My house was bugged. They couldn't find any information on me being a subversive because I happen to love America; I just don't like some of the things the government is doing.

In this quote, Eartha Kitt, the American singer and actress, reflects on her experience with government surveillance. She reveals that her house was bugged, meaning that government agencies secretly monitored her activities in an attempt to find evidence of her being a subversive—someone who might undermine the government. However, Kitt points out that the authorities found no such evidence because her opposition was not about rejecting America as a whole, but rather criticizing certain actions taken by the government.

Kitt emphasizes that her love for America remains intact, but she criticizes the government's actions and policies that she deemed problematic. Her statement underscores the distinction between loving one’s country and disagreeing with certain governmental actions. This reflects a form of patriotism that is not blind, but rather one that seeks to challenge and improve the nation by holding the government accountable for its mistakes or overreaches.

The quote also speaks to the broader issues of civil liberties and freedom of expression during a time when political dissent, particularly during the Cold War era, was often treated with suspicion. Kitt's admission that she was targeted for simply expressing dissatisfaction with the government reflects the dangers of overreach and the erosion of freedoms in the name of national security.

Ultimately, Kitt’s words shed light on the tension between individual freedom and government control, especially in the context of the surveillance state. Her refusal to be silenced by government action demonstrates her commitment to speaking out against injustice, even when it means facing scrutiny and suspicion.