Do you support our troops? You know, the ladies and gentlemen fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan?
If you're a right-leaning individual, you may have thought to yourself, "Of course I do! I'm a red-blooded American! Stay the course!"
Or perhaps you're on the opposite side of mid-field. Here's my best guess at your reaction: "Of course I do! I can be against the war and support the troops at the same time! Bring them home now!"
I'm glad this country has moved past the cruel and idiotic abuse of the Vietnam veterans. While it is proper to "support the troops" in 21st century America, are we as a nation truly reaching out to our service men and women?
There's an obvious problem here...how exactly do we support our troops?
Conservatives: Do you really think that your belief in the war somehow has a positive impact on folks in Iraq and Afghanistan? Do you believe that we need to support the policy of war in order to boost their morale? Does our support for war provide a tactical military advantage?
Liberals: Do you really think you understand exactly what our country is trying to accomplish and is it easy to label the "war against terror" a categorical failure? Do you believe we should keep our military on U.S. soil in defense of possible attacks or do certain circumstances around the globe warrant our interaction? How do you answer soldiers, such as my own brother, who have sacrificed much in Iraq and are willing, for the cause, to do it again?
To All: Whatever your idea is about the possibility of a net benefit coming from these conflicts, consider: it's not all about you. Soldiers understand this. Americans, in general, don't. If we spend a few aircraft-carrier-loads of cash and some countries end up much better places to live...we could debate until we die whether it was the right decision. God Bless America the WORLD. The fact is, we don't know and even when it's over it will be impossible to judge whether it was all worthwhile.
I personally believe that supporting military personnel has nothing to do with our view on war... While the average American has an infinitesimal influence on federal policy, we all have the ability to reach out to individuals with love. If you truly care about those who put it all on the line every day, take some time and put it down in your own words. Reach out to soldiers abroad, home, families of the living and the dead, offer comfort and listen to what they have to say.
P.S. Unless asked by a specific soldier, don't send stuff to the soldiers overseas...they get more than they can use.
