Why do people call you unpatriotic if you are against the war in Iraq?

Question

Just because I'm against the war, people say I'm not patriotic. I was in the army and was deployed! How much more patriotic do I need to be?

Some people asked why I joined. I joined not long after 9/11 with a desire to serve. Iraq wasn't being discussed publicly then. My service is almost at an end.

Answer 1

First, thank you for your service!

Second, I don't think most people feel that way.

I think some anti-war people are unpatriotic for some of the things they say and do. Being against the war and expressing that view is entirely fine; in fact, it's part of our fundamental beliefs to be able to do so; however, comparing the troops with Nazis, saying they only join the Military because they are dumb and can't get jobs, burning soldier effigies, calling them terrorists, etc. is unpatriotic, and unforunately, some anti war people do that.

In sum, those who call you unpatriotic don't understand our basic principles and assume you're part of the moonbats who bash American and our soldiers, despite the fact that not all anti war people fall into that category.

Answer 2

Because they are confusing being against the war with not supporting the troops.

Personnally, I don't entirely approve of the way the war has been handled. However, I still stand behind the armed forces. I am proud of my friends and family members that have served in Iraq and elsewhere. I appreciate that they went and protected everyone's right to post whatever garbage they want here.

There is nothing wrong with being against the war. However, it is unpatriotic to be unsupportive of the war effort. We elected the government officials to run this country. We put them in positions to make the tough decisions. As such, we have an obligation to back them in their decisions wether we like them or not. If you approve, vote for them again. If you don't, them don't. But between elections you stand behind them.

Answer 3

The time for a patriot to be against a war is when it is being planned. Once the battle is joined, the patriot fights for his country, or at least supports it in whatever way he can. Being 'against the war' can mean a lot of things, though. Lots of soldiers have hated the war they fought, but were still patriots. You only stop being a patriot when "against the war" turns into "for the enemy." Calling for a cease fire or a negotiated peace, for instance, if very different from calling for surrender.

Answer 4

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it" - Edward R. Murrow.

"My country, right or wrong" is a thing no patriot would ever think of saying except in a desperate case. It is like saying "My mother, drunk or sober." - G. K. Chesterton

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually" - James Baldwin

"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." Hermann Goering

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." - Sinclair Lewis

Answer 5

First of all, let me commend you on your service to this country. Secondly, I don't think it's that people view you as "unpatriotic", but a lot of liberals (ie Harry Reid) tend to talk about the war as a failure and not point out anything that we've done right. It seems to me that people like Harry Reid and Hillary Clinton and some of the other top Democrats in the House and Senate would LOVE to see us fail just because it would be an issue that they could run on or they could say "I told you so.." Personally, I hate to see this country fail at anything that it attempts, whether it be war or peace talks or anything. People who speak out like this and say that our soldiers are murderers without any kind of evidence and lumping ALL the soldiers into one group are hurting troop morale and giving aid and comfort to the enemy. Just because you are against the war doesn't mean that you are unpatriotic at all, in my opinion, it's the people who say they speak for you and then denegrate our troops and our nation and would like to see us fail that are unpatriotic. You don't have to agree with the war to fight for our country, in my mind, that's about as patriotic as you get.. You may not like what I have to say, but you'll fight for my right to say it.

I hope this was an honest answer for you..

Answer 6

I don't think it's always "if" you are against the war you are unpatriotic. A lot of it depends on the reasons that you are against it and quite honestly especially if it sounds like the troops like yourself are being attacked by criticism.

I want to thank you for serving your country so that it's a safer place for me and my family. You are a hero and the fact that you don't agree with the war doesn't make you any less of a hero.

Answer 7

People call you unpatriotic if you're against the war because they're told to by Bush and Fox News. Most people saying this aren't brightest ones around.

Answer 8

Why does it matter how patriotic you are? I thought this war was being fought because it was the right thing to do, not the patriotic thing to do. Once we give up what's right in the name of glory to the country, we're no better than the Roman Empire or the Third Reich.

Answer 9

Thank you for your service. Being anti war or even a peacenik is not unpatriotic, its the way you go about dessent that does that. being harshly critical of our troops and President trying to hurt moraleand trashing this country all are counter productive. i support the effort but not the way it has been managed, and I say so. and im very opposed to the administrations coddling illegals but I dont trash the prez I just say hes wrong

Answer 10

I think if you are against American victory that's unpatriotic.
It's unpatriotic to commit to fighting terror then turn and run in the face of it. It's unpatriotic to play politics with it!
Like 85% of Americans who were for it and now 50% are a bunch of gutless hypocrites who change their minds and the truth to ease their conscience that's unpatriotic and shameful.
I served with the Drug Enforcement Agency and in the 82nd Airborne Division to defend the land that I love.