This site seems predominately American. I'm Aussie, so what're the views of the war over there?

Question

I'd just like some information on how the US citizens view the war in Iraq. I realise there are monster protests etc. but in reality, are you all still the patriotic people I grew up to believe you were? Or has the "invasion" into Iraq split the country. PS I am a Johnnie Howard Supporter so dont be afraid :)

Answer 1

The protests get all the attention, but you have to understand that many of these are paid protestors. They aren't citizens with concerns. People have to take off from work to do these things, and the issues just aren't that important.

Want to know what was important to us? Ronald Reagan's funeral. The man himself. When he died, his supporters poured into the streets to watch the procession, and for a brief moment it changed the mood of the entire country. We were in the middle of a heated presidential race, and it all stopped. It took more than two weeks for the 2004 election campaigns to begin pushing Reagan clips out of the news.

Personally, I support anyone willing to kill terrorists. Heck, if Hezbollah goes to war against Al Qa'ida, I'm getting some popcorn and I'll root for both sides.

I remember the attack in Bali some years back. I remember hearing that the terrorists were targeting Americans but ended up killing a lot of Aussies instead; so I know you guys are feeling our pain.

Thanks for sticking it out with us.

And don't pay any attention to the noise makers. The patriots are mostly silent because the job we want is getting done. We have nothing to protest.

Answer 2

What people don't realize is that the "war" was over a long time ago. What we have now is an occupation and a period of reconstruction that is taking much longer than it should. U.S. and allied forces have captured or liberated or claimed Iraq, and the country has established a new government for itself and has held general, public elections. We're not at war with Iraq anymore. We're still at war with terrorists though.

The mission in Iraq now is defensive. The Iraqi military and police are being trained to handle things on their own. Herein lies the problem. We've been training these guys four times as long as the average U.S. soldier is trained. We've been spending BILLIONS to support a continued military presence to this end. And yet, in spite of all this, we are told by President Bush that MORE soldiers and MORE money is needed, along with more time.

There is never going to be a time in the Middle East when the U.S. can expect to be treated well while it is occupying another sovereign nation. There is also never going to be a time when the Iraqi military and police will step up on their own if they are not forced to do so. Why should they?

The Bush administration loves to talk about how anyone who is against their failing strategies and policies are downright treasonous... their opponents are "aiding and comforting" the enemy... but this isn't the case. We know now that we acted on the wrong information when we invaded, and we know now that we have seriously screwed the pooch. So it is not aiding and comforting the enemy to suggest that the time is right to bring the troops home. It's more like a civic responsibility.

I'm always amused by Fox News. Republicans love to point out that the rest of the media (aside from Fox) is liberal-biased, while Fox is more "fair and balanced". This is so far from the truth that it's laughable. Absolutely disgustingly laughable. Most major news networks around the world (not just in the U.S.) are painting the exact same picture of what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Fox will show you a few high-ranking officers who are loyal to the Bush administration, who will tell you "it's not so bad over here" or "you're not seeing the whole story". A captain, major, or colonel is going to paint a different picture than a private or reserve specialist. No, if you want "the whole truth", don't ask someone with an agenda.

War is an ugly thing. That's my opinion of it. I don't think it's necessary for us to continue to pile on troops in Iraq, giving our president a blank check to do what he pleases with American lives after he has misled us and misplaced the public trust. The time has come for our Congress to do more than issue a non-binding resolution. The time has come to say enough, and to enact powers that will put an end to the occupation of Iraq and the loss of American lives.

Answer 3

In general US politics are very polarized right now. The country is divided. However, on the Iraq War this is no longer true. A clear majority of citizens no longer support this war. Although I am an activist and don't believe in nationalism personally, it would be silly to claim that the change in mass opinion on the war is a sign of declining patriotism. The US population is still as patriotic as ever. In fact, a majority don't support the war because it is hurting the US, both on the international and national fronts.

The country is still bitterly divided on other issues, especially immigration and workers' rights.

Answer 4

I trust you don't mean to imply that those opposed to the Iraq -wreck are unpatriotic.
Some of us think the priorities are all wrong, that the war on terrorism should be the focus whether Hussein had weapons of mass destruction or not and that it might not be possible to win it 'over there'.
Rather, the focus here at home should be on controling our borders to stop the flow of uninvited 'guests' who are putting a big-time strain on our social services - among other things not the least of which is our patience.
We think attention to the continuing arrival of the aliens should be Priority One even over 'rounding-up' those already here and that the word 'amnesty' is an insult to those who got here the legal, hard way.

Answer 5

You see, we are the most powerful nation in the world. So don't ever think about messing with us Yanks. We can do whatever we want with the world, we own it and everybody will be grateful and thank us for it. If I had the choice, I would just nuke everybody else. Yes, all of them. They're the ones creating troubles that we have to fight today. There can only be real peace if the U.S. is the only remaining country that exist, if the only people in this world are Americans. The other people of this world are hypocrites. They talk about peace, and yet they love to fight. Just look at those people of the Middle-East. They're fighting with each other. When we go there to bring peace, freedom and democracy to them, they shoot at us instead, ungrateful sob's. So now, I'll support the total pull-out of American troops and bring them home. Then drop the nukes on them Islamists afterwards. Obliterate all of them totally. No need for them. They're just a waste of precious American blood and money to defend. And for the rest of the world who criticize us for our goodwill, they can go to hell too. They always expect America to help, but do nothing by themselves to help. They accuse us of being arrogant and bullies to the whole world. Instead of blaming and talking, why don't they do the job themselves, if they think that they are better?. The truth is that they envy America. They want to see America fail. And that doesn't make them different from our enemies. Better nuke these ingrates as well. That will stop them from talking the talk. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!.

Answer 6

I believe we went over there to help these people. And now they can't get along among themselves. I believe that we should help them build a Armed Services and then leave it to them because to many people are dying and they are killing one another, and our men are there to help not hurt and they have to kill or be killed and I think it's a shame that someone should have to live the rest of their lives affected by this. I wish people could just get along no matter what there beliefs are they have a right to them. I think that the savage has broken out among many including some of our Americans a mind can't take but so much. Put yourself in there shoes walking down a road and being shot at, and then you just shot at anything that comes out by accident. I couldn't be there and I want our Country out of there as fast as possible. I thought about just them blowing them up but they are innocent people that would be killed and that's what they did to us and we are suppose to be more humane. I would rather ride a horse and buggy if this is over the oil, they hurt and killed many Americans on 9/11 and it hurt me and I didn't know a soul that was in that building, OR IN THOSE PLANES, but I morned fro the families and friends. So if it stops them from killing so many more American who knows? I wish we all weren't judging one another. If we all came togather and went in and help them gain some type of control and then just let it be and see what happens.

Answer 7

No matter what comes from the media or public opinion, I'd much rather a war on terrorism take place where it starts. I don't like to make my views public because they are my business, but I will say that I support our troops and the President. If I were in his shoes, I would probably react much the same way he has in response to the terrorist acts on 9-11-01.

Answer 8

It's tearing the country apart. And not split down the middle, there are more that believe there is no threat from radical Islam than there are those who do - more people who believe Saddam had no ties to terrorism than those who do.

I'm a big fan of your PM. And it's going to take everything he and Bush have in them to fight against this threat considering all the people in the world who are willing to allow radical Islam to become stronger.

Answer 9

Everyone here is an individual, with entire freedom of beliefs. The citizens of the United States differ in many ways.
I love my country and what it stands for. I believe our attempts at being a peacemaker in Iraq is not in vanity. I am moved by the soldiers who have made their lives a sacrifice for another country's freedom and wellbeing. I have faith and trust in God that His will be done. This is a great trial, and if we continue in the strength of faith, will we not surely succeed? I have patience. Whatever outcome the war might bring, I know the Lord and His unexpected ways. I delight in Him and He gives me the desires of my heart.

Our perseverance is not in vanity, truly, truly. Although the violence is revolting, our efforts and endurance prevail in my heart and mind.

Answer 10

The Iraq war has an astoundingly low popularity here: i believe you would be hard pressed to find someone who supports the war wholeheartedly - and can explain why. I personally am not antiwar, but i honestly don't see the point of this one. I think this is turning into another Vietnam. But that's just my two cents.