I have found over the years that when a Government or country ( Mexico & France )or company, gets bashed, they more than likely deserve it. Mexico is a great place to live, once you figure out the system. I've never been to France, I've heard from assorted people that the French hate us, the French love us, lots of dog poop on the sidewalks in France.
One of the great things about the good old USA is that we can bash our government, if we are so inclined. Actually, under the Patriot Act, that is no longer true. Derogatory speech against the government can now be called a terrorist act. The government can arrest and hold you indefinitely for that. Under the patriot act I am sticking my neck out just mentioning it.
One of the more common methods of stopping criticism here in America has always been to compare this country with a less desirable place to live. It has always been a good way to make people stop and think about what they are saying.
I'm not so sure that criticism is such a bad thing, we accomplished a lot of positive change in the 60s and early 70s by speaking and acting out.
I honestly believe that if it were possible to let our government know that we are really getting sick of our tax dollars being wasted, they may possibly start taking us seriously. If they thought it could cost them their jobs, it could start some changes.
Lets face it, I do not think any American would mind paying taxes if the money was being taken seriously by our government. Way it is now, it's a disgrace to our country and our people. Jokes like " A million here and a million there, pretty soon your talking real money." may be funny in Washington circles, but not to the working taxpayer.
Taking potshots at our government has long been an American pastime, most of the time they are valid. To institute real change it takes a lot of angry citizens to make our government notice, and that is the real shame. Government officials should be in touch with the public enough to make change before they become mobs in the streets.
Are you happy with the Patriot Act? Did you know that under the Patriot act, ANY government agency or official can search your home or business without a warrant, or your knowledge, and they never have to let you know they did it?
Under the Patriot act you can be arrested and held indefinitely without ever being formally charged with a crime?
Under the Patriot act, you can be arrested for speaking your mind?
Sounds like the old Communist block countries, doesn't it?
John