My friend lectured me yesterday about sending care packages to troops in Iraq. She said I had no right to do so, and was being a hypocrite, because I do not agree with U.S. policy or the war in Iraq.
Is she right? Can I support the individuals and thank them for their service, while feeling that they should come home today (or better yet, that they never should have been sent)?
Those of you who do support the war effort, please just try to answer the question - I know we disagree and I don't wish to be attacked. Thanks.
2006-10-16 07:12:02 · 17 answers · asked by LisaT 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I usually don't answer questions having to do with Iraq, Bush, things like that, but this morning I suppose I'll try. I probably think along the same lines as you. It's not a popular opinion though, and it always draws flames. I think the military was misused in this particular war event, and that the servicemen are (in a way) victims of the war much the same as Iraqi civilians or anyone else that gets in the way of stray bullet (reporters, etc). I think it's very reasonable to support the troops, without supporting the reason they were put in harms way in the first place. Now turn off your Yahoo feature that allows answering people to send you scathing mail, and have a relaxful day :)
2006-10-16 07:20:06 · answer #1 · answered by nothing 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you can, it's entirely possible to stand behind a person regardless of the ideology. It's like the old saying, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."--Voltaire
Just because you disagree with the policy and reason behind the conflict, does not mean that you cannot support the men and women who are being made to fight it. Tell yourfriend that calling you a hypocrit is way off base, you still don't support the war, but you are supporting those who are away from home and who may possibly lose their lives because of it.
2006-10-16 07:27:46 · answer #2 · answered by Survivors Ready? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother in law served in operation anaconda and then he served 2 tours in Iraq. He has very strong feelings about the war and probably agrees with you on many points. But when he's over there sleeping in holes, burning the boxes he has to use as a makeshift toilet, and getting shot at, watching his friends and Iraqi humans die, I'm sure that your care packages bring a little bit of hope and connection to home. Your friend is a hateful and small minded person who sees people as categories instead of individuals. The soldiers over there are PEOPLE with friends and families and children and homes...just like you. If you had made personal decisions to join the military for any number of the reasons that people do, would she turn her back on you as well? Sounds like she just sees a dogtag number and despises the humanity behind it.
2006-10-16 07:23:05 · answer #3 · answered by lizardmama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure. Being concerned about the troops isn't the same as agreeing with their mission. Maybe they don't agree with it either.
During & after the vietnam war, troops were treated poorly by some but the soldiers are the last ones who want to hear it. They need our support.
2006-10-16 07:15:19 · answer #4 · answered by John K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely.
The Iraq war is the worst military decision made in the last 30 years, but the soldiers are honest, hardworking people like most people in this country. It wasn't their decision to go to war. It is important that you do sent those packages as the administration doesn't seem to care about their well being.
2006-10-16 07:26:43 · answer #5 · answered by Existentialist_Guru 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is. Have you ever heard the old saying "Hate the war, love the warrior"? I have mixed feelings about the war, myself, but the one thing I'm sure of is that the people fighting over there were sent, they didn't just decide to hop a plane and go over for the heck of it. They deserve our support whether we agree with what our nation's leaders are doing or not. Tell your friend to butt out of your business. You are NOT a hypocrite!
2006-10-16 07:20:37 · answer #6 · answered by cmdynamitefreckles 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What could you do to coach your non-help? Stone them,do away with sources.whether you experience the conflict is incorrect.The troops experience their doing some thing noble.For that they deserve appreciate.we are going to all be extra effective off if the troops are precise and you're incorrect.Even you.
2016-10-16 06:31:41 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's dead wrong, of course you can still support the troops and be agianst this rediculous war. I'm guessing the extreme right won't agree, but then again, there all chickenhawks anyway.
2006-10-16 07:18:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The ultimate way to support our troops is to pray for their safe and timely return home!
2006-10-16 07:19:26 · answer #9 · answered by Jazz In 10-Forward 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her to shove it where the sun don't shine. You can support the troops they only do what there told. You can absolutely hate the jerk who sent them and the mission they were given. Blind patriotism isn't patriotic it's anti-thought,anti-democratic and pro-conformist and never be ashamed to stand up for your rights to do as you see fit. Screw the conservative witch bags of the world!
2006-10-16 07:19:03 · answer #10 · answered by brian L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋