Small government "patriotism"

[ksen]

Why is it when small government types say things like: "government is the problem", "government is evil" with no qualifiers they are considered good, patriotic Americans.

But when liberals say "some parts of the government have done some bad things" or "government is better suited to do some things" they are called America hating/terrorist loving commies.

 

[dx713]

When the government imposes on the elite's freedom, such as with clearly evil things like taxes or forcing them to stop discriminating against the gay, it's a problem.

When the government enforces security for said elite or secures their wealth sources via international pressure, it is the patriotic thing to do, and it's even commendable to have the courage to break the law or work around the constitution to do it.

I don't see why it's confusing.

(and no, it's not an american thing, although the patriotic explanation is generally downplayed in favour of a "growth!" mantra here in Europe, except in extreme-right wing circles)

 

[ksen]

Reported today that the Oklahoma legislature is calling for the banning of AP US history classes because

Fisher, who has been active in a church-and-state organization called the Black Robe Regiment, said the AP U.S. history course framework emphasizes “what is bad about America.”

So here's an example of a small government politician complaining about a textbook that (might) point out some bad things the US government has done in the past. Meanwhile the governor of Oklahoma can say things like the federal government is "out of control" and that's just fine.