How many people are against war but have an enormous pride and respect for those who serve?

Bill

:: raising hand ::

It is a crock that you must support the mission to support the troop.

Here's the thing. When you accept a commission or enlist, you do so with the understanding that our elected leaders call the shots. Your only vote comes on election day. Some do choose to end their service when they can no longer support national policy.

MSgt, USAF (Retired)

jack

I admire and respect anyone who has strong decent principles and puts themselves on the line for them - this applies to many serving in the US armed forces.

No war is good, some wars are necasary. If the military does not follow unquestioningly the directions of the elected government it would not be possible to do what the elected government deems must be done.

Leizl

They don't have a choice once they join whether or not they go. If they disobey orders then they go to jail. They knew when they joined that there is a good chance they will go to war. Defending our country is more important to them than the chance they will be fighting a war nobody believes in.
I hate this war, every time I hear of another soldier coming home in a casket with a flag draped over it to his mother, young wife, and little children it makes me sick, sad, and angry.
I have enormous respect for those who serve. My husband is a veteran of the Gulf War.

kwflamingo

I don't beleive war solves anything - but, I feel tremendous pride for my son, who is leaving next month for his second tour. I know he feels strongly about why we're there (although I don't really understand it) and he will follow orders from his superiors.

genghis41f

I joined the RAF because I am a patriot and decided that the best way to do my part for my nation was to defend it.

It may seem like a dated belief, but it really is why I chose to serve.

Although I haven't been to Iraq yet, I will this summer. When I found out I wasn't scared, I was actually quite glad. This was partly because I was sick of my current post, but more importantly I wanted to go out there and support my fellow servicemen who are fighting and dying out there. I'm an aircraft engineer by trade and will be supporting the airborne transport fleet.

I obviously don't have a say on the reasons for going to war as a force but I can say that I go to support everyone else out there, to help my colleagues get home safely. Politics doesn't come into it, it's the "one in, all in" factor (we do it to help each other get through it).

kgsgolf

You have put your finger on what it is to be an American.
We can criticize our leaders (too easy w/ Geo. Bush) but we must support our fellow Americans home and overseas.
We can vote for or against our Presidents / Senators / Congressmen and Governors but we must support their decisions as it pertains to our fellow citizens / soldiers.

Kurt S

Military personnel who deploy to Iraq are mostly just people trying to make a living, provide for their families and get along in life like you and I. Don't try to read too much more than that into the motivations. You go because that's what they tell you to do. It's not blind obedience, it's a commitment to do the job they are paid for and which keeps their family fed and cared for.

Wonder Woman

You hit the nail on the head.Very proud of my boyfriend, at the same time..very frustrated about the war. I feel our military have the most to say in their opinions. They've been over there. They know what is going on 1st hand. Many want to stay, many disagree. But many also want us to just shut up so they can do their jobs. I hate to see young men with fmailies go over there..

Shan

To quote 'Bill,' "When you accept a commission or enlist, you do so with the understanding that our elected leaders call the shots." This has nothing to do with training or 'desensitizing.' You claim that you mean no disrespect, that you are 'humble' at those who chose to serve, yet you just called them 'mindless morons,' in your opinion they cannot stand up for what they believe. Just a thought, maybe they are doing just that. Maybe in their 'wee little minds,' standing up in defense of the country they live in and love is important to them. Of course, you would have to keep in mind such things as the bombing of the World Trade Center in the early 90's, the Marine Barracks, the USS Cole, and then the attacks of 9/11/2001. That is when THEY brought the fight here, THEY took the first swing. We simply answered the challenge and put the fight back in their yard.
Agreeing with the fight is irrelevant, supporting those who defend your freedom, and your rights is what is important. Without them, you could not ask such questions in a public forum without some type of reprisal. Give that some consideration.

Who?

It's their job! I have nothing but great respect for them and I'm so against this war, it's not funny. But they have to do what they have to do because if you disobey your boss, you get fired, right? It's a lot of other people who feels the same way you and I do though.

Irrational Man

75,245,096 or so.

Uh, I said that number of people in general, not soldiers, that's how the question reads.

madjer21755

Iraq was a mistake. But my problem is the total screw up the white house and his cabinet heads made during the first 4 years.

People who decide to commit young people to risk their life owe them good leadership. This group of idiots have failed. Just like the group I served under in the 60's.

collapsed_generation

As with everything else I hate the group but love the individuals. Some of my best friends are in Iraq right now and they complain to me all the time about lack of...pretty much everything essential and how the guys in charge do next to nothing to help with the situation.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: