Why are our soldiers called traitors when they speak their mind?

Question

If they are not giving up secrets, then leave them alone. Just maybe you are a coward and can't stand the truth.

I am speaking to those who think that our soldiers should follow orders blindly. Please re-think what you are saying. I do thank you for your respectful responses. Silly M; does your mommy know what you're doing? It's way past your bedtime i'm sure.

My q is in response to Erudite's beautiful q asking about the most intelligent soldier. It was a beautiful blog about a soldier's feelings from a soldier named Englehart. I hope that you all will look for Erudite's Q and read this blog This man IS NOT A TRAITOR in any way shape or form. YOU ARE WHEN YOU DON'T ALLOW THE TRUTH TO BE HEARD.

Answer 1

I completely agree with you. I thought this country was built on the precepts of free speech. I guess they are called traitors because you expect a soldier to be courageous and never bash the government. But remember: peace takes courage too.

Answer 2

Because they don't seem to want the truth. War is ugly and people do things they shouldn't, they lose it and do something horrible they shouldn't have. I'm suspecting this is what you're talking about.

Somehow, some people feel it's ok to cross the line because it's war....to get away with things they wouldn't in "a civilized world" so they rape, murder, humiliate, abuse, who knows what....should those things be covered up?

Frankly, I don't know how anyone could ever come back home and live with themselves ever again until they do atone for those sins. Their demons must consume them. That is why war is a terrible thing and should never happen and be avoided at all costs.

Answer 3

Because Americans have been brainwashed through media etc to think that way. Even in the re election of Bush he called John Kerry a traitor because he spoke out against the vietnam war despite the fact he fought in it and bush had want AWOL on his military duties. From the outside it seems that America is all about black and white and leaves no room for grey ares. You are with us or against us
. There should always be room for grey areas.

Answer 4

i guess the whole thing about the soldiers keeping to themselves and supporting the government does make sense when they are in active duty. probably best for them to stay focused on the job at hand so they can come home alive. but when it comes to soldiers that have served their duty and decide to speak out afterward, then i support that because if anyone has a right to do that its someone who actually put their *** on the line for their country. that's why it sucked when john kerry was running for president and he was "criticized" for speaking out against the war" by of all people our now president bush. for god sake people john kerry was a war hero & wasn't afraid to go and fight for his country, while on the other hand george w never saw any action & if you read up on it barely was around during whatever his tour or place was in the military, he had it kushy, by choice. sorry, i get carried away sometimes.

Answer 5

Soldiers are not traitors for speaking their mind. They are there doing a duty as prescribed by their commanders, plain and simple. It's not their fault they are there, they were ordered to go there.
If you are a soldier, as I was in Desert Storm, and you don't believe in the war, tough. No one forced you to sign up. You knew the rules when you signed the dotted line, if you didn't, then this is a good reality check for you.

Answer 6

This is a very simple concept. All service members take an oath to defend the Constitution of The United States Of America against all enemies foreign and domestic. If their message gives aid and comfort to the enemy or in any other way violates their oath, that is a betrayal. Either their word means something or it does not. As long as you are still serving, you are under that oath.

By the way, retired personnel are considered as still serving.

Answer 7

Soldiers are no ordinary citizens in this democratic country.
It's totally UNacceptable when a soldier's behaviors affect the moral of his unit.
Yes, soldiers can speak their mind. But there's a proper chain they can go thorough without jeapordice themself and others.
Soldiers are unique citizens in a unique organization that requires more discipline than other groups.

Answer 8

When a person volunteers for the US Military they voluntarily suspend certain of their Constitutional Rights.

Service Members are entitled to their opinions, but once they take their Oath they cease representing themselves and begin representing the US Government. This is not a particularly fair way of doing things, but it is a very practical and efficient way of doing things. In a job where the impractical and inefficient can lead directly to people dying, fairness needs to take a back seat.

Answer 9

How about a reference. I'm doubtful this is widespread and it probably depends on the specific comment made.

During the initial invasion of Iraq (2003) I remember reading on CNN's public comment section of its web-site a comment by someone who said they were a former member of the military. She said - among other things - she was glad to see the Iraqis fighting the US. I sent the comment in to a local radio station, which at that time was running an afternoon (pro war) talk show entirely dedicated to discussing the Iraq war. Though I and the talk show hosts - one of whom was former military himself - were appalled at the comment, no one called her a traitor. Other anti-war comments she made were fine - even to the talk show hosts.

Answer 10

Political control

If soldiers give a non-supportive comment of the war, it doesn't look good for the Administration. Hence, the name calling and intimidation. Second grade reaction to an adult problem... sorry to say it's typical of the current Administration.

Maybe the title Chicken Hawks will lend some clarity too this.