I just read an answer that said the Bush twins aren't supportive or patriotic because they aren't in the military. I know most Americans have never served but that doesn't make them unpatriotic. I am just wondering what you think.
2007-02-20 03:25:31 · 12 answers · asked by TRUE PATRIOT 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I guess you realize just how ridiculous that notion is--enough to ask a question about it. No, of course not! The military has always needed the support from home. Without that support, their job is much more difficult. The people who criticize them, particularly not truly understand what they are doing or going through, are the true unpatriotic people, who have probably not served in the military themselves. They are trying to point the finger away from themselves because they realize on some level just how destructive they are. (And I didn't even point out that when Clinton decided to send troops to Bosnia, which he promised to have home first, within six months, then by the end of his term and they're STILL there, Chelsea didn't sign up either.)
2007-02-20 03:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can be patriotic without serving in the military. The main thing is to be more than just a lot of hot air. Too many people slap a sticker on their car and call it good. Or they tote a sign for a day and feel righteous.
You figure out ways to make an individual difference. Maybe it's a small thing, like trying to conserve energy. Maybe you write your congressman and tell them that you want them to promote fuel efficiency so we reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Maybe you send care packages to troops (we're actually pretty good there, thanks). Maybe you volunteer your time to visit old vets at the VA hospital.
There are a million ways. Try to find something that would have prevented the reason for the war in the first place, and then do that. And no, I don't mean marching or demonstrating. (That's just the hot air thing again.) Do something to make the same war unnecessary next time around.
2007-02-20 04:53:00 · answer #2 · answered by around_the_world_jenny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are plenty of non-military ways to be patriotic. Patriotism is the support of the ideas and institutions that make the country great, it is a pride in and love for the country of one's birth.
People who criticize the Bush girls for not being in the military are just braying jackasses. [I also ask them which branch of the military Bill, Hillary, Chelsea, or Barack served in...]
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[Aside to webbrew: Lincoln never served in the US Army, but did serve in the Illinois militia during some Indian wars against the Sac indians who were led by Black Hawk (I think that's who it was against).]
2007-02-20 03:38:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Some people are not suited to serve in the military and have no need or desire to serve. A lot would only disrupt and hinder the progress in the military we don't want those people, and last but not lest we have valuable people doing things for our country with out serving.. Yes you can be patriotic...
2007-02-20 03:37:30 · answer #4 · answered by ralphtheartist 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Patriotism doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be in the military. The majority in the House and Senate never served in the military. Being patriotic means that one believes in the Constitution and the rights that we as a nation hold dear.
2007-02-20 03:37:17 · answer #5 · answered by supressdesires 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I think there are many ways. You can support the government by voting. You can pay your taxes fully and on time (and honestly). You can address grievances in a lawful manner. You can contribute to charitable causes. You can help your neighbor. You can serve in law enforcement, fire safety, a medical profession... you could be become a teacher. You could go into local, state, or federal government service....and yes, serving in the military, if done so honorably is patriotic.
2007-02-20 03:38:42 · answer #6 · answered by jh 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You certainly can. Did you ever see the movie 'Born on the Fourth of July', directed by Oliver Stone (himself a Vietnam Veteran)? When the main character, Ron Kovic, returns to the U.S. after being seriously wounded in Vietnam, he goes to a hospital and the conditions inside were portrayed as being sub-standard. Without serving in the military, you can still help the wounded get the best medical care they can get. Being patriotic means helping your fellow citizens.
2007-02-20 03:36:29 · answer #7 · answered by WMD 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
How about handicapped people? Are they unable to be patriotic because they can't fight wars? Sounds silly, right? People supoprt their country everyday by going to work and living their lives. Some people choose to put on the uniform and make serious sacrifices on the battlefield. If you think one is better or bigger than the other, it's a judgement call.
The best most people can do, I imagine, is to keep paying taxes. Can't fight wars without taxes. :)
2007-02-20 03:38:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can oppose the war in Iraq and still be patriotic. Just remember the soldiers aren't there for the fun of it. Support them.
2007-02-20 04:04:06 · answer #9 · answered by bugs280 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Of course you can.
For example, FDR never served in the military. neither did Abe Lincoln
2007-02-20 05:20:08 · answer #10 · answered by webbrew 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋