One of the more interesting permutations in the definition of "liberal" or "Democrat" recently is that especially after 9/11, almost everyone, including liberals, was in a hurry to "support the troops". Remember the rallying cries to oppose Bush, but still support our troops? In light of recent events, I wonder if we will revert back to the more stereotypical stance of suspicion and outright distaste for the military? After all, in the post-Vietnam era, the left has viewed the military (and other forms of authority, such as the police) with something of a jaundiced eye.
I've seen on this board everything from naive admiration ("nobody is in the military
just for the college money") to structured criticism of the leadership. I haven't seen much outright bashing yet, which is I suppose a good thing, but I wonder if we'll get to that point or if something would push us over that edge.
Regular readers know that Mr. JMS is a GWI army vet who is now more of a pacifist than I am, but nonetheless can be a fount of insight from the "inside". Anyone who knows me, also knows that if someone had told me 10 years ago I would be married to an army vet, I would have laughed myself silly. So I try to take a nuanced view with the idea that "you never know".
However, I'm wondering if recent events (perhaps even dating back to before 9/11) have changed anyone's perception of the military--and if your perceptions might be likely to change again in the future.
Options in the poll are just a starting point for thought. Obviously they cannot capture every viewpoint.