Is it ok to ask someone not to protest Iraq war?

Question

I've had a discussion recently with a college friend of mine that is going back to Iraq. He totally supports the mission and is behind the President, however his family, specifically his mother and sister, are not. He is concerned that, God forbid, if something should happen to him that they might try a Cindy Sheehan type thing and humiliate him once he is gone. He clearly doesnt see eye to eye with his family on the war, so would it be appropriate to tell them not to join the anti-war movement and use his name with it if something happens? Or would that be asking someone to compromise their morals? Also, if you were in the situation of the family, would you grant the request of a service member if they didnt want to be part of this anti-war political movement?

Answer 1

If It was me I would ask my family to support my efforts, not criticize them. I wouldn't want my family protesting all over America if I volunteered to do a service for my country. I believe your friend has a right to ask his family not to protest, after all they should back his decision, that is what family is all about.

Answer 2

Very interesting question. OK here is what I believe the "correct" answer to this is:

First of all, everyone has the right to freedom of speech, so absolutely the soldier has every right to ask, even beg and plea his family not to protest, just as the family has the right to not listen to him.

But here is where you get into some moral rights and wrongs:

The family should protest the war if they feel that strongly about it, HOWEVER, if they use their son's name, ESPECIALLY if he dies in combat as a political football after he has asked them not to, and knowing he would not approve - that is WRONG.

If I were this soldier, I would videotape my own personal message and send it to the GOP just in case something like the Cindy Sheehan situation arises.

Answer 3

You know...I guess I would want my mother to tell the world all about me and honor my memory. Cindy Sheehan has definitely done that. She has given a name and a face to one of the 3000 fallen Americans that I would otherwise never have known.

No soldier wants to be forgotten if they fall on some foreign battlefield. And none of us can dictate how others will remember us...we can only hope that some way..somehow that they do.

Answer 4

I don't think that Cindy Sheehan humiliates her son by protesting the war. I think it is a bold and brave thing she is doing because she is so deeply hurt at his loss.
I have been in the situation before, and I know exactly how it will end. But if my son were to ask me that, out of respect for him and his memory, I would comply. Your friend obviously feels very strongly about what he is doing and therefore, I personally believe that his family should comply.

Answer 5

I would tell him to write a letter on his views in the case something should happen to him,of what he believes,his family on the other hand also have points of views and,though they might not agree with his,he should respect the fact that he will be missed,by them.whether they use any absence as a political football,well thats on his family,tell him for me...Thank You,I hope all is well here and now and tomorrow,and that I respect him and thank him for protecting my freedoms.Watch his six and we'll see him when he gets back

Answer 6

No I would not. Just because a person has served in the Armed Forces is no indication that they are either wise enough or well enough informed to make a rational and realistic determination as to the legitimacy of a particular military action. Your friend is subject almost constantly to intense propaganda aimed at securing his cooperation - which propaganda is seldom truthful and certainly not complete. That's how the Armed Forces operate - I know, I was in for ten years and am a Vietnam Veteran. I would have to say to this friend of yours, even if he were my son, that the war is illegal, immoral and too d a m n expensive in terms of American lives and it's past time to get the h e l l out and bring him and his fellows home. Fact is, I have a son and a daughter in uniform this very hour - and have had this discussion with both - and they agree with me!

Answer 7

nicely the protests are not right here interior the midst of nowhere Iowa lol. i think of the only protest Ive seen right here replaced into whilst they legalized gay marriage. i presumed that would desire to be on your neck of the woods lol. yet heavily i'm hoping your chum comes abode risk-free from Iraq. My God Son replaced into killed there 3/4/05. Im even a lib and that i do in comparison to seeing the troops being called evil. i'm going to no longer be in choose of the warfare yet I help the troops. you're spectacular spending is out of control. If those bone heads in D.C. do no longer pull their heads out of their collective asses, nicely that is not stable. I blame the best purchase of them responsible. So bypass forward and thumbs down me for agreeing partly with O'Ryan yet he does have a factor now and then.

Answer 8

The request from the service member will only add fuel to the thoughts of losing them. Making it harder on his family while he is over there. There are something's best left unsaid. If the unfortunate were to happen it would make the memories all the harder on them. A Catch 22.

Answer 9

If the soldier is truly a supporter of the president and his war in the name of freedom, then he or she should respect and admire the rights of everyone to express their beliefs. I don't believe that I could ask a parent to disregard their feelings towards sending their child to a war that they did not see any justification or purpose for.

Answer 10

He is well within his rights to ask them to not use his memory (God forbid anything happen to him) or use his name if they decide they need to protest the war. They have the right to protest, but they should honer his request because he is family and he is doing what he thinks is right. He should respect their feelings as well. That's what makes us great...the right to debate and speak out for what we believe.....