Question

Critical Thinking Assignment Number Three (Be sure to cite facts to support your opinions and citations for facts)

5. In his autobiography, Robert McNamara, secretary of defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, revealed that he had serious reservations about the war in Vietnam even while he was involved in prosecuting it. His defense was that voicing his disapproval would have been an act of disloyalty to the president and would have given "aid and comfort to the enemy." Several Bush administration and CIA officials, as well as several retired generals, have condemned the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Do you think these criticisms are unpatriotic, giving "aid and comfort to the enemy," or are they demonstrations of patriotism? Be sure to support your answer and explain your point of view.

Answer 1

Let's scale it down a notch. If someone tells you to do something you know is illegal, immoral, or will hurt another person, would you do it? Probably not. But as soon as the term "duty to your country" is thrown around, it makes it justifiable, because we are serving in the best interest of the country. This is a hugely debated topic, the term "aid and comfort to the enemy" is merely a tool that the perpetuating side will use to sway minds to view an act as "patriotic". The best part about the US is that citizens can speak freely about the government, and its actions. I do not believe it is unpatriotic to criticize government actions, some may say it is actually patriotic to do so. If you stand idly by knowing something is wrong and don't speak out, you are just as guilty.