I am so sick of the people who are pro-war who scream and yell "Support our Troops." NO! I will not support our troops. Our troops are people whom are given guns and pointed in the direction they are supposed to shoot. The United States has trained troops that have bombed sites where no opposing enemies are on accident, killing innocent men, women, and children. Our troops march through foriegn soil creating a hostile environment for Iraqi children who don't understand why they have to stay hidden in a bomb shelter and no longer go to school. Their school was bombed last week, right along with their city's hospital by our troops. But we should "Support our Troops."
I do, on the other hand, support the men and women who happen to be our troops. I support their spirit and strength during this conflict. I support their belief that they are doing what they have to do to protect freedom and what the United States stands for. I support the brave people who want what is best for the Iraqi people and believe that fighting this war is the way to fulfill that goal. But I will not support our troops.
What makes me mad about these, let's call them 'troop fanatics' is that most of them believe that if you don't support our troops then you are un-American. I hate that they beleive they have more pride in this great nation than I do because I don't support this war or our troops. Well I think they are un-American for promoting death and destruction in the name of democracy.
Support Our Troops by ending the WAR!
Perhaps then you don't support the war?
Opinions should be stated not argued.
is that your opinion...or are you trying to start an argument???
It's complicated. Never starting the war in the first place would be nice. But now that United States has created a potentially unstable situation in Iraq, America should try to solve it. I agree with you, however.
You make a good point. There is a difference between supporting what the troops are doing and supporting the men and women who are brave enough to fight for their country. Both are very American, and nobody should be telling you that you're not.
Thank you. I have, until a recent conversation, believed that I supported the troops. But how can you support troops when they are the war itself. They're the breeding grounds for the war to continue. They may have no say in it, they're just doing their civil duty, but they are the war nonetheless. I now know that I support the men and woman who take to heart to fight on the behalf of Iraq, who has no intention of trying to support itself any other way. Hell, the Iraqi government took a whole month off while American's fight and die over there. They probably deserved the break from the hectic war. They only get to see their family once or twice a week maybe. It doesn't matter that our troops haven't seen their families, in most cases, for a year or more.
No day but today
-RENT
You are very brave for coming out and saying that with a bunch of nut jobs running around, It's a very good point.
-Caity =)
thank you very much! i contiplated not even posting this, but it's something that was bugging me and i decided to post it. that's what this website is about, bring forth information and opposing opinions.
those fanatics....are family members of the soldiers who are fighting for you freedom. the freedom you use to insult them. and those iraqi children weren't going to school before, at least not the girls, and sure as hell not the kurds. the extremists strap bombs to their kids. would you do that to your child? i think not. we were all born into a society that values life, but they were not. i support my brother, and i support that hes fighting to give those children the freedom we take for granted.
I enjoyed your comment very much. I always love to hear what the opposition has to say. They only thing I don't agreed with is you say I unsulted the fanatics. The only thing that could be construed as insulting is the fact that I called them fanatics in the first place. I appreciate passion when it's well placed. But there is a fine line between passion and obsession (and the obsessive behavior that comes with it). I just wanted to voice the frustration that I have when, you call them family members I call them fanatics (to-mae-toe....to-mah-toe) , downgrade me for my views and the passion that I have against the war. Not now, nor have I ever, taken my freedom for granted. I make it a priority in my life to point out to my children what they have and how much better their life is compared to those who are less fortunate. And, liberal though I may be, I have told my children about the terrible living conditions the Iraqians had before the war and part of the reason why we don't want to take our troops out is so that they could have a better life. Personally, I don't believe that this war is going to solve that problem. It didn't solve anything the first time in Operation Dessert Storm, and I don't think it will this time either. Our involvement in the Middle East is they reason why the oppression takes place in the first place.
Two points...
First of all, I am confused about how you are using the word "troops." In my mind, the troops are made up of the individuals, the men and women you say you support. You said "But how can you support troops when they are the war itself. They're the breeding grounds for the war to continue. They may have no say in it, they're just doing their civil duty, but they are the war nonetheless." To me, this means you think that if all the troops just quit, the war would end, because you said they are the “breeding ground for the war to continue”. Regardless, they aren't the "breeding ground" for the war, if they quit the United States would impose a draft-it’s that simple. If you believe the government would take the hint, so to speak, and pull out of Iraq you clearly don't understand neither the conflict nor its complexity.
Second, it is absolutely offensive to use the term “fanatic” in reference to the families of the troops, or anyone else in my opinion. Not all of the people who berate you for your views are family members. Furthermore, it just isn’t a polite term. It's quite commonly associated with propaganda so if you don't mind I'd really appreciate it, as I'm sure would the rest of the liberals, if you'd stop giving us a bad name and come up with some age-appropriate approaches to the matter. Beyond name-calling, that is.
History Lesson...
Our involvement in the Middle East is not the reason why oppression occurs there, it occurs as part of their religion and culture. As someone mentioned to you in an earlier reply, both women and Kurds are oppressed throughout the Middle East. This isn't a result of United States interference; it is a result of the structure of Islam specifically because it does not distinguish between matters of religion and matters of state. Because of this, the countries in the Middle East with largely Islamic populations repress Kurds, for example, by denying them the right to self-govern or culturally identify themselves as Kurdish. For example, until 1991 the Kurdish language was illegal in Turkey. Their language was illegal. Currently it is allowed and even occupies some, albeit very restricted, [i.e. 60 minutes per day, not to exceed five hours per week] radio air time.
Women's rights in the Islamic faith vary but in general are severely restricted. These are cases of oppression, they are causes of conflict. The oppression and conflict cannot be blamed on the United States alone because it is just our fault.
Supporting the Troops but not the War...
Personally, I support the troops, but not the war. This is because I don't believe that our involvement in the Middle East has had anything to do with saving, helping, or freeing the oppressed as it has been so innocently presented to us, the American public. Our involvement has been entirely economic, entirely meant to do what is in our best interest at any and all costs from the very beginning. [i.e. we need oil so the very foundation of our country does not crumble beneath us.] I support the troops because I know that many of them, that is to say the men and women who make up the troops, are there out of desperation or in hopes of a better life for themselves or their families. Some joined before this war, thinking they wouldn't see combat. Some have been called up for duty more than what would be considered their fair share of times, etc, etc. You understand where I'm going with this. Suffice it to say that I support the troops because I believe many of them had no idea what they were getting themselves in to. I have respect for those troops, because they're stuck in a vicious cycle, bound by contract, forced to do what they're told despite their own objections.
When Operation Iraqi Freedom first started our death rate of the troops, I believe was at one of the hightest in history. However, if you watch the military channel or know some of the military statistics for this war, one would see that our death rate for our troops is probably at the highest level of all times, HOWEVER. . . if you look at statistics, you would see that our death rate of troops IS NOT high due to war and due to the enemy, but due to friendly fire and by other American Troops, such as not knowing that they are shooting at their own teammates. A lot of the deaths were brought on due to Our American Troops and mistake making, or due to Helicopters crashing, etc. I believe because of our death rate being at one of the all time high's back in 2002-2004 ish is when people have started to want this to be over and that is when they decided to stop supporting. However, one should look at all the sides, and from different angels, and look at the pro's and con's. Maybe one should try putting themselves in the position that the Innocent over in Iraq are in.
You may believe that most people stopped supporting the war due to the statistics reported in 2002-2004ish, but I know that I did not support the war in the first place. The oppression of the innocent in Iraq became a serious problem in the 80's when our government gave Saddam Huissein military weapons, training, and weapons of mass destruction so they could fight against Iran. After maintaining their independence, the Huissein regime reigned terror down on the Kurds and did nothing for their people. Their living conditions are attrocious and their education is inadequate at best. So I have thought about the innocent in Iraq and feel complete and utter embarrasment that we were the ones that provided the means for the Al Queda do to that to them in the first place.
OK......this is just plain stupid. Who, exactly, do you think "the troops" are? "The troops" ARE the men and women whom are serving. Did you ever ask "the troops" to define "TROOPS"? Well, from a former "troop" - I will tell you it was a real honor to have the ability to serve OUR country - defending our freedom, and providing for others. It is an honor to be even a small part of "the troops", yet, it is a title I still proudly wear with honor. So - HOW THE HELL CAN YOU SAY YOU SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN (I am a woman, by the way) WHO SERVE/HAVE SERVED BUT DO NOT SUPPORT THE TROOPS?????? That's like saying "Daddythumper131's a complete idiot - with no brain in his skull.....but at least he's a smart idiot!"....WTF? There is NO logic!!!
So - politics aside (which, I am not afraid to say - I am certain I disagree with you on) - your ideas completely lack logic. You cannot remove the "troop" from the "troops". For or against the war - whatever.....we could argue until we were blu in the face over that issue - but this is just plain stupidity. It is sad - not only that you exhibit such lack of intelligence - but you are dragging down, possibly otherwise intelligent people with you - under your guise of "masterful thought". You disgust me! May you rot in the hell you are wishing on others with your mouth foaming with hate. May you be eaten by worms, turned to dust, and consumed by fire and brimstone for all eternity.
Your so called logic is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. According to your 'logic' I would have to have said something like 'The men and woman are people with guns-but at least they are our troops." Then I would have to agree with you, that would be pretty stupid. I was referring to 'troops' as a term that is being used now that the men and women who serve in our nation's military are deployed to war. I've never really heard anyone rallying for our 'troops' at a time of peace. And that is what I don't support: the men and woman of our military becoming the 'troops' of this war. I'm glad that you're proud you served our country, as well you should be. I, on the other hand, could never be proud be be something that kills, no matter what the cause. But hey, it's for freedom so it doesn't matter how many lives are lost, right? Even if I were an idiot, why does that make you so angry? Your obviously superiour to me and more intelligent, so why waste time on the my lack of logic. All that does is make you look like and idiot and a bigot. A very mad bigot. Thank you for your time and evergy you wasted commenting on my blog.
I completely AGREE with you on this inmyRIGHTmind. Thank you for saying that. And thank you for serving our country.
If you don't support our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.
It's so hard to just come out and say that you don't support the troops. Many of your points are good and very very valid and I agree with them. I do not support the troops that are going out there saying "LETS KILL SOME IRAQIS!"
That is just going into this war blind of what is really going on. It has been established that we are not winning the war on terrorism. The only thing that we have achieved here is that we have taken down a ruler, had him hanged by his people (which is so barbaric), and now we are killing innocent people because they are supposedly all terrorists? I don't know but I've never heard of a young five year old plotting against the U.S. and making bombs...hmmm you don't come across that everyday.
I agree with you when you say that you support those who believe in rebuilding a nation under a government that will treat them like equal human beings. There has never been an established government in a country without a fight. If this is the measure we must take to do that then so be it. But I do not support those that think we are there to kill the Iraqis. If that is what we are there for then Americans have lost everything I thought we represent.
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"Is it true, said Candide, that people in Paris are always laughing?"
-Voltaire
I have decided to take a selfish stance in this endless nonsense. I would just like to have my boyfriend back and I would like him to have his life back. Just as I'm sure he would too. I don't care about oil, or the security of another country because it effects our security, I don't care about Bush or Cheney, or national debt anymore. I just want our lives to be able to move forward instead of paused for a war that means nothing to me.
I do not in any way shape or form support the war. However, I do FULLY support our troops. I have way too many family members and friends in the military not to. I worry about every one of them every second of every day. My best friend is a U.S. Marine and I'm so scared that he won't walk off that plane home, I'm scared he will come home in a damn box. And it is because of people like him that you can insult our troops. I don't think that you are any less American than myself or anyone supporting our troops, I just strongly oppose your opinion.
My friend is trained not to question his orders, if he does it is his life and the lives of everyone around him in danger. He is trained to kill and he hates that. He hates not thinking about what he is told to do. He hates being away from his friends and family. He is scared to no end. But he volunteered to go to Iraq. I told him I hated him when he told me that. Then he told me his reason for going. He told me that he is young and doesn't have a family of his own yet, and the way he looks at it is if he goes, it will be one less person going who does have a family. He looks at it as giving someone more time with their children and wife/husband. So after that I couldn't hate him. I hate that in a few months I'm going to be more scared and worried than I have ever been in my life, but I don't hate him.
So, I even though I don't agree with you at all. I don't think you are any less American than anyone else in this country.
If you don't support our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.