George and Dick have re-defined patriotism to mean dedication to them and their policies. Either you are for them or against them. Dissent and disagreement is the same as anti-Americanism, which is now synonymous with terrorism. And the terrorists, as we well know, must be stopped at all costs.

In countries lead by dictators, the citizens are forced into agreement with whatever policies their governments dream up, regardless of how immoral, indecent or illegal they may be. If they fail to toe the line, they are often killed. How much different is that from what Dick Cheney is saying? If you fail to vote the Republicans into office again—and thereby endorse all their policies—"we'll get hit again," and you will be killed. The only difference is you will be killed by terrorists, not by your local police. Either way, you’re dead.

The Bush administration is doing their best to create a society where being an American in and of itself is the greatest gift one could ask for, regardless of what that has come to mean in recent years. We tend to agree more with our Founding Fathers—that the actual freedoms and liberties upon which America was based are what make being an American worthwhile. America was founded on the notion of the individual’s right to expression and dissent; Bush wants to re-establish this country on the idea that individuals are only as important as how much they serve the greater cause of nationalism. That philosophy of nationalism over individualism goes by another name—Communism—and the people in countries where that philosophy reigned always, sooner or later, rose up to destroy their government in the name of the inalienable rights of the individual. Thomas Jefferson maintained that the people should always rule their government and even revolt if that government exercised too much power. George W Bush argues that the world is too scary and that he knows best. Believe in him and he will protect you.

As Americans and as human beings, we say that being treated this way is not acceptable. Whether it be revolution, demonstrating in the streets, or reporting on the ways of the Bush administration, there are countless ways to stop this march towards a perfect Orwellian nightmare. Here’s one more way: work to get John Kerry elected president and help put an end to all this. He may not be perfect, but neither is this country. Only a dictator believes he can create the perfect society—but dictators are, in one way or another, always destroyed by the very same people who they seek to keep down. It's time for the American people to rise up, speak out, and take this country back. Only then will the word "patriotism" again arouse feelings of hope and pride rather than demagoguery and fear.

Love, Tablet