Why I Don't Support The Troops

I heard a gentleman call in to Fargo, North Dakota's KFGO radio program New & Views and state that it was not possible to support the troops but not support the war. It got me to thinking and I realized he was correct. To "support the troops" in the manner in which it was implied meant that, even if you didn't think the war was justified, one should remain silent in their opposition.

I support their families who are going through hell because their family members are in harms way and not at home where they should be. These families are struggling to make ends meet and many are in crisis due to the financial and emotional stress of the extended campaigns being fought. Especially for National Guard families, who have in many cases suffered through several deployments the past few years, life has been far from normal for a long time.

I admire the troops who have a form of courage that anyone who's never worn a military uniform wouldn't understand. I wore a uniform and I still get choked up when I hear the national anthem or see the flag pass me in a parade. The bravery these men and women exhibit is of a degree that most people of this day and age can't begin to understand or appreciate.

I don't support the troops. To me that phrase is a meaningless bumper-magnet phrase that was created to sell a lot of magnetic "Support The Troops" ribbons capitalizing on misplaced patriotism. It's war profiteering at it's worst.

I don't support the war in Iraq. I believed from the start that it was a bad move at a bad time. I never saw a point where Iraq posed an imminent threat to the United States. I had a sense that the Bush administration had doctored the "evidence" and I had a gut feeling I was being lied to.

So, for me, the answer is no - I don't support the troops. I love the troops for their dedication to our nation. I pray for the troops to return home safely. I also pray that the Iraqi people will be spared extended violence in my name. But I don't support the troops.