Do you think American soldiers in Iraq who claim to support the war have been brainwashed, coerced, or what?

Question

What does the recent military order restricting blogging and internet use by American soldiers in Iraq tell us?

Tom, my question is an expression of my heartfelt concern for our brave soldiers, not criticism of them. How could I critcize neighbors and friends whom Bush 2 has shipped off to Iraq as he continues to decimate our National Guard forces?

Answer 1

Of course they're brainwashed. From the government's standpoint, you can have better control over people and their thoughts if you brainwash them. Ever wonder why the media is always bad news to try and scare us? Or why they only give us some of the info about the war?
*Update* I realize that the military is voluntary, but many have been in since before the Iraq conflict and didn't have a choice in the matter. We didn't ask or expect them to go, they had to. The Iraqi citizens certainly didn't ask for it either. Everything else aside, don't you think it's just *a little* bit egotistical of our government to think that Iraq wants Democracy? What's good for us must be good for everyone else, right? Not so sure about that...

Answer 2

They haven't been brainwashed, but soldiers are no more immune to being misinformed than anybody else. A poll some time back showed that a large majority of troops serving in Iraq falsely believed that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11.

The recent order restricting blogging tells us much more about the political leadership than it does about the soldiers. These aren't people who trust the free flow of ideas. Their basic instincts are authoritarian, so naturally they like blogging. Look at the official blogs of Republican organizations or politicians, those who have them. You'll see almost none with open comments. They want to control information, so their lies won't be exposed.

Answer 3

no person argues combating the terrorists, in basic terms the techniques of doing that. Afghanistan-actual. If besides the undeniable fact that, we will exchange a coverage the U. S. has had for some years and start up invading and overthrowing each and every usa that would have the aptitude to be a base for terrorists, we would be actual busy. This record might advise we invade Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, (seen what their babies are being taught of their faculties???), Palestinian territories, the Phillipines, Indonesia and don't even get me began on the aptitude threats from N. Korea. the entire area is destabilizing via this actual determination of the place we sent our useful ladies and men in uniform. We owe them extra advantageous than to place them in an unwinnable conflict like this in the 1st place. How can they now cease a civil warfare?!?

Answer 4

I'm curious as to whether most people realize that military service in the United States is voluntary. And if so, I think people must be confused as to the job description of someone in the military.
But apparently some people are used to getting paid to not do their job, or expect free handouts.
Why do we expect fire-fighters to run into burning buildings and put out fires, police officers to stop armed criminals, but then get all worked up when the military has to do *their* job?

Answer 5

As a Marine with two tours and a planned third at the end of May, I can speak for myself and troops, we have not been brainwashed.
As for the blogging and internet use, this is so the information about the troops in the field is not released (ie videos on livelink that show some of the soldiers dont end up on al jazeera tv) so it dont rile them up.

Answer 6

It probably means they are finally getting serious about operational security. It's pretty simple to understand that the more people that talk about what's going on the easier it will be for the enemy to find out.
About the brainwashed statement, I think it's hypocritical to question the first amendment rights of those that are fight for our rights, get over it. They are Patriots out there putting it on the line for their country.

Answer 7

Not at all. Apparently you are unaware of the fact that it is a voluteer army and some people feel the need or desire to serve their country and put themselves in harms way to defend their families and the rights of people like you to ask such a stupid question.

Answer 8

you can criticize the politicians behind the war, but you can't criticize the soldiers for serving your country.

Answer 9

No, they believe in it. They know more than we do. They are patriotic. They know the whole story. They see the bigger picture.