March 26, 2003

Dumbass KPTV Poll

The current poll on the KPTV website asks the following:

Do the anti-war rallies make you afraid to show your patriotism?

What the bloody crap is this? Where do I even begin? Let's start here: To Hell with KPTV's insinuation that the antiwar protests aren't patriotic. How many times do we have to fight this same God damned battle of explaining to people that in a democracy questioning one's government is not only utterly patriotic, it's the fundamental basis upon which the nation is meant to function.

Wait, let's not just start there, let's end there. That's all there is to it. This isn't a poll question, it's an attempt to divide people. This isn't reporting the news, it's trying to create tension.

No, let me add one more thing: Knee-jerk flag-waving, especially when combined with a disdain or outright hatred for dissent isn't patriotism, it's nationalism. And it's dangerous.

That said, the current results put "yes" at 6% and "no" at a massive 93%, with a 1% sliver stating that they are "undecided."

Posted at 01:06 AM | PermalinkComments (2) | TrackBacks (1)
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Comments (2)

  1. myrln on 26 Mar 2003

    The media is obsessed with these so-called polls of light-switch mentality, i.e. on-off, yes-no. The reason, largely, is that those running things in radio/tv/print have about that level of mentality. Don't confuse them with the possibility of there being other options.

  2. Mark on 18 Sep 2003

    Most media companies have very sharp people in them, but they rely on their ratings (If they don't make money they have to find a new job), and face it - we're becoming a split society. Part of our society values education and being aware of the world around you, the rest drifts along and is easily swayed by anything they see on TV. As with government, we tend to get the TV we deserve.

    By the way, if it weren't for a growing sense of nationalism in the colonies America never would have been formed. Like most things Nationalism can be either a good or bad thing, depending upon how it is used.

    Strong nationalistic feelings are also a natural result of any war or major conflict. Even in the Vietnam war (I'm old enough to remember) most of the public was very nationalistic and supportive of both our nation and goals until the very end of the conflict, contrary to what todays press tells you.

    Finally, Liberals are supposed to be relaxed and non-warlike, what's up with you ;-)

Trackbacks (1)

  1. Patriotism vs Nationalism on 26 Mar 2003

    Knee-jerk flag-waving, especially when combined with a disdain or outright hatred for dissent isn't patriotism, it's nationalism. And it's dangerous.