I'm continuously criticizing my government, I think we are something like 160 in ranking of the most free nations on earth. That is unacceptable, but my fellow comrades tell me I'm not being a good citizen.

You criticize your government and country because you love your country and want it to be better. No different than a parent who criticize its child because you love your child and you want your child to do better.

I think it's a bit like speaking badly of your family. It's fine to criticize constructively in an effort to effect change, but simply complaining to outsiders is a sort of disloyalty. That's just my opinion-- I'm sure it will be unpopular... but, there we have it. :O)

I feel making the wrongs known can help to make change, even if it is to people outside of the country. Our reputation with many European nations is already in bad shape, some are even boycotting the Euro 2012 games because of treatment of opposition and freedoms being taken away. These are serious things and maybe outside pressure could help. IMHO

I can understand your mindset, for sure. I think the difference between our ages is more significant in this matter than the difference in our national identities. Look at the generation ahead of you, and see how and where your future battles will be fought.

We all want desperately to change our lives, our countries and our world when we're young. We tend to pick our battles as we get older. :O)

I'm certainly not saying that our countries don't *need* to change in various ways... just that your energies will be conserved differently with each passing decade. Particularly since you'll have children to consider.

I hope this didn't sound condescending-- this is the last thing I'd intend. I applaud your desire to secure a better future for your country. I'm just a bit too old to start any crusades, myself.

No. By pointing out the problems in the government, you've taken the first step towards fixing those problems. If people weren't aloud to speak about the problems in their government it would never change, even if it's absolutely horrid. Criticism brings about modification and therefore the government evolves into a better working system (hopefully the smart, rational ones are screaming the loudest). The ones who pay attention enough and actually say something are the ones being useful. Blind obedience isn't productive at all, never was.

don't know you

Government should be criticized but it should be done on a logical basis. The US has decided to do away with many of its freedoms in favor of security. Apparently our politicians are not aware of that saying those who would trade freedom for a bit of security deserve neither.

Not needling you here, but which freedoms have we traded away? As it pertains to this poll, I mean.

Well this poll is not very specific but since 9/11 this country has made the decision to give up a lot of freedom for security. I don't think it has either today. What freedoms have been taken away? How about the freedom to have mental illness? Not something I would want but remember that passenger who was shot as he suffered a panic attack on a plane and tried to get off? How about government being able to spy on its citizens without any oversight? How about the right not to be exposed to radiation nor be feeled up by some pervert?

OK, I thought you were talking specifically about the freedom to criticize the gov't.

Well that has been taken away if one is not a far right wacko. The luny right has basically taken over the media so they get their points out easily. The moderate left doesn't have the same propaganda machine which is why I tend to support them.

The media... right wing... must... not... laugh...

Which is why I make fun of right wingers a lot. They have a huge propaganda machine and they are pretty much chewing up the minority Left. I see my right wingers dogging the left wing. I hate bullies and I would pick on the bully. If it was the other way around I would be picking on the left.