Support Our Troops
We all know that Americans tend to support the president, the administration, and the troops during wartime. This has been true for hundreds of years. And it is still a popular theme today.
The rationale, of course, is that -- in wartime -- the country's safety is at stake, and our troops are in harm's way. So people should do nothing to delay the successful conclusion of the war.
Makes sense, right?
Indeed, during wartime, it can be a crime to even criticize the U.S. government, under the Alien and Sedition Acts and related laws.
Unfortunate, but maybe a necessary evil?
But what happens if the war was launched on false pretenses? For example, the Iraq war was based on two primary claims:
(1) Iraq had weapons of mass destruction; and
(2) Saddam Hussein had a hand in 9-11.
These were both untrue. See, for example, this article.
Does a war based on misrepresentations change the "social contract" between the people and the government? Is it patriotic to remain silent during wartime, when the war itself is based on lies?
Moreover, what if -- hypothetically -- our government itself carried out the provocation which led to war? For example, what if the government itself carried out a terrorist incident in order to start a war? And what if -- just for the sake of argument -- some really smart people are saying that they might do it again?
Under that scenario, should we just remain quiet in order to "support our troops"?
• Wouldn't that mean that we are supporting a war which was initiated in the first place by criminal and dishonest acts of our own government?
• Wouldn't that mean that we are supporting criminals?
• Wouldn't that be anti-American?
Its like the story of the guy who bought an expensive, sturdy and very tall ladder to do work on his roof. When a neighbor told him he was leaning the ladder against the wrong side of the house, the guy yelled at the neighbor "but this ladder cost me $200!"
It makes no sense to be silent to support a war effort when that war effort is based on lies and deception and is actually contrary to the national security of the United States. That would be like leaning a ladder against the wrong wall and then demanding silence from everyone who tried to point out that obvious fact.
The rationale, of course, is that -- in wartime -- the country's safety is at stake, and our troops are in harm's way. So people should do nothing to delay the successful conclusion of the war.
Makes sense, right?
Indeed, during wartime, it can be a crime to even criticize the U.S. government, under the Alien and Sedition Acts and related laws.
Unfortunate, but maybe a necessary evil?
But what happens if the war was launched on false pretenses? For example, the Iraq war was based on two primary claims:
(1) Iraq had weapons of mass destruction; and
(2) Saddam Hussein had a hand in 9-11.
These were both untrue. See, for example, this article.
Does a war based on misrepresentations change the "social contract" between the people and the government? Is it patriotic to remain silent during wartime, when the war itself is based on lies?
Moreover, what if -- hypothetically -- our government itself carried out the provocation which led to war? For example, what if the government itself carried out a terrorist incident in order to start a war? And what if -- just for the sake of argument -- some really smart people are saying that they might do it again?
Under that scenario, should we just remain quiet in order to "support our troops"?
• Wouldn't that mean that we are supporting a war which was initiated in the first place by criminal and dishonest acts of our own government?
• Wouldn't that mean that we are supporting criminals?
• Wouldn't that be anti-American?
Its like the story of the guy who bought an expensive, sturdy and very tall ladder to do work on his roof. When a neighbor told him he was leaning the ladder against the wrong side of the house, the guy yelled at the neighbor "but this ladder cost me $200!"
It makes no sense to be silent to support a war effort when that war effort is based on lies and deception and is actually contrary to the national security of the United States. That would be like leaning a ladder against the wrong wall and then demanding silence from everyone who tried to point out that obvious fact.
6 Comments:
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I do support the American troops in Iraq. I support them to go back to their homes and their family safe and sound.
But I do not support this stupid war.
I wish no more troops and no more civilians die because of the interests of a few.
PEACE!
Have some respect for our troops who are risking their lives to save ours! Do not be a hypocrite by saying you support our troops but you don't support what there fighting for.
Sara, get a clue-there is no cause. Supporting your troops means valuing
their lives enough not to send them on imperial empire quests. That isn't
the way our country is supposed to operate.
I'm from a military family, are you?
As an American working for German Rail, I had the honor of serving a US Army soldier on a Hamburg to Berlin rail journey. We discussed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's on his way back for a sixth tour. I did my upmost to give him comfort and support, letting him know that he has people who believe in him and respect him for doing his job. I told him how much I commend him for his bravery and commitment to helping the peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq. I also told him that he must have a guardian angel looking after him wherever he might go. Good luck to you Chris from Wyoming! Greetings from Darryl in Berlin, Germny
You can support the troops at the same time resisting an illegal war (lied into) from ill gotten gains (rotten state of Florida, 2000, Ohio, 2004).
You must be schizophrenic to believe the 911 Commission (fire <1200 melts steel, hijackers never known ID'ed the day of the incident, best Air Force in the world failure) and our so-called leaders never seeing it coming (besides in all the exercises before the event).
Bush it is believing something not couched in reality.
Where are the 100%errs? Probably fighting in Iraq. Thank you for your support.
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