| Why
the “Think.”
on the flag sticker?
The
flag is meant to represent the freedoms we all hold dear:
freedom of speech, association, religion, thought, the presumption
of innocence.
It does
NOT indicate imperialism, hate, militarism, racism, homophobia,
or Pat Robertson. The flag holds the promise of democracy
for all of us. It belongs to all Americans, not just those
who drape themselves in it and declare that "patriotism."
If we
let others define the flag, we lose it. We challenge everyone
who thinks they are patriotic to think deeply about their
own behavior and opinions; the way they treat and think of
others with different opinions; and the way that our government
treats both its own citizens and other countries and their
citizens.
And
we challenge those who only see the flag as a negative symbol
to reenvision it as a true symbol of freedom—and what
this country represents at its best.
All
American citizens are American. If you care about your country,
you are a patriot. Questioning other's patriotism or "Americanism"
is itself unpatriotic and un-American. There is no excuse.
To call
someone un-American is the most un-American thing of all. |
|
The
Bottom Line (at the top)
DemocracyMeansYou exists to encourage
YOU (and by "YOU" we mean each and every individual to
view this site) to become involved in YOUR government, particularly
if you are lucky enough to live in a democratic republic like the
United States. We believe that most of the problems in this country
and the world as a whole can be improved with more citizen involvement,
especially by citizens of the U.S., which, as the world’s
lone superpower, has a distinct impact on the safety and potential
of every human being in the world. Our goal is to get YOU and US
and THEM and EVERYONE to TAKE ACTION, to work to change whatever
you believe needs changing, whenever, wherever and whyever you believe
those particular changes need to be made.
That, and to provide a forum for a variety of people
to poke a little fun at the ruling classes, try to decide just what
problems are most important and how people can best become involved
in positive change.
At a minimum, DemocracyMeansYou wishes to encourage
individuals to fulfil the three most basic forms of participation
by getting you to register and vote, contact your representatives
at all levels of government whenever you take issue with their actions
or things that are in the works an, at the most basic level, start
THINKING about yourself as a citizen.
Think. It's Patriotic.
This was our original slogan and continues to be our
signature design. We developed it as a response to what we considered
"knee-jerk flagwaving" after September 11th, 2001. We
were offended that the flag had become, basically, a "yellow
ribbon," saying little, discouraging dissent and open conversation.
Why We Criticize
We
criticize this country because we love it. We believe in the promise
America: equality and democracy for all. Those who call us "un-American"
are missing the point of America. We love the freedoms we enjoy.
We are scared by those who threaten those freedoms in the name of
security, and so-called free trade. More often than not, the words
"security" and "free trade" are used as vaguely
defined marketing slogans to limit a through debate about trade
and security issues.
We
criticize Israel for similar reasons. You can find our position
statement on the Middle East here,
or go to PeaceMidEast.org
which also articulates our position very elegantly and compassionately.
Our Content and Merchandise
Our
articles, stickers, tees, and buttons are meant to be thought-provoking
and often humorous expressions of our positions and frustrations.
We believe humor is a productive and healthy way to both let out
frustrations and inspire action and community. While some of our
articles and merchandise may be offensive to humor-challenged individuals,
they're meant to challenge entrenched positions and provoke thought
and discussion. But ultimately, our site is for left-wing folks
with a sense of humor and an occasional democratic chip on their
shoulders. Please enjoy.
We're always adding new content and merchandise. Check back often
to see what's new! We post articles and opinion on issues from unemployment
to war; suggestions for effective action; and links to find out
about political action.
This
site went live December 27, 2001. We are not a nonprofit organization.
Sales of stickers, buttons, magnets, T-shirts, and the rest allow
us to do this work and still pay rent.
Please
feel free to write us with your comments, suggestions, and—hopefully
well-thought-out—criticism. |
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