What is your opinion on why so many Americans hate this country?

2015-03-25T18:03:58-04:00

My opinion is that they have been taught it at home, in our schools, in our colleges, and reinforced by our media

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:22 PM

2015-03-25T18:22:36-04:00

I think that those who do not value this great country, or stand for it are those same people who have never been in the military nor have been deployed and lived without the luxuries we have fought to keep. Also, some of the politicians definitely are not helping with their crazy antics.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-03-25T18:48:36-04:00

My opinion, sir, is that they're spoiled and have not ever learned to appreciate this great country. Maybe some time in the military? Maybe a tour to see what it's like in other (third-world) countries? I'll tell ya, I've been around the world with the military and I've seen real poverty, real hunger. It makes me soooo glad to have hit the birth-country lottery and to have been born in the USA. I think just a small dose of that would snap a person's head around.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 25 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-03-25T18:53:07-04:00

Goes back to the saying: For those that fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

With roughly 1% having served in the military, the masses are free to groan and moan about everything that sucks while that very 1% carries everyone's load.

Response by SSgt Todd Ricker made Mar 25 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-03-25T19:27:01-04:00

If we teach the kids from elementary to higher education that they "deserve" everything without a price, they can't learn to know the price that's already been paid, and continues to be paid by bold, America loving people.
My opinion is we are partly to blame for who we put in our school system to teach our young people. That's why my kids go to private schools, know the pledge of allegiance, immediately know the tune of our national anthem, and don't move a muscle without having to be told when the colors are presented at a ball game.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 25 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-03-25T19:30:55-04:00

Hate is ignorance.

It is hard to really hate something you truly know.

Unfortunately, most people don't have enough "context" to be able to know America. They know pieces & parts of America. How far does the average person travel? How many people do they meet in a year? In a decade? Where do they get their news? How many books do they read, whether fiction or non?

They hate because they don't have enough knowledge to love.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 25 at 2015 7:32 PM

2015-03-25T19:32:50-04:00

Too much is given to them for the simple fact that they won the lottery and became Americans. I am thankfully that through my service in the military I have had my eyes opened to the plight of people in other countries that did not get that genetic lottery.

Too many people get angry at this country for this they perceive is being taken from them (that they are already better off for than many countries).

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 25 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-03-25T19:57:26-04:00

We have created a culture of ignorance in the United States. It is hard to appreciate what we have when there is no basis upon which to compare it too. We are resting on the laurels of past victories and still pretend to be contenders on a global scale even as our per capita production continues to fall behind other countries.

We are no longer the best, and because we refuse to admit that, we can't correct it.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Mar 25 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-03-25T20:05:31-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I believe you are absolutely correct on ALL counts.

Response by CPL Jesse Vasconcelos made Mar 25 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-03-25T22:27:48-04:00

Obama

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 25 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-03-25T22:31:45-04:00

In fairness, we do tend to get a little bomb-y or invade-y when we don't get our way.. Not to mention disagreements tend to end with countries suddenly developing ties to terrorists and a hankering for freedom.. Combine our eagerness for conflict with our penchant for collateral damage, and I can think of a few hundred thousand mourning parents in many countries who've had to bury reasons to dislike us...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 4:34 AM

2015-03-26T04:34:32-04:00

I think the schools even colleges don't teach patriotism they do not say pledge of allegiance to the flag anymore long time ago when I was in school we said the pledge every morning before school we stood tall watching the flag go up the pole we learn properly how to fold the flag and what it meant it's a shame

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 5:01 AM

2015-03-26T05:01:32-04:00

A president who says we are not an exceptional people? lol

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 5:06 AM

2015-03-26T05:06:55-04:00

Sir - My personal opinion is, the United States is all "they" know. "They" have never experienced another country and have only seen some on T.V.

"They" will never truly appreciate this country until they spend some time in other peoples shoes...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 6:21 AM

2015-03-26T06:21:45-04:00

Because we have become a country based around the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" philosophy. Essentially, if you whine, cry, moan and complain enough, you will get what you want.

Since the Internet has given everyone a voice, they are using it to piss and moan about minor, insignificant things. Thus, giving the idea that Americans hate America.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-03-26T07:59:52-04:00

Why do so many Americans hate their own country?

Because they can.
In many countries, such words would land you in jail or worse.

Because it is "cool".
Birds of a feather, flock together. Walk into a hipster bar, and you'll see all sorts of (insert stereotype here - oh hell, I'll add one) "interesting" folks drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon and maintaining their "coolness" by lambasting the very country that tolerates their eccentricities without fear of reprisal.

Because they actually believe America is bad.
They are out there, and they increasingly have more of a voice as 24-hour news cycles look for incisive, contrarian opinions to stir up attention . Such folks would have only had a voice in college dorm basements not too many years ago. Now they are on in prime time and getting invitations to the White House for a "dialogue". Ugh.

Anyone that has travelled extensively knows precisely how good we have it here. That is why it is the dream of so many to come to America and pursue the American dream. Dumb, fat, ill-informed people have multiplied to the point where they are a sought-after voting block. It is sad, really. But all is not lost.

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Mar 26 at 2015 8:05 AM

2015-03-26T08:05:21-04:00

Everyone gets a trophy

+

Sit in 'Time Out'

=

Entitlement Generation

Response by SPC K Webb made Mar 26 at 2015 8:49 AM

2015-03-26T08:49:11-04:00

I think it was a concerted effort by people seeking to overthrow this country's constitutional republic. The last time people were awakened to the dangers of communism was 60 years ago it seems, and we seem to be heading in the wrong direction.
Some people really don't like thinking about that; that a group of people would knowingly push the country away from the constitution and towards dependence and servitude. Unfortunately, we gave them academia, meaning they are teaching this country's youth that, now, too.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 9:25 AM

2015-03-26T09:25:34-04:00

The question now should be how did so many become indoctrinated and how do we un-indoctrinate those that have been taught to hate the country that provides them with so much opportunity.

This is what is to be expected when we see that the eugenicist movement on the rise again and the radical elements of the 60's or even the closet communists pushed into the closet during the McCarthy era rising to positions of authority, whether education, business or government.

Population control, eugenics, is seen in the writings of the science "czar" adviser to the president. The president started his political career in the home of Bill Ayers a domestic terrorist, turned educator. And more and more we see legislators who were raised in the era of the radical 60's espousing socialist ideology and larger, centralized government.

The silent majority has no one but themselves to blame since they didn't step up when the "conspiracy theorists" started shouting and were shouted down by those who just couldn't believe it could happen here, in this country.

Bill Ayers - Discover the Networks

Welcome to Discover the Networks. This website describes the networks and agendas of the political Left. The database is divided into 9 major sections

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 26 at 2015 9:26 AM

2015-03-26T09:26:43-04:00

I believe "hate" is a little strong. Today we have multiple societies within a society. Those who migrate to this country mostly believe it is "the land of milk and honey", when truly it's the land of a "big Mac and slurpy". Too many people are disillusioned by what they find when they get here and those of us who live here continually see our lives being torn apart by politics, religion, cost of living, racism, crime, and the list goes on and on. Love of country, respect,patriotism are things we should start learning front the day we are born through our families, but today that just is not happening. Our you is being taught to get ahead no matter how they do it, legally or not, right or wrong. I just read an article that said now the best way to punish your child is through "time outs", one minute for every year they are old.....get real. When I was growing up it was "knock out", if the paddle and switch failed......sure taught me a lot about behavior and respect.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-03-26T09:35:31-04:00

People are unhappy because they are taught that they are supposed to be unhappy. A child in poverty is happy until people tell him/her that they should be unhappy because someone else has so much more. A rich teenager is unhappy because he/ she was given a VW instead of a Mercedes. And there is always someone with more and someone to tell the one with less that it is unfair.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-03-26T11:27:20-04:00

I doubt very much that many people actually hate America. They disagree with where it is or where it's going, and they might even disagree with where it's been. I would say that most of us have had disagreements with our country's past, present, and possible future. (Unless there are people here who still think that women shouldn't vote or that we should reestablish slavery.)

So, I think at better question, Sir, would be: Why do so many Americans hate the country as you see it.

An answer to that would be that we come from different walks of life, different histories, different possible futures. What is good for an educated white male in Birmingham AL may not be good for an educated white male in Bloomfield Hills, MI. It may not be good for a Jamaican male in Queens or a Hispanic male in LA--that's the city, not lower Alabama. ;)

I truly doubt that many Americans hate this country; there are just differences of opinion with regard to where it should be going. That's democracy and pluralism at work.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 26 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-03-26T14:03:18-04:00

Being honest, the comment is not correct, I have traveled around the US and take the time to listen and even eavesdrop to listen to whole conversations Americans do not hate the country they hate is about the politics. The sad part is that some news agency just to generate readership report only part of people feelings. For example how many Rally Point participants hate this country? My advice lets get caught up in rush for readership, and get out and talk and listen to people, but do not judge many by a few.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-03-26T14:10:48-04:00

I concur, One American News is about the only network that tries to instill patriotism back into its viewers.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Mar 26 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-03-26T15:14:32-04:00

Schools don't really teach American history like they used to anymore. I think its because some higher-ups in the govt are trying to eliminate that "patriotic mindset" at youth. (my opinion).

but there are many things, changes that happened throughout the decades that i believe are ripping this nation apart.

- not being able to say the pledge of allegiance in schools..
- a lot of "American" history is not taught in school curriculums anymore..
- this is a free country and i can't even bring a bible to school.. but they can teach islam and the kuran in textbooks?
- There were cases that people can fly their flag over the American flag and get away with it? wtf?
- MULTIPLE cases of so called "Americans" burning the American flag? in retaliation to the govt?
- a case where a school that had the American flag painted on the side of the school and were asked to take it down?
- a case where a boy got in trouble from the school for putting an American flag on his bicycle and riding to school with it?
- cases of hate crimes towards U.S. forces that give these people the freedom they have today?
- cases of having "in god we trust" taken off our currency?
- cases of "the govt" changing/ manipulating the constitution saying "its obsolete" and does not work with the "present day"?
- what about our ROE procedures that have changed throughout the years? yes, there have been some positives to it, but what about soldiers that have died just because they were too worried about some political bs that would happen to them if they engaged? sometimes a certain amount of political control should not work hand-in hand with this kind of situation. It makes it to where people can't do their jobs without losing people in the process. Some people think they can change that. No mater how much policies or laws you can put... War is War. Its like a double edges sword. we are fighting the enemy and at the same time we are defending from our own.

--my point is that all this never really happened back then. There is some sort of manipulation somewhere that started all of this. Our govt is being EXTRACTED and changed by people or organizations from the inside. Since no one can take down america, it is so powerful, by the people, for the people.... people are coming in to tear us apart from the inside out. There are events that show this.

--People are so manipulative. It has been proven that the VAST majority of "People" "humans" follow. they follow the leader, they follow that influence, that one person that has same views and morals as them. That is a very huge flaw about humanity... and is the reason why it is so hard to control in America. The only way to control that is simple. to cut off/ terminate whatever that manipulative "icon" or "influence" is. Im pretty sure that there is an organization that controls that.

these are my thoughts and opinions. Please, i would not mind any feedback at all.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2015 3:29 PM

2015-03-26T15:29:10-04:00

Sir,

I think it may be a combination of all the things you have said. I had to think long and hard about this. I wasn't going to post at first because a few like 1SG Private RallyPoint Member who said it is part of our being a great and free country. other places you can't say something like that without being killed. After more consideration i believe we as a country are changing on a more inner level. Everyone compares the world today to earlier generations. During the era of lets say World War II we were a united front against all the evil in the world that threatened our way of life. We were patriotic. Kids faked their way into the service to fight the Nazis. But it is deeper than that. We were more patriotic but also more polite and considerate. Shear numbers of crime,i.e. murder, robbery rape are at huge levels. you can't leave your door unlocked for fear of someone coming in your home. No one respects anyone else anymore. We have record numbers of rape, domestic abuse, people on welfare, without a job and hating the country we live in. Everyone complains about what they have, demand more in hand outs and refuses to try and improve the country they complain about. it is always someone elses job to fix all the problems. We have lost our sense of community. That is why so many americans hate america, they hate everyone in it so they hate the idea of it as well. No community.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-03-27T19:52:34-04:00

Do you mean Americans who hated this country before 9/11, or after? Before 2008, or after? How much does the American media play a role in this?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-03-27T22:37:55-04:00

Sir,

I think your point on public education is valid. My personal experience with the public education systems leaned heavily on the negative aspects of American History. When I graduated high school I knew what Brown v. The Board of Education was but not when the American Civil War took place. I was familiar with the Japanese internment camps but not the American revolution. My undergrad degree required 9 credits of "diversity studies" and "racial issues" classes. These were taught by Professors who generally had a very dim view of American history and persons of European descent in general. My graduate program has been less politicized, but that's likely due to the subject matter rather than a change in climate.

As others have said, I think for many of the younger generation it's the "cool" thing to believe. They have no basis for their beliefs other than what others have told them, either in a social or academic setting. My sister-in-law will spout all sorts of rhetoric about how poorly our country takes care of its people but cannot back her argument up with anything of substance. As people with no true stake in the welfare of this country they have the luxury of their ignorance.

I'll admit I've become profoundly disillusioned with our country because of these very people. The values of this country seem to align less and less with my own every day. We've had it so good for so long that as a nation we fail to realize just how good we truly have it.

Response by Cpl Ron Ortiz made Mar 31 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-03-31T18:24:20-04:00

I think there are more people that despise our government more than disdain for the country. Those that don't like it here should consider re location in my opinion. To bad the US does not have the same type of policy that encompasses the IDF. If everyone had to serve we'd have a much better culture here. These are just my personal opinions sir, then again I'm die hard through and through.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 19 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-04-19T19:15:49-04:00

Sir-

I don't think they hate this country. Let me explain.

1. People by and large are not flocking out of America to Iran or North Korea.
2. They take their lifestyles for granted.
3. They know there are no good alternatives on the planet.

Most of the people 'hating' America really just have vocal opinions on foreign policy. By and large, if they knew or felt America was really being threatened and they had no where else to go, the America-hating would stop. Its because they have unspoken assumptions. Its like kids with their parents. When they are little and mommy and daddy are always working, its easy to be critical. But when their parents pass away and now no one is paying their bills, they realize there's no rescue squads in heaven to save them.

So it is with Americans who are hateful with their speech. Truly, they are just being over the top in being vocal in disagreements with management. But they are vocal like that because they don't really internalize that there aren't larger rescue-squads to bail out America. North Korea is not saving the day here or anywhere else. When they realize their critical attitudes are more about management and not the team, their tune changes. Only a true minority is really that critical and means it. The rest are like children complaining that mommy and daddy didn't get them the pair of shoes that they wanted.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Apr 19 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-04-19T20:35:26-04:00

I don't know about the home. But, academia seems generally overly critical (without ability to find a solution) and the media is just terrible. People themselves allow this to happen. There is no pride anymore. People do not believe in anything anymore.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Apr 19 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-04-19T20:43:56-04:00

I think some may confuse Liberal and Conservative ideology with patriotism. In reality, we may argue with our brothers and sisters, but we would defend them to the end if pushed. With that said, We are all luck to live in a country where we can express our differences freely! Don't you think?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-04-19T20:47:04-04:00

I would have to say that it has something to do with the "Age of entitlement." The liberal media, college, and the unwillingness to work hard for anything. The general lack of concern in anything that isn't trending is a major downfall in the world today. There was a time in History that people were proud to call themselves an American. The way I see it we are constantly being told that being an American isn't something to be proud of. That is why I surround myself with people that are proud of the Red, White, and Blue!

Response by PO2 Neil Manischewitz made Apr 19 at 2015 9:50 PM

2015-04-19T21:50:36-04:00

The generation we live in now is slowly growing apart from previous generations like post cold war and post 9/11 to name a few and I think that alone says a lot about today's youth and their perception about what this country stands for.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 19 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-04-19T23:31:47-04:00

I don't think Americans hate this country.

I believe many Americans are self centered and ungrateful. I also believe they are out of touch with what keeps us free, and that freedom is not free. I also believe most have never seen the rest of the world; especially the really bad places, and have no clue what the rest of the world is really like. Hence they can't appreciate what a great place this is, despite our flaws.

We military Veterans have a different perspective on this country, our constitution, our flag, and our way of life.

Whereas, I think most Americans are naive, and believe what the media puts out there, and many really don't have a clue.

That said, I do believe most Americans are good people, and will always do the right thing.

Response by Maj Joseph Osborne made Apr 19 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-04-19T23:42:47-04:00

That's kind of like asking, "Do you still beat your wife?" It presumes many do in fact hate America. I don't agree with that premise. I think there's a very public minority in the hatred camp who happen to get a lot of press. However, I think we military and vets need to ask why we have an us vs them mindset? From what I've read, I think it's due to the fact we're turning into a warrior caste. More often, we're seeing second and third generation military members and fewer first generation. I think we need to be careful to understand what the non military folks think and help them understand our points of view. If for no other reason than the fact that the vast majority of our elected government officials have never been in the military and we need them to truly understand the impact their votes have on our lives.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-04-20T00:15:37-04:00

Sir, I believe there a number of contributing factors that lead to the erosion of patriotism, and eventual hatred of our country. First of all it seems as of late that it's the college/university students that are publicly displaying it's contempt for America. Particularly the students that are enrolled in well known private campuses. The consensus is that these young individuals are coming from a rather comfortable environment. Many of whom have lived off of middle to upper class incomes. Never knowing of loss, struggle, or danger. They get plenty of leisure activities like TV, and video games, and sports. They get plenty of time to develop opinions over issues that are beyond their understanding. They have all of this freedom, yet have no idea how to show any appreciation for it, because they never had too. They criticize the very country that allows them the basic rights to act the way they do.

On the other end of the spectrum you have lower class families living off of state aid who are being indoctrinated with socialist ideals by the media. They believe that it's everyone else' responsibility to pay for their lifestyle, yet they blame the very system that generously spends America's tax dollars on their well being, because it's somehow the government's fault for keeping them in poverty.

Another thing that somewhat goes along with the first two is the readily available information on demand such as TV, and internet. With local, state, and worldwide issues at our fingertips, everyone has to have an opinion on everything. While not always necessarily being a bad thing, it eventually furthers bias, prejudice, and negativity towards certain groups. Especially when the media purposefully exploits negative information to create a larger viewing base. While both internet, and TV originally had good intended purposes, it is now used for less than honorable means. Including the exploitation of impressionable individuals to stir hatred, and prejudice within them.

Lastly I believe it's the outside influences that we are allowing within our country. We all know that there are cultures that are completely against what America stands for, whether it's envy, religious beliefs, narcissism, or just a general disregard for human liberty. That every facet of our lives should be dictated by a greater power. They literally believe that humans were meant to be obedient, and subservient. Sadly we are letting these types people in by the hundreds thanks to our current immigration policy. It's horrendous, and because these groups of people are considered a minority, they are encouraged by the liberal media to actively speak their beliefs against the apparently closed minded American citizens that we are. Rallied behind those same college students, believing that the minority is being "oppressed" for having different beliefs.

Sir, these may not be very intellectual answers, but this is just how I see it.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 20 at 2015 4:42 AM

2015-04-20T04:42:57-04:00

Ignorance. They have NO idea of what the real world is like and how great we have it, I can't get the images out of my head seeing all the hopelessness and despair in all the garden spots all over the world that these people will never see. All this freedom stuff just happens naturally without anyone having to do anything. Now, give me my free stuff. I can't evem have intelligent discussions with many of these people, Clueless. God Bless America.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-04-20T09:46:07-04:00

Or perhaps they just see things differently. Instead of implying they've been brainwashed, consider that perhaps they have different experiences. In my experience, one or two is an outlier, but if it's significant then maybe it's not them who are wrong.

If everyone thinks I'm an asshole, maybe I am one is the basic jist. That and I can hate things that happen without hating it all. It's not black and white.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 20 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-04-20T09:57:37-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I don't find your statement to be true. I do not run across much of any people at all that "hate this country". I have worked in industry and education and I just don't see any proof of your statement. I do find people that are very disheartened by some of the actions of this government, but "hate" - no sir, I don't see any evidence to support your accusation.