Why do some people consider it wrong to say I support our troops but not our mission?

Question

I thank and support our troops, celebrate them when they come home, weep at their loss and criticize the politicians for giving them orders. Why do a lot of people think those ideas are incompatible?

Answer 1

Because people are morons. I completely agree with you, and think that anyone with the least bit of common sense would as well.

:)

Answer 2

Anybody who thinks they're incompatible are dead wrong. Too many criticize the military, forgetting that it's the political government who gives them their orders. And it SHOULD be that way. Letting those with the guns make the decisions is a quick way to a military dictatorship. People like to point at the armed forces as the source, but they're simply the tool. To mourn their loss, and celebrate their return is NOT the same as agreeing with the politics behind their being put into action.

Answer 3

Our troops don't govern the country, and don't make the decisions. They can be brave or cowardly, they can be careful to fire only on armed enemies, or they can fire on unarmed civilians. We should support or condemn them according to what they do, not according to what the government decides. That's another question altogether. The war in Viet Nam was a wrong war, a criminal war, in which the USA government sent (I don't know how many) troops to their death. Now, in hindsight, many of us condemn what the American government did at the time. However many of the American soldiers were heroes, and should have been treated as such when they returned. In the same way we can support and honour our troops today and yet be in disagreement with our government's stand on the war. (Just for the record, I happen to be in favour of what we are doing in Afghanistan, and not in favour of what is happening in Iraq). On the other hand, when our soldiers do wrong, neither should we give blind support under the pretext of patriotism.

Answer 4

I don't know. I remember a little while back, there were signs people put in their yards that read: Support President Bush and Our Troops -like they went together automatically. I think sometimes opposition is seen as disrespect; that not supporting the war somehow is equal to a lack of respect for both the President and the country. But I don't think that it is.

Answer 5

What was decided by our elected officials to be the mission is what the troops are going to do.The military does not decide what wars are the ones most popular to be involved in.
This is the price of a democracy.There are popular wars and there are unpopular wars.But the soldier still has to go if called to do so.Despite how you feel about the conflict,the soldier himself is the one taking the risk.
The soldiers job IS the mission.Whatever that may be.Whether you or I agree with it or not.This is determined by the elected officials voted in by the people.Also, whether you or I agree with them or not.
The right war is not always the popular one.For example, the American Revolution and WWII (before Pearl Harbor).

Answer 6

That's a very good question. I truly believe that our troops need the support of their countrymen whatever the popular belief is on the war. Even the soldiers who don't agree with their mission, at least the honorable ones, still do their jobs and follow the orders they're given.

And hey, anything to bring my husband home and keep him here is top priority in my book.

Answer 7

I basically concept some people needed to be reminded of this: For each and every of the persons who nonetheless protest, you're welcome, We safeguard you and you're secure by using the superb. Your voice is physically powerful and loud, yet who will combat for you? we are your fathers, brothers, and sons, wearing the boots and carrying the weapons. we are those which will flow away all we own, to make particular your destiny is carved in stone. we are people who combat and die. we can't have the means to keep the international, nicely atleast we attempt. We walk the trails to the place we are at and we choose no selection different than that. So once you rally up your group to *****, take a seem at the back of your ideas. to ascertain that that flag you adore to fly, wars could be fought and youthful adult males could die. We got here here to combat for those we adore expensive, if that may no longer respected, we could somewhat stay here. So please give up yelling and placed down your indications, and pray for those at the back of enemy strains. while the conflict is over and nicely, be grateful that we chosen to flow with the aid of hell. I help our troops one hundred ten%. i wish sometime I too grow to be between the 30 million lives who've served and defended our u . s ..

Answer 8

I have no idea, I just asked my husband this. He is a corporal in the Canadian Air force and he agrees with you. Supporting the troops should have nothing to do with agreeing with the politicians.

Answer 9

Because there are a ton of Red necks out there that think its our job to police the world... then turn around and call you a hippie just because you make more sense. Or a liberal, as if thats a bad name... I can think of plenty of Conservatives that are HORRIBLE people too.... in politics, its just a game to them.

Answer 10

The people that say you are wrong to think the way you do have been brainwashed by BushCo...Bush and Company....the right wing religious conservatives zealots that have f*cked the whole world up with their misguided view of...well...pretty much everything!