We keep getting these emails from people who apparently confuse standing up for what the USA proclaims to protect as sacred (democracy, freedom) with a sense of disrespect for my country. Somehow if one says hey, this war is illegal, the way we put away black men in our jails and then have them work (slavery) is illegal, our current administration is incredibly corrupt and yeah, I don't like what the US stands for overseas (destroy, create dependence, slavery under various guises) that somehow you are declaring your hate for your own country.
I admit, that I am teaching my child how to speak up when she sees something she feels is WRONG and if speaking one's mind is disrespectful then yeah, I am disrespecting....but whom? Someone who deserves a shake up, a bit of disrespect.
I would rather my daughter say something disrespectful and perhaps socially unacceptable and out of beat than remain quiet and respectful when someone hits their dog in front of her (yes, she did that,) tells people that they shouldn't buy stuff from Disney cause he mistreats the elves (yes, she did that,) and tells meat eaters that she does not eat animals (yes, she did that too.)
So, go ahead, remain respectful and quiet for a country that is one of the largest consumers of environmental resources, tormentor of 3rd world countries absconding with their resources, polluting overseas rather than at home and running mass sweatshops. A country that rolls out wars to initiate countries into the American sense of ‘democracy”, votes in for a second term an administration whose true God is the almighty dollar/mega corporation and one that cares next to nothing for its poor, hungry and destitute.

I love my country. I just want it to be all that it can be. That's my rant for the month.