Why do some Americans consider questioning the government/policies "unpatriotic"?

Question

Why do some Americans consider questioning the government/policies "unpatriotic"?

Answer 1

Because the policies have to go through congress first. If policies are approved, that meant a majority has voted them in. If you are in the minority regarding the vote, get over it or vote in a congressperson you approve of.

Answer 2

Because they don't understand the value of a free flow of opinions.  They go beyond patriotism straight to chauvanism, and at that point the blinders they are wearing are too severe.  They hold an opinion or take an action for what they think is best for the nation, and think that anyone who is against that action is against America, because they think it would be good for the US, so anyone who hates it must hate America.

For other people, they just fail to realize that freedom isn't easy to protect, and that the people most likely to steal freedom from America are Americans (we certainly won't allow any foreigners to steal it!)  I've heard some say that only soldiers protect freedom--they are failing to notice the contributions by many in the political arena.  They hear about an injustice done in the name of a criminals rights or freedom, and can't stand that we'd be dumb enough to do the wrong thing in a few isolated cases rather than make every American lose a right they have come to enjoy.

Even in the days before democracy, there was always 'the king's loyal opposition'.  These were nobles who would frequently question the actions of the crown, but who were far from supporting a revolution.  They just felt that the king should know about the problems his nation faces so that he can address them properly--and someone has to have the cajones to point out the problems.

Answer 3

I guess they think that questioning is not loyal to one's nation.  However it isn't a bad thing to question the policies.  There are problems with this nation and they have to be fixed.  I love this nation and I am proud to be American, but I agree that there are issues that must be taken care of.  It is patriotic to love one's nation and to call for improvement (and question policies that one sees as unjust).  Everyone has the right to their opinion; I'm not calling for revolution at all but I think everyone has the right to feel their own way and state their opinions (in a peaceful way and lawful manner).

Answer 4

they are sheep.

Answer 5

It is our duty as citizens to keep an eye on what our elected and appointed officials are doing (oversight) and to hold them responsible when they don't do a good job (accountability). Anyone who suggests that citizen oversight and government accountability are "unpatriotic" just "doesn't get it" when it comes to democracy and rule of law.

Answer 6

The word "unpatriotic" has been misused and generally stands for anything that the speaker doesn't believe is right.  Patriotism is actually a love of ones country so unless someone is intentionally trying to harm the country it shouldn't be called unpatriotic.  I believe every politician and most citizens are doing what they feel is in the best interest of the country even if I don't agree with what they are doing.

However most people tend to equate that anything the government does is the "fault" or responsibility of the president (regardless of who the president is at the time).  They often forget that Congress has to approve most things the president does and is completely responsible for spending tax money.

Answer 7

Atypical, I would say because most people are so ignorant and uneducated.  The Constitution of the United States of America guarantees us the right to "overthrow a despotic government", so questioning is definitely NOT "unpatriotic".  A good citizen should, nay, MUST, question the government.

Answer 8

becasue thet believe that the government is always right never go against it which is really dumb to think that. they put the government on a really high petalstool i think they beleive the government goes hand and hand with religon. the government has made alot of mistakes we all ,ake theye were human