Why has the American public foresaken it's soldiers?

Question

Bush and politics aside, why am I harassed for my choice to serve? Why do I see people protesting the worker ants, throwing rocks at my convoy to the docks to leave for war? Bush isn't turning this war into Vietnam, the public is.

Port of Olympia. Olympia, WA. Gotta love the demo hippies.

Thanks to the supporters. I know that the public isn't all bad, but it's sad to see the rights I fight for abused. I joined the Army before Iraq kicked off. Before 9/11. I wasn't an angry patriot, I was a patriot. Wrongful occupation or not, I am here to stay. The colonies were wrongful occupation. The entire U.S. was gained by wrongful occupation. This is our history. This is who we are. Deal with it.

Answer 1

the American people are not forsaking anyone - the Bush administration has not given people a clear "sense" of sacrifice by showing no caskets returning and so people have become isolated from the reality of war / any harassment may come from either ignorance or fear - it takes no courage to throw a rock but it takes alot of courage to stand and be hit by one

Answer 2

Let me start out by saying I was raised in the Northwest, Portland, Oregon. Unfortunately, what you experienced in Washington is no surprise to me. It would make little difference if the rest of the world agreed with the war in Iraq, a good many in the Northwest would still protest! That's the way it is and has been like that for as long as I can remember. I'm not trying to offend anyone from the Northwest, again, I was raised there, but they did this during the Gulf War, and more then once they have done some pretty idiot things when a Republican President has came to visit. But protesting against the Military and throwing stuff at you guys, that sucks. My sister recently told me (I'm a Military wife living in Italy) that they have actually started going up to cars and taking the magnets off that say "We support our troops." And my sister is very much Democrat, and I've been known to call her a hippie a time or two, but she has the up-most respect for the Military and finds what these other people do completely ignorant. Like she has said, they should protest all they want, but they shouldn't be aiming at the Military. You guys have to go rather or not you agree with the war.
There are plenty of us out there that support you guys. Being a Military wife doesn't make me support you, being an American does. Regardless of my husband's job, I would still be thankful to our US Military for the sacrifices they make.
I wish you the best.

Answer 3

The tide is turning the same as Vietnam. The people are beginning to realize that like VN, this to is an illegal war. As opposed as I am to the war, the troops should always be supported. One thing I've always held against Americans was the way they treated the Viet Vets when they came home. The war may have been wrong, but the military takes it's orders from polititions, so take your sh*t out on them. Remember, if the occasion arises that your country is truly threanted, they are the men & women that you will need to save your sorry butts. I may disagree with the war but I sincerely wish you all a safe return
The same for our Canadian forces ,in Afghanistan, who have been taking a real beating this last month. 5 more caskets returned home yesterday. In Canada, the repatriation is allowed to be shown on TV.The nation has the right to grieve with the families and to be aware of the sacrifices
our men & women are making. May God protect them also.

Answer 4

It is very sad that you see a small amount of protesters and pin it on the rest of the country. The media is at fault for highlighting crazies like Cindy Sheehan and Jane Fonda. Then those that don't have anything better to do follow suit. There have been more generous Americans recently than ever when it comes to supporting the American Military. My dad was in the military, my ex-husband(retired), my son and my son-in-law are currently serving. There are more people out there that are not throwing rocks but you would rather make it seem like it is the whole country.

Answer 5

Where were you when people threw rocks at you? I have never heard of people throwing rocks at soldiers ANYWHERE!
I backed the war in Afghanistan, but I saw Colin Powell's nose growing as he spoke at the UN. I could see that he was lying and I knew that no reputable paper would have published a story based on a cartoon (with NO other independent verifiable sources). Bush wanted us to go to WAR with Iraq on that basis - on the credibility of a man who was LYING.
So - I became a democrat, and never looked back. Bush lost my support and never got it back.
But I never stopped supporting the men and women who wear the uniform of this country. They are fighting in an unjust, immoral war. But it is not a war of their choosing. I am very proud of the soldiers who fight for this country, and I have never heard anyone express anger toward any soldier.
WEIRD.

Answer 6

I am sorry you had rocks thrown at you, for doing what you think is right. The people who threw the rocks, also think they are right. The common denominator is frustration. The people who throw rocks and demonstrate, have no outlet for their frustration, so they target the symbols. They feel powerless. But taking it out on those who serve, isn't the answer. They should use their words where they might do some good, writing and calling their elected officials. Make just a big a pest out of themselves to those people and not you guys who are also just trying to do a job. And by the way, THANKS!

Answer 7

I believe that not all of the American public has forsaken it's soldiers, but there are alot of Americans that have. It's a shame that a few bad apples cause such grief in the lives of so many people. A majority of those who protest the war are a result of a lack of respect for those who have served and are serving in the military, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives. They must think that their and our freedom's were just given to us. These people live in a fantasy land where no matter who apparently threatens the USA that we have no right to protect our interest of ours or of the other nations we are aligned with. I think the old saying applies to these people,"If you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say nothing at all".

Answer 8

If you define Vietnam as an Unpopular war you're absolutely correct. People don't like things that they don't like. If you mean Viet Nam as an invasion of a foreign Country under false pretenses that was poorly planned executed and ultimately failed costing thousands of American lives? That's all Bush.

People are forsaking you because they have the courage to stand up against what they don't believe in and you don't. You're only following orders but the orders your followwing are morally wrong. People are also down on the soldiers who worked in Nazi Death camps should we have supported those worker ants?

Answer 9

Well if you are seeing people throwing rocks then that is pretty stupid. Were not 3rd graders on the playground.

People protesting against the military is something you will see through out your career. As much as you wish you could go beat the crap out of them you will have to learn to just turn your head and ignore it. Take in the positive and turn your shoulder to the negative.

Answer 10

well no, if it was up to the public all our soldiers wouldnt be over there.

as soldiers and as the metaphorical arm of the united states you should have at least a bit of understanding what youre doing and why. the days of the soldier that follows orders with no question or quarter is gone. we need thinkers not blid doers.

i planned th join the USMC and was on my way to after 9/11. (in about mid 03) Bush and his idiocy stopped me.

why? because i used my brain. im not saying youre not using yours. im just saying that youre following orders might be making things worse. weve invaded a bee hive. your presence doesent make tings better. with you guys over the only way peace will come is if we wipe everyone out. like the beehive...it wont be quiet till youve removed the bees.