Is this what the troops are really saying about the Iraq war?

Question

POLL OF TROOPS AND FAMILIES SHOWS LITTLE SUPPORT FOR BUSH, IRAQ WAR – You wouldn’t know it from those who say from some of those who say they speak for the troops, but a poll of them from the LA Times and Bloomberg news finds that the vast majority of troops and military families have abandoned the President and are highly critical of the war in Iraq. The poll is yet more demonstrable proof that VoteVets.org is the voice of the troops. The poll finds that only 36 percent of troops and military families say it was worth going to war in Iraq and 37 percent of military-family members approve of the job Bush is doing as president. “The same trend holds true on the question of the treatment of active-duty military, veterans and their families. The poll finds that only 29 percent of all poll respondents say they believe the Bush administration is doing a good job handling those needs,” reports Bloomberg.

The poll finally finds that the majority of troops and military families believe it is proper to criticize the President during a time of war. (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=a9eBP4ZM28G8&refer=home)
OUR OWN INTELLIGENCE IS WARNING US AL QAEDA IS PLOTTING NEW ATTACKS FROM AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN, NOT IRAQ – The most recent National Intelligence Estimate makes it clear. The real threat from al Qaeda comes from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yet, our troops are being held in the middle of Iraq’s religious civil war, when strong majorities of them do not believe the Bush administration is doing well in Iraq.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/17/AR2007071702007.html)
http://votevets.org/campaigns/?id=0001

3 US Generals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw4jSZLkJqA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX_swVoz6zw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnwNONbLkpU&feature=related

http://votevets.org/video/?id=0009

Politicans get a raise - soldiers suffer ?

Sub standard equiment

http://votevets.org/video/?id=0010

http://veteransagainstthewar.com/wordpress/

Answer 1

Tuesday, on my way home from Germany, I sat next to a soldier, on an airplane for 11 hours. He was a very bright, enthusiastic young man who is disgusted with what is going on in Iraq. He is serving his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq and is only 30. As it happens, the young man in front of us was a Marine who overheard our discussion. He also expressed his dismay over the situation. One of their main concerns is the mental health of the soldiers. The rate of depression and suicide is climbing and for obvious reasons.
These young men validated what I already suspected. We're being fed a bunch of crap about the troops attitudes. I'm sure there are a few who still believe in what they are doing, but they're in the minority.
And by the way, I told him I do not support the war but I do support our troops, contrary to what the government says. He assured me he knows most Americans appreciate what they're doing, and knows the majority of us want the war to end and our troops brought home.

Answer 2

I am sorry but I just read that Bloomberg article you linked to and I do not see where "Bloomberg news finds that the vast majority of troops and military families have abandoned the President and are highly critical of the war in Iraq".

Servicemen/women have every right to bitchalittle. That has always been a time honorer tradition in the Military. But the vast majority of troops are not turning against the war now that it is going swimmingly. I don't care what any poll says or doesn't say, that makes no sense.

Polls are way overblown. Few are truly scientific and most I have seen are biased in how questions are phrased. Just like the Internet polls that "prove" Ron Paul will be the Republican nominee. I find that polls are like thong underwear. What they reveal is important what they conceal is vital.

Merry Christmas!

Answer 3

In truth, you're probably right. Most troops likely don't feel that the Bush administration has treated them especially well, despite all that theyh say about what they're doing for those in "harm's way" (in truth, the majority of the troops, I am glad to say, are not really in harms way - the worst off are the infantry).

Being a soldier is never an easy job, you risk life and limb, the pay is bad, and you might be crippled for the rest of your life. While at war, you will live in harsh conditions, discipline is strict, etc.

I personally would not be surprised if the US army's troops feel that they have been getting less than they deserve, and in fact they probably have, if Walter Reid is any indication.

Answer 4

Well.. I fought in this "war" and never supported going to Iraq.. But I am just one person.. The majority of the troops do seem to be "right wingers" but (from my experience) were pizzed off about being there...

At the same time, it truly does say something when Ron Paul gets the most money from the troops.. And by far!!

Edit: I do have to say.. I was in a country *** unit... So there was a real reason why they were "right wingers". The troops are no differant than regular citizens.. It's probably around 60 - 40.. 60 being conservative because it is more popular to join the military on the right than on the left..

If I had to guess.. I'd say that most troops, want out of this war.. Which would mean... A lot of Republican troops... Want out of this war... When it hits home... It really does matter..

Answer 5

As a former soldier who spent a year in Iraq, I can tell you that in the entire time I served I didn't meet a single person who was enthusiastic about the war in Iraq. From the very beginning, my friends and colleagues were skeptical of the intent behind it and, following Saddam's deposing, unclear on the objectives. While I was in Iraq (2006-2007), the general sentiment was that we were wasting our time. No one seemed to feel that the war was likely to be won - or even what "winning" really meant. Don't get me wrong - soldiers are patriotic, incredible people. I didn't serve with a single person who I wasn't absolutely stunned by - and you will NEVER hear them voice an opinion like this until they have left the service, or in anonymous polls like the ones you reference here. They are going to go out and attempt to accomplish any mission they are given, regardless of their own personal opinions. That's why it's so important that the American people exercise constant oversight and vigilance when it comes to sending our brave fighting men and women off to risk their lives. America has got to come out from behind their televisions and take a stand - one way or the other - on this war. Complacency is the number one problem facing America today, and we have to fix it. Take care.

Answer 6

according to those sources it is
i do not agree with the bush policy or much of anything he has done but that has nothing to do with polls. our troops have no choice in this they are going to serve where they are ordered to serve. we have the finest military in the world but they can not control their own future. we must speak up and get them out of Iraq as soon as possible. our troops will serve and die until the commander in chief brings them home.

Answer 7

You may find this a bit shocking, but news outlets tend to pick the "typical" soldiers that the Public Information Oficers tell them to interview. It's been suggested that most of the "Pro-War" soldiers are plants.

Answer 8

If you look long and hard enough you'll find evidence to support your position, no matter how ridiculous.

There's some idiot on here that thinks George Bush hired the 9/11 attacks done!

The hundreds I hear from regularly (they're serving with my son) all are tired of the anti-war, anti-troop bs that comes from the left, and want to finish what they started so they can come home with their head up!!!

Answer 9

I wouldn't put much stock in what Bloomburg and the Washington Compost have to say.

Are they frustrated? I would be. You are over there working your *** off and leaders in the Senate are saying you aren't accomplishing anything.

Answer 10

First this is a Poll, only a poll--in other words it can be manipulated to say anything the asker wants it to say just by how the questions are worded. You want to know the truth, ask the ones who know--the soldiers and the veterans, and military families.