What kind of message is sent to the troops, when people compare the Iraq War to the Viet Nam War?

Question

NBC Nightly News tonight had three soldiers on tell what they think of the situation. They asked, How can you say you support the troops, but don't support their mission? It is a slap in the face. You support them, but nothing they do, or have sacrificed, which means they sacrificed for nothing! These troops also said they feel like the US citizens are deserting them.

Answer 1

The only true resemblance to the Vietnam War that Iraq has is that the American people oppose the war. Vietnam saw a lot of hate and discontent toward US troops. As a Marine who has done two tours, I have experienced nothing but gratitude from the American public. Yes, I feel that by not supporting the mission you're not supporting the troops. But I also understand that the majority of people that oppose the war get their information from a bias media source and have no true first hand experience on the subject.
I think it is also important to look back on the history that the media has played in wars. There was no real footage of previous wars prior to Vietnam. Therefore there was always a high approval rating for that war. World War Two is a perfect example, people had to go to theaters to see news reels and those where highly censored. Vietnam was the first time that the American family could turn on a TV and get latest news as it happened about the war. It shocked a lot of people seeing body bags and kill counts brought to them first hand. Not much has change with Iraq, but has the public wised up from the past?
I think the American people have figured out the US troops are doing a job and they do that job to the best of their abilities. I cringe when I here people say we need to pull the troops out of Iraq because I know they don't know the whole story.

Answer 2

I think it sends a horrible message to these men and women. And I'm not just addressing this to the questioner, but to everyone who reads this response. They need our support, our prayers and our love; and they have all of that from me. Their integrity is far superior and they love the freedom we take advantage of enough to do something about it! I can't imagine anyone in here understanding this until they try to defend themselves is a real battle like our military is. And, what would any of you expect them to do, if this battle was here, and not there? You can never imagine until you've walked the Iraq mile in their shoes.

I don't think the Iraq war is anything like Viet Nam and it should not be compared. Anyone younger, who did not know what was going on then, and are only learning from school books should not be attempting to make that comparison, AT ALL.

My nephew came back alive and whether or not he'll be redeployed is still in question; however, he believes that they can beat this thing...and so does one other solider I've heard from.

It really enrages me when I see how many people in here think they know better just because they believe everything the media tells them. And I'm not saying this because of the question raised, it's just the truth. First, be in the battle, then judge.

Answer 3

I'd apologize to all of them that feel that way if I could.

People hate Bush and they hate the war. By doing all of these things, they are deserting the US and deserting the troops as well. People are more fixated on immaturely bashing Bush's decision to go into war by making comparisons to Vietnam than they are on supporting the military. It's too bad.

Answer 4

The same message as the Vietnam war. Military in Vietnam knew they were fighting a useless war. And I bet the troups in Iraq are just as smart and know they are dying for nothing. We support them in the fact that they are courageously doing what they were trained to do - be it right or wrong. They are very young men and women with a lot of integrity. I don't feel the same about those who go AWOL. or go to other countries. I understand why they do it, but I don't support it.

Answer 5

That's why all these negative feelings and responses about the war and our military really aggravate me. Do you really think our soldiers want to hear all that crap while they're over there risking their lives??? Every single one of us should be supporting them and standing by them 100% They are just doing their job and most are doing what they wanted to do. I'm proud of all of our military; regardless of what war they fought in and all of us as American citizens should be, too!

Answer 6

You know what?

It's not like Viet Nam and won't be unless the politicians make us leave before we finish the job.

It won't be lost on the battlefield but lost in Washington DC and EVERY SINGLE CONGRESSMAN AND SENATOR will be responsible for it's failure.

We are doing a good job, here. Just let us finish!

Answer 7

that they're losers doomed to failure.

i just read an excerpt of a letter from a soldier to his family. it was posted on a blog. the most interesting part was where he said, not to listen to those in Washington who were letting their agendas rule them, and not to listen to those traitors called the media, because they only report one side. he said that the enemy is scared and running. :)

i firmly believe the only way we can lose is if they're forced to abandon their mission and come home. it really WILL be like Vietnam, then.

Answer 8

Different country same outcome-you will be defeated-it is impossible to win an illegal war of occupation when all fractured sides(whether they are Sunni or Shi-ite 0r Al Queda insurgents)have so much hatred towards your bully boy tactics.I'm only embarassed that my country got sucked into it by the American Idiot Bush and his lapdog Blair who is universally detested in the U.K. now. for his lies.One saving grace is that we Brits will pull out long before you lot with our reputation intact.While the Israeli blood and oil money funds the Pentagon hawks-I'm afraid your boys are going to be there for a very long time-but just like Vietnam-defeat is inevitable.The hypocritical 'Christians' in the White House must feel very guilty that Iraq is now a far worse place to live than what it ever was under Saddam!!

Answer 9

It sends the message that we (the American people) do not support them, which is completely false. I wish people would stop using that comparison...

Answer 10

I feel it sends a message that yet once again their commander in chief has failed them again.