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Recently, Michelle Obama has been criticized for saying that “for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country — and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.”
Cindy McCain disagreed: “I don’t know about you, if you heard those words earlier. I’m very proud of my country.”
For the last eight years, the Bush administration has rammed down our throats that life is simple. “Either with us or against us.” “Support our troops.” “Dems are weak on defense.” etc. Unfortunately, Americans have fallen for this simplistic, talking point, sound byte, mentality. You can see this type of mentality in a recent comment on my blog. I mention Mark Gstohl’s fine article critiquing Southern Baptists (which BTW has also been picked up by EthicsDaily.com) and David asked why I have so much hatred toward Southern Baptists! Can’t a guy point out a few problems with his country or religious tradition without being accused of being a hater (see definition 3)?
Can’t someone be ashamed of some of our country’s actions or policies and still be patriotic? I think so. I’m ashamed that my kids live in a country that started a preemptive war. I grew up with the Viet Nam War crap, but this is ridiculous and un-Christian. I grew up in a country that didn’t torture (or at LEAST tried to hide it). My kids are watching a presidential candidate who has been a victim of torture who doesn’t even have the decency to vote against it!
Call me unpatriotic, but I’m ashamed of that. It would be a proud moment to see my fellow citizens to vote against such a heinous political coward that called his wife the “c” word! But I’m proud of the Baptist minister who called him on it! See David, I’m not a Baptist hater!
No we don’t like that kind of language John!
I think Michelle Obama has much more courage than Cindy McCain. Her honesty is refreshing! Speaking of honesty…have you seen the latest on Cindy? We should expect Bill Clinton to lie, but cookie recipes? Come on!
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