Why do Conservatives say that it is unamerican/unpatriotic to want an end to the Iraq war?

Question

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,220277,00.html

Even Fox news (A fairly conservative media source) is reporting that the majority of Americans feel purposely misled going into the war and that the majority of American want out. If you believe in democracy, doesn't that mean the majority should rule? I see a lot of people on here saying that an American is unpatriotic/liberal/coward/stupid for wanting to save American lives. Wouldn't the people supporting continued occupation be the unpatriotic minority in this case? At least those that support withdrawal are concerned about the lives of American troops, how can that be unpatriotic?

Justin - You are in the minority. Maybe you’re only a patriot to your own beliefs.

Justin - Please provide a link supporting your view on Iraq being a majority view.

Answer 1

An interesting range of responses to your loaded and what appears to be a somewhat biased question. I find the conservatives talk about winning, defending the concept of freedom, respecting the honour and sacrifices of troops both American and allies, addressing both the lies and propaganda of both the terrorists and main stream media… the lines of which seem blended, blurred, and sharing a common goal.
From the less than loyal opposition I see the usual demeaning rhetoric, insinuation, and strained logic and comparisons…the weak straw dog of one that is afraid to explaining their own goals, at least up front and honest. They all champion their mantras that conservatives are parrots repeating…why do the all say that? (Right Elway?)
And as to comparisons, talk about scare tactics eh michaelsan! I notice you don’t compare the appeasers of WW11 to the Pelosi/Murtha/Kerry philosophy, but contort like a circus freak to work in the leftist’s party line comparing the present administration to the Nazi machine. How about Hillary health care to Leninists socialism…A comparison I can relate to actually.
Americas left seem to be saying that not defending our republic, appeasing, leaving our troops out to dry like they did in Viet-Nam is their course to regaining power in America…This time the stakes are much higher…The left doesn’t care as long as they can garner power…Even at the cost of America’s Republic!

Answer 2

Premature withdrawal from Iraq would be a disaster. I think that leaving now will prove to the terrorists that they don't have to defeat our military - they just have to win the PR battle. They are far better at playing the media than our government is. There ARE quite a few good things happening in Iraq, but they aren't very well publicized - our media, for some reason, has determined that we don't need that information. I disagree - Americans expect the media to present the full picture, not just the parts they deem important. It's pretty sad, really, that our military gets the short end of the deal just so some "reporter" can spew his or her opinions. Objective journalism is a thing of the past.

My biggest reason for supporting the war right now is the fact that reenlistment is up so much. The same men and women who are risking their lives over there are signing on to go back. That says a hell of a lot to me - more than any pundit or media outlet. When I talk to people I know who have been in Iraq or are currently in Iraq, they have all told me the same thing - don't believe the media.

And not all liberals are stupid, unpatriotic, etc - no more than all conservatives are hateful war-mongers.

Answer 3

"Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
Nazi Herman Goering
"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else."

"Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star",
Do I need to say more?

Answer 4

Conservatives put things like this in simple terms because it's a way to skew thinking their way. In their terms, people who feel they are a patriot and are empathetic to our Soldiers slugging it out are ostrasized by voicing an opinion contrary to the adminstration. The President said it, on more than one occasion, "If you're not with us, you're against us." I'm sorry, but it's not that black and white. Having a dissenting opinion doesn't make you a communist or a terrorist, no more than it makes you a liberal or conservative. Because you don't conform to a neocon ideology doesn't mean you're any less an American or unpatriotic. There are some in this country (many on talk radio and Fox news) that would have you believe that wanting to end the war makes you unamerican. I think our country went through a situation similar to this in the 1950's - Senator McCarthy, anyone?

So cia - it was Bush 41 in Iraq the first time, not Clinton. It was 41 that, in your words "didn't get the job done."

Answer 5

If you want to put an end to the Iraq war it doesn't necessarily mean you're un-American or un-patriotic. It really depends on your reasons for wanting to put the Iraq war to an end. Wanting to keep the troops alive is NOT an un-American reason for wanting to end the war. But if you're simply bashing the current administration or if you're against war as a rule or if you've been brainwashed by the mainstream media into believing that this war is being fought for oil, you're heading down the road toward being un-American and un-patriotic.

See, a lot of people here simply call the war "illegal" or "unjust" and I want to ask these people, "Who died and made you God?" Those who can articulate an intelligent reason for pulling out of Iraq are not un-patriotic, but those who have a knee-jerk anti-war or anti-Republican reaction need to get over themselves. You oppose war but you want your freedom? Sorry, freedom is bought and paid for by the blood of people who love it, so if you love your freedom so much then put on a uniform and pick up a gun or shut the hell up. You think that Republicans are such idiots just because they're members of the opposing party? Aren't liberals supposed to be more enlightened, more open-minded, more understanding, and more accepting? So not only are you no better than the Republicans you take such glee in bashing, you're hypocrites to boot.

See the difference?

Answer 6

It isn't unpatriotic or unAmerican to want to end a war - however, given the history, threats, tactics and demands of the Islamic terrorists - and if you really want to save American lives - it is, however, stupid and short sighted.

Answer 7

I don't think it is unpatriotic for anyone to want an end to war, But I do think it is unpatriotic to want us to lose! Calling a TERRORIST a freedom fighter is a slap in the face to every Man and Woman who has ever fought to protect democracies across the globe.

Answer 8

Everyone, including the Conservatives, want the war to end.
What conservatives say is:
1. Don't help the enemy.
2. Don't surrender.
3. Don't support the Terrorists.
4. Support our country, at least in time of war.
5. Don't betray us.

Answer 9

Because " a lot of people are saying it" doesn't mean that I as a Conservative believe that to!!!!!! I want the war to end and everybody to come home, but also the job needs to be completed!!!

Answer 10

And exactly which conservative said it was unamerican/unpatriotic to want to end the Iraq war?
Drugs?