Yesterday I posted a story on
the warm greeting John Kerry received from our troops in Baghdad. In the thread a discussion arose regarding the good news and bad news in Iraq, the attitudes of our soldiers about Iraq, the Media and the Debacle. It was an interesting discussion and I'd like to renew it here.
First, let me be clear, if there is any doubt, I detest the Iraq Debacle, a historic strategic blunder that has seriously undermined the national security of our country. Of all the terrible things Bush has done, this is the worst for me. The harm caused is immense and will be felt for decades. Why I feel that way can be found in my writings.
Second, I strongly support our troops in Iraq. I appreciate their sacrifice (as to whether it is a sacrifice, it surely is, as I explain in this thread).
Third, as to what their views on the Iraq Debacle are, I am sure they are varied. Some believed it the right thing to do and still do. Some thought it was the right thing to do and now think it wasn't. Many, I imagine, simply want to come home in one piece. In any event, I support them all, whatever their views, and whether they voted for Bush or Kerry. I know many here are pacifists, in good conscience, and I respect their views. I don't share that view, but I'm not sure that it is material to understanding and appreciating the sacrifice and hardship soldiers and their families make and suffer.
Fourth, while their views on the Debacle are of interest and illuminating, ultimately, even someone blogging from far away, as we are, may have, in fact are likely to have, a better perspective of what is going right and what is going wrong in Iraq. In a word, they are too close to it, doing their jobs and facing incredible dangers on a daily basis. Can they truly remove themselves from their day to day concerns and take a broader view? It seems difficult to me. So, unlike some, I don't take their words on Iraq as gospel, whether they are for our Iraq occupation or against it.
It is my view that those of us who vehemently opposed this war can and should still support the soldiers and their families. Their sacrifice is no less a sacrifice because the action they are engaged in is a tragically wrong headed blunder. That's on BushCo, not our soldiers.
Update [2005-1-8 10:40:32 by Armando]: In what I find, frankly, to be an example of twisting a simple concept into a complex one, many are troubled with the vagueness of the word support. It seems simple enough to me in this context, especially as I make clear my utter opposition to the Iraq Debacle. But I'll explain what I mean here:
I support the troops by appreciating and recognizing the sacrifice they and their families make in serving in our Armed Forces. I support them for risking their lives for the national security of our nation. I support them BY opposing the scandalous policies of the Bush Administration in Iraq. I support them by understanding that they are not to blame for the Iraq Debacle, but among its victims.
I support them by opposing the Bush policy of torture and suspension of the Geneva Conventions. I support them by denouncing war criminals, because to do otherwise is to dishonor our troops.