Editor,
I find it disturbing what some Americans have come to call "patriotism" in the weeks following the terrorist attacks. These so-called patriots see any criticism of our government and its actions as un-American. They demand unity and an end to free speech.
Long before the tragic events on Sept. 11, I was fighting for this country and its Constitution. Whether through writing our legislators or educating the public, I and many others have tried to protect this country and its values at great expense to our own personal interests. Six thousand people didn't have to die before we got involved in protecting this country.
Now, because we criticize the U.S. government for its part in giving birth to the Taliban and demand accountability for the U.S. funding and support of terrorism, some see us as unpatriotic. We have been trying for years to warn our fellow Americans that our foreign policies were inspiring a deep hatred abroad and that there would be consequences.
Loving your country goes well beyond displaying a flag in your window and supporting a war in Afghanistan.
True patriotism requires you to know of your government's actions, question those actions and demand accountability when our elected officials make bad judgments in foreign policy.
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It's time for those who follow our government blindly to realize that failing to protest your government can have tragic consequences.
Kevin Killough
UNM student
