Should soldiers speak out about this war?

Question

Ive seen many post that call it unsoldierly, or cowardice when they see soldiers that speak out about the war.
Then why join the military? they say.

Well, if you joined the military, havent you earned the right to say whatever you want about this government.
Heck, you were on the front lines defending to uphold our freedom of speech.

why dont people understand that?

I know Ive earned the right to say whatever I want about this governemnt, if I was willing to die for my country
HOW DARE ANYONE TRY TO TAKE THE RIGHT AWAY FROM ME OR ANY OTHER SOLDIER!!!!

Until youve served your country you havent earned the right to question a sodliers Freedom of speech.
And if you have -- why would you want to question it

FYI - Im out of the military. Ive done my time.
and if I was in,my only concer is getting back with the guy on my left and on my right.

But once I come back, I have earned the right to say anything I want about my service and about my country?

I love this country, I have lost all confidence in our current leaders, and I owe it to the soldiers now in harms way to speak up on their behalf -- before more of their lives are wasted!

Answer 1

Not to mention the fact that many over there signed up to be over here (Katrina was really anguishing for them, as that's the sort of thing they signed up to help with, and there they were, for no good reason).

They were robbed.

They signed up to protect and defend this country, and help in emergencies, and they were sent on an illegal war that's actually made us all less safe.

D*mn right they have the right to speak out!

(The rest of us do, too; even if we've never been in the military -- says so, right there in that annoying little document GWB hates so much.)

Why do people say otherwise?

They support the war and want the rest of us to shut up (all of us, whom they call "terrorists who hate America").

They haven't a leg to stand on, so they attack whoever.

One of their arguments to shut the rest of us up was that "our boys over there" will feel bad if we speak our minds; they believe in this war. Having direct evidence that many don't bugs them. The way to deal with truth, evidence, fact, reason, and reality is to tell it to shut up and go away.

Answer 2

Soldiers have earned the right to say what they think and feel.

Unfortunately the officer corp with their syncophantic and selfish outlook would rather that soldiers didnt , particulaly if it likely to affect that Officers promotional prospects and their careers.

In Nam reporters went straight up to soldiers in the field and asked their opinion...the problem was the soldiers gave it.

This made the administration and the officers look like incompetants and idiots. ( so what if it was true). Ever wonder why US soldiers fragged their own Officers?

Since the Gulf War the "military " doesnt like the media as it has a tendancy to show the Military leadership in its true light and ever since then the soldiers have been banned from talking to the media.

Interestingly the commanding officer of the unit that was present at the announcement of sending 20,000 more soldiers to Iraq had banned all his soldiers from voicing their free speech i.e talking to the media ( the very thing they are being asked to die for by the way).

So, When George Bush addressed them their reaction was the largest show of public contempt for any leader I have ever seen.

They said more by their unenthusiasm and their disinterest than they would of if they had to verbalise their feelings.

Soldiers are human and hold values and standards that even their officers and military Law cant touch, that is at the end of the day they have earnt the right to say what they feel ...and for that I salute them.

Answer 3

Bush has a gag order over the soldiers, and it would be an offense which could lead to court martial and dishonorable discharge with a bit in the brigg. The discharged Vets and the disabled and wounded are speaking up, there are Veteran websites you can access over this. Senator Webb, Virginia (D) (EX-REPUBLICAN) has a site you can access. The majority of the military supported the Democrats with absentee ballets this last November 2006 elections that changed Congress.

Answer 4

Soldiers should speak out because their hands are tied and our government won't let them do their jobs to the best of their abilities. It is such a shame to see so many good soldiers die and get injured because we are trying to fight a politically correct war. Either let them do what they need to do or don't send them there.

Answer 5

once you connect the militia, you provide up the the main suitable option to have an opinion. it particularly is no longer as much as you to return to a determination authentic or incorrect. you have a job to do. GET IT achieved. i do no longer think of too many squaddies are in comparison conflict. i be attentive to numerous squaddies. The media in basic terms shows those that have an opinion that suits their schedule. As for speaking on your acquaintances. you could stop. talk for your self. somebody call the WAAAAmbulance. PU$$y Semper Fi

Answer 6

It is incomprehensible to think a soldier, fighting for our freedoms, would not be able to have those same freedoms... freedom of speech.

Now with that said, no soldier should be allowed to protest while on duty; but, if she or he is on their own time, they should be allowed to talk to the press, congressional members or the public concerning their feelings about the war.

Answer 7

If you are a soldier who believes in the war and wants to say so, you have every right. If you are a soldier who doesn't believe in the war and wants to say so, you also have every right.

It it really should be that simple. Its called free speech.

Answer 8

Soldiers have the right to comment about the war but they have to obey orders of their superiors since the war is perceived to be legal.

Answer 9

I think the troops know that they must do as they are told to keep their buddies safe and voice about it later.