What is so patriotic about war?

Question

I’ve been listening to people talk about why we should go to war with Korea and Iran and the one thing that keeps popping up is the ‘patriotic’ implication about going to war. If war is so patriotic than whose to say that when another country strikes us that it isn’t that other countries patriotism showing through? No! Of course it’s an act of terrorism, which is the same thing any other country would think if we were to strike against them.

I’ve spent many years fighting for this country because I thought it was the right thing to do at the time and that there would one day be a time to beat swords back into plowshares. I’ve been in Nicaragua, Iraq and Kuwait and I’ve known and served under some great military leaders in my time. But when you’re behind enemy lines, you don’t think about whether this skirmish or that bombing is patriotic, you hope that it accomplishes what it was meant to do and that’s kill people.

Afterward you bear the brunt of your actions and console the innocents who may have been in the way. And when you’re in the sight’s of those innocent’s rage at what your destruction may have done to them, you still don’t think about patriotism, you pray for forgiveness and move on. Patriotism is for the parades you attend, for the victories you’ve won and for the ensuing peace that followed.

drakonis: Don’t speak to me of being a coward when I can’t even meet you eye to eye. You’re the coward for having to say it without having to face a rebuttal.

coombs1973: Assumption is the first mistake of any strategic scenario and you’re assumption that I haven’t gotten counseling is a big one. I’ve also worked (and still do) as a councilor at my local V.A. hospital. No. What I see here is (young) innocent idealism with very little practical (actual) experience in what they’re saying or cold textbook amylases for their justifications.

Answer 1

Being patriotic about war gains credence only if your country has been attacked.
It certainly is a different story if your country attacked another just for economic reasons like getting at their oil..

Answer 2

Going to war, and supporting war are the very definition of patriotism.

Yes, war is horrible for the individuals who are involved. It damages individuals physically and emotionally. Innocent people are tortured and killed and suffer loss.

But wars are often very good things for societies as a whole and for the next generation. One great example is World War II: Germany and Japan are very stable and prosperous societies because of the deaths of millions of people -- some innocent, some not. World War II ended the wholesale murder of European Jews and many other minority groups.

Our country, one of the finest and fairest and freest on earth (and I say that BECAUSE I've been to other countries to see the racism and poverty that exists in most of the rest of the world), was created by means of a brutal and bitter war.

Yes, wars can be started for the wrong reasons. Wars can become pointless bloodbaths because of bad leadership. Yes, selfish motives come into play in war -- especially when lucrative contracts or other spoils await the victors.

But, you cannot dismiss war as non-patriotic because of the suffering of individuals. That is why good Americans honor those who serve in the armed forces, and do not blame them for their bitter feelings: You damaged veterans are the only Americans who have a right to complain about some of these issues. Real Americans know that real blood, sweat, and tears (tears that don't end when the war is over) are the price we have to pay to defend our country, to do what is right, to face down the enemies of civilization, and to make the world a better place for our children.

We will not make the world a better place with flowers and songs and with words. The world will become better through science, through dollars, and through righteous war.

Answer 3

As a political science student, patriotism depends on the perspective you are using. A long time ago, the only way for economic survival was conquering other lands and getting thier resources. That was the principle of Genghis Kahn of Mongolia and the rest of the barbarian horde leaders. In modern times war can help in the economies. With war, the government spending increases so as to meet surpluses. Americas economy boomed in World War 2 because of the spending. In addition to that, america which is now facing some economic problems due to piracy and terrorism needs a new extension market and more resources. Its war with Iraq underscored the oil in US favor and established a new market for demand and supply. Until now, many people are dying. In order to help the pain of your own countrymen, you have to called to hurt other people. Patriotism is prioritizing the needs of your countrymen over the needs of others. It's a painful choice

Answer 4

World War III ended in 1992 and World War IV started on 9-11.

We do not have to go to war with Korea or Iran. We can help the revolution in Iran (those people have them all the time) and with Korea we can bomb them into submission. Also South Korea has the power to take over all of North Korea in less than a week. If China decides to fight they have the power to totally defeat the PROC army with out the help of the USA.

Answer 5

That's like asking "what's so civil about a civil war".....another rhetorical question. Patriotism is looking at the glory of war, to defend the homeland and get the people psyched for war. But as you state, where's the glory and patriotism in seeing a man's guts hanging out or your buddy's head gettin blown off...at that point your only fighting to keep your brothers alive and kill the other guy before he kills you...

Answer 6

War(like it or not) solves more problems then all the worlds diplomats combined. Just look to history for proof.
Since America was born of revolution we have had the best soldiers and equipment in the world. It is patriotic becuase when a person goes to war for there country they r fighting for what there country stands for and for for what the man believes and stands for.

Answer 7

Try counseling, you have huge issues with having served it military. Your issues do not make them the truth though.
The important things to remember is they attack first. We did not go in & bomb their building until our builings & people lay on the ground - broken some beyond repair. 9-11 has given us little choice. If N Korea bombs Japan, our ally, we will have to defend them. They are not allowed enough weapons to protect themselves.

War is not pretty or easy for either side, but it does not mean it is not for the good of our country - thus patriotric.

Please get help, my family has gone through war many times & only one needed help afterwards. You need help.

Answer 8

no war is partiotic, you have the notions of some people confused with the act. war sucks, but is sometimes needed to ensure freedoms and liberties, like WWI & WWII and possible WWIII when it starts up next year.
but the idea of fighting for ones country to ensure freedom is a patriodic notion and a good one. wouldnt make much sense to fight for freedom if you were a comunist, or hated the freedom of speach......think about it

Answer 9

of course it isnt patriotism if another country strikes us!! its patriotism when we strike because think of sept. 11th..... they killed sooo many people war is to make sure they dont do that again.... youre saying it isnt patriotism because ur a coward and afraid of war.... think of the families who lost loved ones on the 11th!! i would think it an honor to fight for their protection!!

Answer 10

i (and many Turkish) believe Atatürk's remark that: "War is just a murder unless it is obligatory". i think US's wars were not obligatory in Kuwait, Nicaragua, Iraq; and is not obligatory in Iran, Korea... Sorry i certainly respect you but instead of being a soldier of US; i would rather die, that is just my ethical viewpoint.