(no subject)
Citizens of the Empire by Robert Jensen
I
CUTTING THROUGH THE FOG OF POLITICAL RHETORIC
In any debate, the person who has the power to set the framework and define the terms has an enormous advantage. Part of the struggle for the antiwar movement, and those taking critical positions more generally, is to avoid being trapped in the rhetoric of the dominant culture.
Especially since 9/11, through the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, there have been three crucial rhetorical frameworks that have been difficult to challenge in public... First is the assertion that the United States is the greatest nation on earth. Second is the claim that one must support the troops because they defend our freedom. Third is the assumption that patriotism is a positive value...
In the next three chapters, I will look in detail at each and suggest a critique... But is is curcial to be clear about why these ideas are dangerous.
i rescind! gee, i never knew patriotism and supporting the troops was a dangerous idea.