Bloomberg: Criticizing government can be patriotic

June 10, 2006

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg suggested to college graduates Saturday that nothing is more patriotic than questioning the government and "challenging it to live up to the democratic ideals."

During a graduation speech at the University of Chicago, the Republican mayor said there is a "spirit of intolerance" for people with opposing views, who often are accused of being unpatriotic. A transcript of the speech was provided to reporters at City Hall in New York.

"We all have to get together in this country and stop this right now and stand up to those who would demagogue," he said. "There is nothing _ absolutely nothing _ wrong with criticizing our government, on any topic, and challenging it to live up to the democratic ideals. It is not unpatriotic. In fact, what could be more patriotic?"

Aides say Bloomberg was not referring to a specific leader or issue, but rather an overall atmosphere where dissenting opinions are shut out.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/am-mayo0611,0,1354400.story?coll=ny-nycnews-headlines

And it is an even more important duty with more important issues like invading Iraq and destroying so many lives and what remained of our good name and national security.

A citizen's criticism of his government is one of the most patriotic actions a civilian can take. Voting is another.

If you're criticising out of a desire to address problems or improve things, then yes, it is. If it's for personal gain, out of a desire to cut someone else down for its own sake, etc., then it isn't.

from Bloomberg News. Now I realize I'm living in the Bush era too long.

. . . coming from a man who bristles at criticism.

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."


--Theodore Roosevelt

so he could win. It was apparent at the time Republicans had all the momentum going for them. The "echo chamber" was all Republican all the time. I believe he still has a few Democratic ideals left in him just few principles.

The Dems in NYC decided to give the nomination for mayor to another candidate in 2001, so Bloomberg switched parties in order to get on the ticket.