LeisureChrist

Truly... I support the troop by wishing that they not be unnecessarily thrust into harm's way.

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"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to be Environment Man and remove all doubt."---Benjamin Frank-N-Furter

aloysious

If they've joined in the last 4 yrs or so knowing full well they were going to support the illegal war in Iraq, yes I do see a conflict in that. If they serve exclusively in Afghanistan I do not see a conflict.
If they did their time in Iraq and re-upped, no support. A wish of good luck, hope you get back in one piece, but no sympathy.
One knows what he's getting into before going. Someone who signs up for that duty is no different than the jihadists they're fighting against, except he's going to their country as part of an illlegal invasion, not defending ours.

Curator

The American Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine should not be disrespected or insulted just for doing their job. A job they signed up for knowing full well the hazards of the military. While I was active duty the only things I wore on my sleeve were military insignia, and not any political stripe. We as citizens should never have a choice whether we will or will not support our military members.

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“I truly believe that at this point in America’s history we need a president who will not just continue ... basically the policies we have followed in recent years. We need a president with transformational qualities.”

"For that reason, I will be voting for Barack Obama.”
- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell

“You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.”
Gov Palin explaining her national security credentials.

Ptech

I agree Curator.

It is men like Ehren Watada that I really, really, really respect and admire.

xav8terx

Not true. I served but I agree with the OP. If they have recently joined than they know damn well what they are in for. And if they don’t…that’s one less dumbass in the world. I didn’t expect anyone to feel sorry for me when I went back in after 911 (was before the Iraq invasion or I wouldn't have gone back) so none will be given from me.

But the same holds true for the civilian workers, reporters, mission workers, politicians,...and anyone else who willingly puts them selves in that position!!! You wanted the "great" tax free pay....enjoy it....but don’t expect sympathy when you have to spend it on a new limb or casket for that matter.

jowey

War and chaos provides an opportunity. A desensitized military will hire people that have made some mistakes, give them an opportunity for a clean slate. Eventually outrage will give them some benefits - better than VEAP of my era.

Having said that, if one has other opportunities this is not a direction one should take. This war is a fraud on this country. It is not even a war where the enemy is an organized military, it is another police action, we are fighting those defending their homes and families. These people join anyone willing to fight against the "invasion" of the infidels.

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