Is criticizing the Military unpatriotic in a free country?

Question

I always wonder, why so many people get offended, when one questions the military. After all, there are many lies, unneccesary cover ups, corruption and greed abound in the Pentagon. Over 1 Trillion tax payer dollars have disappeared under Bush/Rumsfeld. Should we all shut up and let them do, what they want, without any control? Isn't that the end of democracy?

Answer 1

The only person who should be criticized is the president. The troops don't have a choice to be sent wherever they go.

Answer 2

No, no one needs to shut up. However, when you attack the troops who are just doing what they're told to do, you're being an hypocrite. You wouldn't have free speech if the free countries didn't have a Military that fought for it years ago, and fights now to keep it in tact. If you want to use a right you are given, at least have respect for the people who got it for you. I'm not going to take something and disrespect the people who gave it to me.

Questioning the current operations? Well, that's different. But question the people who started the operation (ie Bush), not the people who have no choice (ie, the soldiers).

If the United States had zero military presence, your country would not stand much longer the way it is. So at least realize the military is a necessary organization while you criticize what they're currently up to.

Canada would still be a colony run by the British if we did not have the military who fought our own nation 90 years ago. Same goes for the United States, you were once a British colony as well. If you enjoy being your own, powerful nation, do not disrespect the people who died to get you there.

Answer 3

I have been in the military for 20 years and have proudly served to defend your right to question what ever you want.

However, at least be factual.....Over 1 trillion tax payer dollars have disappeared??? Really, back that up with some facts.

Many lies and unneccesary cover ups, corruption and greed abound in the pentagon???? Isn't that a bit of a stretch?

I have had the privelege to serve with thousands of officers, Airmen, soldiers, marines and seaman. I have found that corruption, and greed are the exception. Now you, having obviously never served don't truly have a point of reference... now do you.

So please, feel free to question and even criticize.... but be factual.

Answer 4

You have the right to criticize the military any time you want as a citizen of this country. Just remember that those same people in uniform are the ones who are giving of themselves to allow you your unfettered right to do so. You are the most recent critic of this war, just like there was critics of Viet Nam, Korea, and the previous wars before. You are nothing new. The only thing you have to remember is that Bush/Rumsfeld were not the individuals who approved the war alone, pick on the Congress.

Answer 5

I don't feel that questioning or criticizing the military is considered un-patriotic, it is just misplaced. The military follows the orders given to them. As in every organization, there are some bad apples in the bunch, but the soldiers as a whole are not bad. They are ordered to do the cover-ups by politicians. That's where the problem is.

Answer 6

People should know that you cannot criticize the military as a whole, only its leaders. The leaders are the ones making the terrible mistakes and then trying to cover them up. Meanwhile the troops on the ground are dying.

Answer 7

We need to defend the first amendment rights. Just because someone disagrees with any political ideology, doesn't mean that they are right or wrong. We have to remember that our nation is founded on the ideals set forth in the Bill of Rights. Many people fought and died for their right to speak their thoughts. Do we want them to shut-up, perhaps, but they have just as much right to speak their minds as we do. Will you take away their rights and chance losing your own?

Answer 8

there's a distinction between criticizing the militia and criticizing the militia administration. frequently, it really is undesirable type to foul mouth our service adult adult males and women persons in a time of warfare. precise or incorrect - they're in basic terms doing their jobs and following orders. I believe this. Now, once you're foul mouthing our cutting-edge presidential administration - it really is a diverse count number completely. notwithstanding, some human beings (extremely the grandparent set) trust it really is undesirable type to undesirable mouth the president, precise or incorrect, in the course of a time of warfare. i do not truly believe this attitude nor the foriegn coverage of our cutting-edge administration. next time - in basic terms make positive your reviews are aimed contained in the right route and on the right human beings - no longer in basic terms "the militia" often.

Answer 9

Grant it I understand where you are coming from on this. However, myself being around the Military all my life I am a bit biase. Regardless of how you feel about it though. You still need to support our troops. After all, they are fighting for your right to complain and(or) voice your opinoin on the matter.

Answer 10

you should not criticize the military. Yes we chose to enlist but it is not us that makes the decisions. we keep our mouths shut and risk our lives to defend our beloved country to protect the right and freedoms of all. You might not agree with all the governments decisions, but that politics. screw politics support us, the armed forces of the united states

USMC