there government and stand up for what they thing is right are the true patriots (government for the people and by the people) many will die, but the will of the people will not faultier.

Answer 4

Patriotism is loving your country enough to want to improve it.

It is OK to question since otherwise you could never be sure about how to improve things.

Standing silent is appropriate in two cases.  A.  when you have no clue that anything is wrong, and B. when you have no clue as to how to do anything constructive.  If you have a clue of either kind, don't be silent.

HOWEVER, there is a difference between speaking out in support of change and outright denunciation of the government without making a constructive suggestion.  In other words, if you are going to knock the government, be prepared to offer an alternative.  If you can't knock, stand behind the government until you CAN offer something constructive.

Remember this:  DESTRUCTIVE acts are generally criminal in nature and can get you seriously punished.  Destructive enough and they become Treason.  Since we are at war at the moment, Treason could theoretically include a death penalty if you are careless enough.

Answer 5

Well since most politicians are complete fools &/or liars I'd say questioning the Govt. is more patriotic because if you give them an inch they'll take a mile.

Answer 6

By questioning the government and getting It it to "act" appropriately we can be proud then to be "patriotic".

To our shame, that is not the case and patriotic verse can be heard from people that do not stand up... or for...anything worthwhile.

Answer 7

The first one.  After all, the government is there to represent the people, not the other way around.

Answer 8

I love my country, but I am no fool, if every one would just look at the big picture, and see the world as it is, and work towards fixing the ills mankind has created. and not have the walls we set up between each other, there would be no need for us to have to choose. I will, hopefully, always choose for the right reasons, not just because the GOVERNMENT says so. Because the Government is made up of men. and men tend to make mistakes. especially men who are bought by corporations.

Answer 9

“That we are to stand by the president, right or wrong is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

Answer 10

Depends.  It is okay to question the government (and even appropriate) if you have good reason to do so.

Answer 11

You can be patriotic in just respecting the laws and our nations flag etc.  You do not have to be in total agreement ot against government to be patriotic.  I don't really think the government is show patriotism.  It is just there to keep the country and order and help the people at whole.  Just by respecting our nation is patriotism in a nutshell.

Answer 12

The first thing that you are taught in school is , if you are not sure of something to ask a question. Well that goes double for situations pertaining to life. I was taught to respect and encourage the leadership and authorities when I was a child.

Well, I'm not a child anymore at least age-wise and I've seen much that I have to question almost everything. I will not stand behind someone who is wrong doing and filled with uncaring greed. The pen is mightier than the sword in some cases and I use that knowledge to my ability's best to aware inform myself and at least get others to think of the possibilities, or the what ifs.

When a question is asked and a direct answer is not given, if you do not give eye contact and general confidence, more than likely it is for your own best interest to question and consider. Should this determine me as a patriot or not then must bes must be. I am faithful first to self for without the self preservation nothing is left to be a patriot or anything else. My future and families future depends on the choices that I make. I am the trend setter and their choices stem from the roots that I plant...

Answer 13

In my opinion, I'm never content with the government.  While I may support the majority of their decisions from time to time (see: Clinton years), NEVER become content.  Always ask questions.  One of the beautiful things about democracy is the free exchange of ideas.

Answer 14

I don't consider my support of president bush un informed following blindly, yes you can consider questioning the govt as patriotic as i consider my position the same what do we do to figure out your quandary, who is the most patriotic? don't know but then if i am a blind follower of all that you hold dear it is a matter of opinion i guess who 's opinion is correct? i don't think that can be answered except by time itself, the war protests of viet nam are still being argued to day i know what i feel about this latest war and did not arrive at my opinion without a lot of thought, do i think the war was handled incorrectly yes, but pulling out without a military and political solution is not an option, for reasons obvious to most clear thinking people

Answer 15

There can be no question that in a free society it is vastly more patriotic to question the government at every turn.  Unthinking obedience is the hallmark of a totalitarian state, not a free republic.

  It is not only the right of a citizen in this nation to question their government, it is their sacred duty to do so.

Answer 16

Depends upon who you are asking.

Neocons don't question anything.

Patriotic citizens do.