Why are some Americans not appreciative of troops dying for their freedom?

Question

I am a Staff Sgt. with The U.S Army, I have had good friends pass away, I have put my life on the line to make sure my family, friends and fellow countrymen are safe and free. Why are you not supporting troops who are dying for you? Isn't that very selfish? Please explain people.

To the guy who said killing isn't the way too peace is so wrong. First off we are not there to kill we are there to eliminate terrorist which do exist over there( i have been there) stop listening to the news who sensationalize negativity for ratings, second off we are helping a less fortunate country out...thats Americas weakness we always want to help out when sometimes the help isn't wanted. I don't agree with Bush and want my fellow troops out, but believe me YOUR AMERICAN TROOPS ARE DYING FOR YOU! If we don't eliminate the terrorist cells that DO operate in Iraq, afghanistan and other middle eastern countries they will flourish and attack our soil once again. Support your troops at the very least, you can still disagree with the leadership but we are here to protect you.

Answer 1

Because America is such a diverse mass. The country is split a million different ways and what one person sees as the defending of freedom others see as the repression of it. Look, personally, I would put myself in the place of any service man or woman if the trade put them out of danger and me in it. I believe that this war is hindering our forces ability to respond to threats elsewhere in the world. But the military is simply made up of citizens, people are foolish by associating it directly with the administration. That's where they get lost in differentiating the two. Besides, what makes this war so different is that rather than having minimum coverage, it's exposed completely due to the internet and a bolder media (to some degree.) Rather than inspire admiration for our troops, the constant viewing of images of the war have desensitized the majority of American people in a way that have distanced them from the reality of the threat men and women of the service are putting themselves in. The quote I find to answer your question is this, "America is not at war, the American Military is at war, America is at the mall." Good luck compatriot, as one of those who haven't been desensitized by this conflict, I commend, respect and revere you. Come home safe sir, those worth the thought miss you back here, even if many of them are strangers.

-Mac

Answer 2

I am not a soldier, but my grandfather fought in World War II, won two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, and was actually a POW. He's the reason I have the utmost respect for the troops and hate to see when things like Walter Reed are discovered.

I have and will continue to support the troops. I've been told that I can't support the troops without supporting the mission in Iraq. That's a pile of dung, to put it bluntly. I don't buy the ribbons for my car, and I don't buy a t-shirt that says "I support the troops." I do something about it, whether it's donating money to the Fisher House or using my space as a weekly columnist to inform others of the plight of our current United States Veterans.

It should be the duty of all Americans to thank our troops. I know I do it every day, especially now that I have a friend who will be heading to Iraq in June as part of the Marines Reservists.

Answer 3

I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm forever in debt to your services. Politics is a slow process, and very little is getting done. Does anybody know of the best website to donate money to the troops? You are protecting my life in the United States. We need to show more support for your commitment and sacrifice. Thank You.... but thank you isn't enough. It's time to give back to the troops.

Answer 4

Erudite is spot on, and if I had enough points I would give him a thumbs up.

Please explain how Iraq is making a simple bit of difference to my life. Its people who question what we are doing in Iraq that probably stop Bush from committing more troops to be killed needlessly. In fact you could say we are doing more to save your lives than the idiot gung ho's on here who keep praising you guys from the comfort of their home computer.

Answer 5

How in the world is fighting in Iraq giving me freedom or lack of freedom? If Iraq disappeared off the face of the earth it wouldn't give me anymore or less freedom in the USA. Iraq is no threat. Never was.....Never will be. I served in 1969 and was told if we lost Vietnam the Communist would come into my town and kill me and my family. We lost Vietnam in 1975. I'm still waiting for the Communist to come into my town and kill me and my family. I've been waiting 32 years. So how long will I have to wait for the insurgents to come into my town and kill me? 32 more years? Heck! I'd be 92 years old.

Answer 6

Those who do not support the troops fear that their view is wrong if they do. That or they're stupid. Plain and simple: No one could say what they wanted to if there werent brave men and women to defend their right to do so. God bless every person that serves in the military, their families, and their friends. May we never forget that all gave some, and some gave all. Semper Fi

Answer 7

With all due respect......i dont believe that your good friends are dying for me....key word BELIEVE....I believe the war is about oil, money, control = power.

Heard of peak oil? research it a bit....i hope that might give you more insight into what this war might be about other than freedom.

Answer 8

it is not a just war as the original reason was WMD now it is to bring democracy to Iraqi

Answer 9

The troops... we support! It's the war we are against.

Answer 10

It's what happens when Politics over-rides common sense. Please be aware that most Americans hold you guys in the highest place of honor. They are the minority, but unfortunately, their voices are sometimes louder than our applause.