For a time after the second Iraq War began on
March 20, 2003, dissent against this military action was viewed as unpatriotic by many people in the United States, particularly those on the right end of the political spectrum. Arguments against the war - whatever their merit or basis - were often met by the phrase "why do
you hate America"?
Now, several years later, the phrase has gained ironic usage and is more often utilized to emphasize the irrelevance,
illogic, or foolishness of the original argument; see examples below.
Original usage:
Person 1: Well, I don't see why we needed to go to Iraq. Clearly Saddam Hussein was
no danger to the United States.
Person 2: Why do
you hate America?
Current usage:
Person 1: How
can people watch professional wrestling? It's so fake.
Person 2: Why do you hate America?
