Still, others are sincerely dedicated to the notion of service to "country" as a higher calling; and while that is a laudable intention, I regret that they have not chosen other means of advancing that calling. I am less interested in supporting people who make what I Lingerie Wholesaleconsider to be an unfortunate and tragic choice that puts their lives at risk to advance a foreign POLICY that I do not support.
After winning the election and convincing the people of America that he deserves to be the 44th President of the nation, we are looking forward for his plans and actions to save the worsening of our economy. What I’m talking about is President-elect Barack Obama’s picks for Cabinet. They’ve been announced, and critics are wondering how he’s going to manage such a strong group. “I’m a believer in strong personalities and strong opinions,” said Obama, and he’s going to get all of that. National security and economic policy teams will be led by political veterans who are used to being number one. As far as matters of national security go, Obama will team Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Vice President Joe Biden, retired four-star Marine Gen. Jim Jones as national security adviser and four-star Gen. David Petraeus as chief of U.S. Central Command. The economic team Obama has put together is also impressive: National Economic Council head Larry Summers, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker as the lead of Obama’s economic recovery advisory board. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has been described as “hard-charging,” adding another strong personality into a governing mix that could be volatile if Obama proves unable to rein them in with a firm, pragmatic hand. Like a payday loan that takes a bite out of a budgeting battle, Obama is poised to glean wisdom from this powerful group. He may be looking to further build upon the Democratic Party’s recent gains, but if he’s going to do so, he’ll have to be able to go toe-to-toe with a roomful of political giants. Click to read more on Payday Loans.
I have long considered the phrase, "Support Our Troops" to be a code. The inferred translation: "don't even think about" questioning defense + war expenses or the nation's care and feeding of the massive military machine. "Support Our Troops" somehow buoys us up on a moral and self-righteous highground and implies that it is "disloyal" to young people in service to even consider questioning the wisdom of allocating 50% of tax dollars to "defense", vs about 6.5% for education and 5.5% for health. "Support Our Troops" implies that we don't if we dare to question a US military policy that has shifted from a defense position to one of pre-emptive aggression.
Unconditional support is a pre-qualifier for any legitimate claim to patriotism.
What a bind. I often wonder why I would want to support people who blindly follow US policy without questioning the broader motives, the broader symbiotic interdependcies among the military, industry and Congress. I wonder how many people may be lured by the mass-marketed and highly tauted promise of heroic glory in their service to duty without truly examining the mission they are serving; how many choose not to notice that US strategy is no longer about defense but rather about aggression, imperialism and domination.
Still, others are sincerely dedicated to the notion of service to "country" as a higher calling; and while that is a laudable intention, I regret that they have not chosen other means of advancing that calling. I am less interested in supporting people who make what I consider to be an unfortunate and tragic choice that puts their lives at risk to advance a foreign POLICY that I do not support.
I prefer to lend full support to advancing the hopes and prospects for young people by advocating for affordable education and jobs for many who believe that their only hope of securing an education lies in putting their lives on the line with the mandate that they never question the cause.
At the risk of speaking the unspeakable, for those who may be motivated by aggression, misplaced revenge, guts and glory, I am honestly not interested in supporting their agendaes; and I am saddened by their unfortunate personal choices.
I have heard some military acquaintances say, that they are/were motivated by an interest in building discipline, in "growing up", as it were; and I ask myself: why I would want to support (fund) their apparent interest in finding external regimentation that they cannot or will not cultivate in themselves?
When duty to "country" is accepted without question as an omnipotent and infallible entity, I worry.
In conjunction with my work in beleaguered trenches of health care, I have had occasion to work on military bases where I have been struck, if not appalled, especially in this economic climate by the prevailing "use it or lose it" budgeting mentality. Always ask for more, never the same or less, whether funds are needed it or not.
I've observed well-funded base schools, pre-schools and playgrounds that are out-fitted with the highest quality materials and equipment ... this, in contrast to increasingly dilapidated infrastructures found in public education and parks systems ... micro indicators of a fiscal budgeting balance gone awry.
The system is out of balance when perfectly sound one- story military housing is boarded up while national guard are housed for months in resort hotels nearby that most American families could not afford to visit for as much as an overnight. The system is out of balance when the same one-story houses are torn down and replaced by two story houses twice the size, because the money was there, a spending indicatory that is a mere microcosmic manifestation of systemmic unquestioned and unbridled military "defense" spending. defense 50%, education 6%, health 5.5%. The disproportionate allocation of national fiscal resources is something to scream about ... and that has nothing to do with wanting or not wanting to support our troops.
In summary, military spending in the US is in my opinion disproportionate and out of balance. It is infuriating to find those legitimate concerns subject to ad hominem attacks and misconstrued as unpatriotic. I do get concerned that we may soon the day when the only remaining vestige of an American middle class will be found in military service.
It is time to question. It is time to realize re-balance fiscal and human priorities. It is time to support human dignity and well-being across every spectrum.
I wonder how many of those Support the Troopers have done as little as send a care package. Another famous one was 'United We Stand;' the Nazis were also united.
It think the basic idea behind the slogan "Support the Troops," was put forward by Ken Schram -- the on-the-air provocateur for Seattle's KOMO TV News (ABC), at the time the war started in March-April of 2003. His slant was that you "cannot support the troops without supporting the war." Nothing has changed in the use of that slogan. It attempts to guilt you into supporting the immoral and criminal war by implying that if you do not the troops will suffer.
Since then incidentally, Schram has changed his mind and is now against the war, or maybe now that the "Surge" appears to have had some effect maybe he's for it. He's pretty much a shill who'll say anything to stay on the air. Just the kind of person a slogan like "Support the Troops," serves best. It's innocuous enough to, when the chips are down, allow you to say you never meant to say what you said, while it's implication is unmistakable.
Its states "Support THE TROOPS" not THE WAR!I understand what you guys are saying but like someone has mentioned previously the term "conflation" we are combining the idea of war with the support of troops. They are over there presently regardless of right or wrong SERVING this country an I WILL sport the magnent, "SUPPORT THE TROOPS!"
support our troops has been a magnet on mini-vans since this illegal operation started. but does any one really know what that means? i know i haven't done as much as i should to really support the people who were brainwashed by an imperialist regime to find themselves on the other side of the world , giving up a life they will now never know.
i have gone to 3 marches against the war,called congress,taken my son to the IVAW tents,educated my children as to what support the troops really means...it's a challenge to teach a 10 year old child to be against the war ,but to empathize with the military that is engaged there,and be sorry , really sorry that all of those kids who have been there in that mess and so many died ,dying and for what? how many of them have asked God that question with there last breath? why?
you know what i think- the only way to really support our troops and ourselves is to finally do what is right. The entire Bush administration should be arrested and tried for war crimes and treason against humanity and violation of the U.S. constitution which George vowed to uphold.
I've always felt that "support the troops" was another way to say "shut up and accept whatever invasion the government undertakes." I feel it is intended to stifle all criticism of the decision to go to war as well as the way any particular war is being handled.
I support the troops in the sense that I admire their courage and their desire (for most of them, anyway) to be of service to their country in some way. However, I do not believe that military solutions are the best ones to most problems. The troops are being taken advantage of and then often not properly taken care of once they are out of service. If the government does choose to send troops into war, it must support them with proper equipment, training, and good leadership. If they are disabled, mentally or physically, it must offer appropriate medical care. And it should not send them into wars that are unnecessary or probably unwinnable. That's real support for the troops.
"In logic, conflation is the error of treating two distinct concepts as if they were one." "Conflating words with different meanings can cause real confusion." - from the Wikipedia entry for Conflation.
The intent of this slogan is to falsely equate opposition to nearly any aspect of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (and much more) with opposition to the welfare of the American people in the military. I despised this slogan in the past and despise it now. The slogan diverts attention from what would really support US troops/veterans and diverts attention from the effects of these wars on the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. Indeed it diverts attention from the existence of these people expect in a very abstract and dishonestly portrayed manner. The slogan also diverts attention from the effects these wars are having on the general population of the US.
Getting the troops out of these wars alive and unharmed as quickly as possible would truly be supporting them. Providing good care for those who have or will be harmed would be supporting them.
It is ironic that George Bush felt "overwhelmed" by his daughter's wedding while thousands of miles away he sends men and women to their deaths who will NEVER walk down the isle or have a dance with their mom or dad! The bride wore white white the returning dead wear a flag draped over their casket. Bush cries for joy and his daughter's happiness but who cries for the dead who remain silent???
I support the men and women who must bear the burden of this war! I DO NOT support the President, Congress, and his Generals that wage this war. All veterans know its the little guy that gets hosed!
I have concluded that Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld (to name a few) are war criminals and have betrayed the trust of the American people they claim to serve. The sad reality is regardless of the eventual winner of the 2008 presidential election John McCain is right (I am NO fan of McCain); America is going to be in Iraq for 100 years--we will not pull out! On judgment day Bush and company WILL give an account of their EVIL deeds. I am fearful that the evil empire stretches from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to the Capital.
It is clearly stated by the president of the United States that supporting the troops is not synonymous with supporting the soldier or veteran. He has threated to VETO VA benefit increases, he did not support the troops by being sure that their was WMD's in Iraq before sending over 4,000 of them to their deaths for his lies. Supporting the troops can only be done by never sending them to fight for a lie. To take care of them when they return. But most important of all. To support the troops now means to hold those who sent them off to Iraq accountable for their acts of treason!~
I am really curious as to how the psychology of this propaganda works. Various administrations have used this during wartime, and communities see their loved ones come back unwhole, and witness the apathy of the system to their plight after serving. If they come back at all. How can this slogan be made transparent, and what slogans and actions would have to replace it? ie, what can be done to appeal to people who now believe that being anti-war means being anti-troops?
Yellow ribbons that say "Support Halliburton"?
I suppose the Clear Channelization of media doesn't help with getting other perspectives out there. Really thankful for KPFA!!
The slogan is here, whether we like it or not. The only thing I can do personally is to give it MY OWN MEANING.
Support the returning troops in getting the mental and physical healthcare they need. Support the troops in getting worthwhile employment. Support the troops in their efforts of coming to grips with what they had to do under the guise of a just war. Support the troops in getting the word out that war does nothing for anyone.
Everytime I see the ribbon magnet on a vehicle I have this sinking feeling. The magnet does nothing to show support for our troops. I believe the slogan is to show support for the war not the actual men and women fighting the war.
I believe that supporting our troops would mean no more wars. Military would need to be used all over the world to build infrastrutures, education, etc.
I find it really tacky that many profess to be so called "Christian" and falsely claim they are pro life yet drive around with a magnet (I like to turn upside down)that supports murder of innocent people who had nothing to do with 9/11 for STOLEN oil and land for redevelopment. War is neither pro life theologically or biologicallly. All the things that are being commited against the Iraqi people by "supporting our troops" such as: murder, rape, child molesting, stealing, grand theft of their homes and their oil is not only so against everything the good book teaches, but they are crimes against humanity! So, when I see someone with that on their car, I do not trust them with my children and loved ones, my possessions, and my home. I think of them as an accomplices to those crimes. They are sitting and eating at the same table of demons.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says that Fleet Week, the Blue Angels, Air Show, the Viper West, the Golden Knights Parachute Team, and all the other shock'n awe demo shows that come out here each October, expressly timed to coincide with Columbus Day, come to support the troops, in an unpopular war.
Our mayor's more famous for amorous escapades than razor sharp logic, but this year he finally acknowledged that Fleet Week comes to recruit, though he's still trying to tell us that they come to support the troops and honor the vets as well.
San Francisco's Fleet Week is indeed a massive all forces recruitment essential to continuing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. Navy alone scoops up roughly 1/5th of its annual recruiting target right here in San Francisco in less than a week.
Twenty-five to thirty percent of the homeless on San Francisco streets are vets, and I also very much doubt that they feel honored by Fleet Week, though I also doubt anyone ever asks if they do.
I'm collecting signatures to get an initiative on the November ballot that would cancel San Francisco's invitation to Fleet Week:
Living in a small Midwestern community I find it difficult to swallow seeing all the "Support Our Troops" yellow ribbons on their cars. In this town it is understood that these stand for those supporting the war and when in conversation with people I am not afraid to let them know I don't support the war. Immediately they assume that I do not support our troops, when the opposite is quite true. Inspired by an instructor who encourages us to speak out, I am currently lobbying for extended help for mental health care for our troops. I have never served in the military myself but I have many close relatives and friends that have. Some of the atrocities that they have witnessed at such young ages puts them at special risks and I believe they deserve to be taken care of the country that put them to work. I do support the troops but not by purchasing a magnet but rather in the actions I choose to take. If the government can spend trillions on this war they sure can spend it on taking care of our veterans.
-Peeved at Ignorance
I'd support the troops if I could afford to buy groceries for my family, fill my gas tank once a month, and have a little dignity about what it really means to be an American.....I used to know.....but now....it's real foggy and I need some help......
Major General "Smedley Butler", his book said it all (war is a racket). He worn America about the military industrial complex.
World oil crisis should be researched by all, his name is "Lindsey Williams" an aviation missionary, that served at the trans- Alaska pipeline from the beginning. Use "you tube" search engine, his story is shocking. "crisis"?
Soldiers are important only as walking boots. Maybe we should change the slogan "support the troops", to sacrifice the troops.
"If the world is to have any meaning, it will be if humanity can survive".
Still, others are sincerely
Still, others are sincerely dedicated to the notion of service to "country" as a higher calling; and while that is a laudable intention, I regret that they have not chosen other means of advancing that calling. I am less interested in supporting people who make what I
Lingerie Wholesaleconsider to be an unfortunate and tragic choice that puts their lives at risk to advance a foreign POLICY that I do not support.
Support the Troops
Support the Troops means bring them home, de-program them, care for them and learn from them.
After winning the election
After winning the election and convincing the people of America that he deserves to be the 44th President of the nation, we are looking forward for his plans and actions to save the worsening of our economy. What I’m talking about is President-elect Barack Obama’s picks for Cabinet. They’ve been announced, and critics are wondering how he’s going to manage such a strong group. “I’m a believer in strong personalities and strong opinions,” said Obama, and he’s going to get all of that. National security and economic policy teams will be led by political veterans who are used to being number one. As far as matters of national security go, Obama will team Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Vice President Joe Biden, retired four-star Marine Gen. Jim Jones as national security adviser and four-star Gen. David Petraeus as chief of U.S. Central Command. The economic team Obama has put together is also impressive: National Economic Council head Larry Summers, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker as the lead of Obama’s economic recovery advisory board. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has been described as “hard-charging,” adding another strong personality into a governing mix that could be volatile if Obama proves unable to rein them in with a firm, pragmatic hand. Like a payday loan that takes a bite out of a budgeting battle, Obama is poised to glean wisdom from this powerful group. He may be looking to further build upon the Democratic Party’s recent gains, but if he’s going to do so, he’ll have to be able to go toe-to-toe with a roomful of political giants. Click to read more on Payday Loans.
support the troops
I have long considered the phrase, "Support Our Troops" to be a code. The inferred translation: "don't even think about" questioning defense + war expenses or the nation's care and feeding of the massive military machine. "Support Our Troops" somehow buoys us up on a moral and self-righteous highground and implies that it is "disloyal" to young people in service to even consider questioning the wisdom of allocating 50% of tax dollars to "defense", vs about 6.5% for education and 5.5% for health. "Support Our Troops" implies that we don't if we dare to question a US military policy that has shifted from a defense position to one of pre-emptive aggression.
Unconditional support is a pre-qualifier for any legitimate claim to patriotism.
What a bind. I often wonder why I would want to support people who blindly follow US policy without questioning the broader motives, the broader symbiotic interdependcies among the military, industry and Congress. I wonder how many people may be lured by the mass-marketed and highly tauted promise of heroic glory in their service to duty without truly examining the mission they are serving; how many choose not to notice that US strategy is no longer about defense but rather about aggression, imperialism and domination.
Still, others are sincerely dedicated to the notion of service to "country" as a higher calling; and while that is a laudable intention, I regret that they have not chosen other means of advancing that calling. I am less interested in supporting people who make what I consider to be an unfortunate and tragic choice that puts their lives at risk to advance a foreign POLICY that I do not support.
I prefer to lend full support to advancing the hopes and prospects for young people by advocating for affordable education and jobs for many who believe that their only hope of securing an education lies in putting their lives on the line with the mandate that they never question the cause.
At the risk of speaking the unspeakable, for those who may be motivated by aggression, misplaced revenge, guts and glory, I am honestly not interested in supporting their agendaes; and I am saddened by their unfortunate personal choices.
I have heard some military acquaintances say, that they are/were motivated by an interest in building discipline, in "growing up", as it were; and I ask myself: why I would want to support (fund) their apparent interest in finding external regimentation that they cannot or will not cultivate in themselves?
When duty to "country" is accepted without question as an omnipotent and infallible entity, I worry.
In conjunction with my work in beleaguered trenches of health care, I have had occasion to work on military bases where I have been struck, if not appalled, especially in this economic climate by the prevailing "use it or lose it" budgeting mentality. Always ask for more, never the same or less, whether funds are needed it or not.
I've observed well-funded base schools, pre-schools and playgrounds that are out-fitted with the highest quality materials and equipment ... this, in contrast to increasingly dilapidated infrastructures found in public education and parks systems ... micro indicators of a fiscal budgeting balance gone awry.
The system is out of balance when perfectly sound one- story military housing is boarded up while national guard are housed for months in resort hotels nearby that most American families could not afford to visit for as much as an overnight. The system is out of balance when the same one-story houses are torn down and replaced by two story houses twice the size, because the money was there, a spending indicatory that is a mere microcosmic manifestation of systemmic unquestioned and unbridled military "defense" spending. defense 50%, education 6%, health 5.5%. The disproportionate allocation of national fiscal resources is something to scream about ... and that has nothing to do with wanting or not wanting to support our troops.
For more on military expenditures and international comparisons, http://www.globalissues.org/article/75/world-military-spending#USMilitar...
In summary, military spending in the US is in my opinion disproportionate and out of balance. It is infuriating to find those legitimate concerns subject to ad hominem attacks and misconstrued as unpatriotic. I do get concerned that we may soon the day when the only remaining vestige of an American middle class will be found in military service.
It is time to question. It is time to realize re-balance fiscal and human priorities. It is time to support human dignity and well-being across every spectrum.
I wonder how many of those
I wonder how many of those Support the Troopers have done as little as send a care package. Another famous one was 'United We Stand;' the Nazis were also united.
Support the Troops?
It think the basic idea behind the slogan "Support the Troops," was put forward by Ken Schram -- the on-the-air provocateur for Seattle's KOMO TV News (ABC), at the time the war started in March-April of 2003. His slant was that you "cannot support the troops without supporting the war." Nothing has changed in the use of that slogan. It attempts to guilt you into supporting the immoral and criminal war by implying that if you do not the troops will suffer.
Since then incidentally, Schram has changed his mind and is now against the war, or maybe now that the "Surge" appears to have had some effect maybe he's for it. He's pretty much a shill who'll say anything to stay on the air. Just the kind of person a slogan like "Support the Troops," serves best. It's innocuous enough to, when the chips are down, allow you to say you never meant to say what you said, while it's implication is unmistakable.
I Mean Really....
Its states "Support THE TROOPS" not THE WAR!I understand what you guys are saying but like someone has mentioned previously the term "conflation" we are combining the idea of war with the support of troops. They are over there presently regardless of right or wrong SERVING this country an I WILL sport the magnent, "SUPPORT THE TROOPS!"
support our troops mantra
support our troops has been a magnet on mini-vans since this illegal operation started. but does any one really know what that means? i know i haven't done as much as i should to really support the people who were brainwashed by an imperialist regime to find themselves on the other side of the world , giving up a life they will now never know.
i have gone to 3 marches against the war,called congress,taken my son to the IVAW tents,educated my children as to what support the troops really means...it's a challenge to teach a 10 year old child to be against the war ,but to empathize with the military that is engaged there,and be sorry , really sorry that all of those kids who have been there in that mess and so many died ,dying and for what? how many of them have asked God that question with there last breath? why?
you know what i think- the only way to really support our troops and ourselves is to finally do what is right. The entire Bush administration should be arrested and tried for war crimes and treason against humanity and violation of the U.S. constitution which George vowed to uphold.
Support the Troops
I've always felt that "support the troops" was another way to say "shut up and accept whatever invasion the government undertakes." I feel it is intended to stifle all criticism of the decision to go to war as well as the way any particular war is being handled.
I support the troops in the sense that I admire their courage and their desire (for most of them, anyway) to be of service to their country in some way. However, I do not believe that military solutions are the best ones to most problems. The troops are being taken advantage of and then often not properly taken care of once they are out of service. If the government does choose to send troops into war, it must support them with proper equipment, training, and good leadership. If they are disabled, mentally or physically, it must offer appropriate medical care. And it should not send them into wars that are unnecessary or probably unwinnable. That's real support for the troops.
You hit the nail on the
You hit the nail on the head...they use another slogan to "Freedom will Prevail" but tap my phone.
"In logic, conflation is the
"In logic, conflation is the error of treating two distinct concepts as if they were one." "Conflating words with different meanings can cause real confusion." - from the Wikipedia entry for Conflation.
The intent of this slogan is to falsely equate opposition to nearly any aspect of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (and much more) with opposition to the welfare of the American people in the military. I despised this slogan in the past and despise it now. The slogan diverts attention from what would really support US troops/veterans and diverts attention from the effects of these wars on the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. Indeed it diverts attention from the existence of these people expect in a very abstract and dishonestly portrayed manner. The slogan also diverts attention from the effects these wars are having on the general population of the US.
Getting the troops out of these wars alive and unharmed as quickly as possible would truly be supporting them. Providing good care for those who have or will be harmed would be supporting them.
Support the Troops--America has been Duped!
It is ironic that George Bush felt "overwhelmed" by his daughter's wedding while thousands of miles away he sends men and women to their deaths who will NEVER walk down the isle or have a dance with their mom or dad! The bride wore white white the returning dead wear a flag draped over their casket. Bush cries for joy and his daughter's happiness but who cries for the dead who remain silent???
I support the men and women who must bear the burden of this war! I DO NOT support the President, Congress, and his Generals that wage this war. All veterans know its the little guy that gets hosed!
I have concluded that Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld (to name a few) are war criminals and have betrayed the trust of the American people they claim to serve. The sad reality is regardless of the eventual winner of the 2008 presidential election John McCain is right (I am NO fan of McCain); America is going to be in Iraq for 100 years--we will not pull out! On judgment day Bush and company WILL give an account of their EVIL deeds. I am fearful that the evil empire stretches from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to the Capital.
God help America!
Reponse to support the troops
It is clearly stated by the president of the United States that supporting the troops is not synonymous with supporting the soldier or veteran. He has threated to VETO VA benefit increases, he did not support the troops by being sure that their was WMD's in Iraq before sending over 4,000 of them to their deaths for his lies. Supporting the troops can only be done by never sending them to fight for a lie. To take care of them when they return. But most important of all. To support the troops now means to hold those who sent them off to Iraq accountable for their acts of treason!~
How Does This Slogan Actually Work?
I am really curious as to how the psychology of this propaganda works. Various administrations have used this during wartime, and communities see their loved ones come back unwhole, and witness the apathy of the system to their plight after serving. If they come back at all. How can this slogan be made transparent, and what slogans and actions would have to replace it? ie, what can be done to appeal to people who now believe that being anti-war means being anti-troops?
Yellow ribbons that say "Support Halliburton"?
I suppose the Clear Channelization of media doesn't help with getting other perspectives out there. Really thankful for KPFA!!
"Support the Troops"
The slogan is here, whether we like it or not. The only thing I can do personally is to give it MY OWN MEANING.
Support the returning troops in getting the mental and physical healthcare they need. Support the troops in getting worthwhile employment. Support the troops in their efforts of coming to grips with what they had to do under the guise of a just war. Support the troops in getting the word out that war does nothing for anyone.
"Support the Troops" slogan
Everytime I see the ribbon magnet on a vehicle I have this sinking feeling. The magnet does nothing to show support for our troops. I believe the slogan is to show support for the war not the actual men and women fighting the war.
I believe that supporting our troops would mean no more wars. Military would need to be used all over the world to build infrastrutures, education, etc.
"I Support Our Troops." Not!
I find it really tacky that many profess to be so called "Christian" and falsely claim they are pro life yet drive around with a magnet (I like to turn upside down)that supports murder of innocent people who had nothing to do with 9/11 for STOLEN oil and land for redevelopment. War is neither pro life theologically or biologicallly. All the things that are being commited against the Iraqi people by "supporting our troops" such as: murder, rape, child molesting, stealing, grand theft of their homes and their oil is not only so against everything the good book teaches, but they are crimes against humanity! So, when I see someone with that on their car, I do not trust them with my children and loved ones, my possessions, and my home. I think of them as an accomplices to those crimes. They are sitting and eating at the same table of demons.
San Francisco's Fleet Week does not support the troops.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says that Fleet Week, the Blue Angels, Air Show, the Viper West, the Golden Knights Parachute Team, and all the other shock'n awe demo shows that come out here each October, expressly timed to coincide with Columbus Day, come to support the troops, in an unpopular war.
Our mayor's more famous for amorous escapades than razor sharp logic, but this year he finally acknowledged that Fleet Week comes to recruit, though he's still trying to tell us that they come to support the troops and honor the vets as well.
San Francisco's Fleet Week is indeed a massive all forces recruitment essential to continuing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. Navy alone scoops up roughly 1/5th of its annual recruiting target right here in San Francisco in less than a week.
Twenty-five to thirty percent of the homeless on San Francisco streets are vets, and I also very much doubt that they feel honored by Fleet Week, though I also doubt anyone ever asks if they do.
I'm collecting signatures to get an initiative on the November ballot that would cancel San Francisco's invitation to Fleet Week:
http://www.ktvu.com/video/15590046/index.html
Anyone who thinks they could collect a page or two of signatures or otherwise help, feel free to contact me at anniegarrison@mac.com.
Support the Troops...Not the War!
Living in a small Midwestern community I find it difficult to swallow seeing all the "Support Our Troops" yellow ribbons on their cars. In this town it is understood that these stand for those supporting the war and when in conversation with people I am not afraid to let them know I don't support the war. Immediately they assume that I do not support our troops, when the opposite is quite true. Inspired by an instructor who encourages us to speak out, I am currently lobbying for extended help for mental health care for our troops. I have never served in the military myself but I have many close relatives and friends that have. Some of the atrocities that they have witnessed at such young ages puts them at special risks and I believe they deserve to be taken care of the country that put them to work. I do support the troops but not by purchasing a magnet but rather in the actions I choose to take. If the government can spend trillions on this war they sure can spend it on taking care of our veterans.
-Peeved at Ignorance
Support the Troops Mantra?
I'd support the troops if I could afford to buy groceries for my family, fill my gas tank once a month, and have a little dignity about what it really means to be an American.....I used to know.....but now....it's real foggy and I need some help......
h
support the troops
Major General "Smedley Butler", his book said it all (war is a racket). He worn America about the military industrial complex.
World oil crisis should be researched by all, his name is "Lindsey Williams" an aviation missionary, that served at the trans- Alaska pipeline from the beginning. Use "you tube" search engine, his story is shocking. "crisis"?
Soldiers are important only as walking boots. Maybe we should change the slogan "support the troops", to sacrifice the troops.
"If the world is to have any meaning, it will be if humanity can survive".