For a while now I've noticed an ideological rift among Democrats, Liberals, or whatever label you prefer for the left side of the isle.
The purpose of this diary is not to start a flame war. It's to have an open discussion about ideologies [regarding "the troops"] and their overall affect on the party.
Many, in fact most, complain that we are spending too much on our military. I personally feel there is a ton of waste (i.e. Halliburton) that should be discarded. Although I don't believe our military should be downsized by significant proportions, the purpose of this diary isn't to debate about the military's overall size. That's irrelevant to this particular discussion.
For the purpose of this discussion I'm going to refer to those of us who serve as "they," since I personally am not seeking any form of praise or respect.
There are those who appreciate and support our men and women in uniform but dislike how they are being used. From everything I've seen, this category has always been a solid majority. I put that last point in bold because it's a very important one to remember as I continue.
There are those who see our their profession as one to be viewed with contempt. There are those who refuse to examine or scrutinize any negativity if it pertains to the military. Such an example would be a recent thread Some Sexually Assaulted Military Women Forced to Pay for Rape Kits. The original title was "Military Women Forced to Pay for Rape Kits," which turned out to be a totally bogus. And it was only after great protest that the title was revised to something only a little less misleading. And this was on Veterans' Day.
Just plucking one (of many comments)
"Is this about emergency contraception? Or is it just about hating women? Gates has got to go."
On the flip side we had members like NavyBlueWife, tristan57 and 'Carol in San Antonio' crying foul at such outrageous accusations. The Best Reply of ALL (a must read) came from EllenJ in Ohio, who has credible and direct experience on the subject matter.
When I first came to Dailykos I noticed the conflicting ideologies as well as a misunderstanding of the term, "Military-Industrial Complex" made famous by Dwight Eisenhower's Farewell Address. I made A Thread discussing the context of his statement... and pretty much got called every name in the book, from troll to phony Soldier. And of course others stepped to my defense, again, this rift I'm talking about. Conflicting ideologies.
And then you have organizations like Code Pink. There is clearly a divide between those on the left who support their methods and ideologies, and those who do not. As a big fan of the Daily Show I'm glad they see the absurdity in their ideology.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/...
http://www.youtube.com/...
I've also seen the military referred to as a "welfare" organization and other insulting comments, both, in person and on various blogs.
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Am I saying that the military or members of the military should not be put under careful scrutiny? Of course not. I am a member of the armed forces and civilian pressure allows important issues to be addressed.
And frankly, some in the military deserve a slap on the wrist (or punch in the face) once in a while. Guantanamo Bay is a prime example.
As you read this diary you may be nodding your head in agreement or you may be snorting your aversion at the audacity of it. But, without a doubt, their are a select few self-described Liberals who hurt the Democratic ticket. I don't expect any minds to be changed here, but from a political standpoint the topic is a relevant one.
As a whole our country overwhelmingly respects our troops.
http://www.gallup.com/...
Of 16 institutions, Americans express the most confidence in the military (71%) and the least in Congress (12%).
http://www.gallup.com/poll/108646/Nearly-All-Americans-Consider-Military-Service-Patriotic.aspx
Nearly All Americans Consider Military Service "Patriotic"
I will repeat again that the 'anti-military' left is by far the minority. But that does not prevent them from being used as fodder for the GOP, playing the Democrats off of the country's [overall] affinity for those who serve.
http://www.factcheck.org/...
A McCain TV spot falsely insinuates that Obama canceled his visit because "the Pentagon wouldn't allow him to bring cameras."
http://www.factcheck.org/...
McCain-Palin ad distorts Obama's remark on Afghanistan and support for troop-funding bills.
This vulnerability has been used time and time again with great success. But this time it did not work. This time Obama has been able to speak loudly and clearly that patriotism knows no party and neither does support for the troops.
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Last, I would like to point out that I've seen a slight shift. It is purely anecdotal, but I have noticed that words of praise and support for military service has become more frequent and words of contempt less so. And I'm not sure why that is. I don't know if some who possessed the latter ideology have been swayed by Obama, or just driven away from either party. Perhaps some Democrats were duped into believing everyone in the military is a bunch of right-wing hacks. Perhaps, since Bush is the Commander in Chief when they see one, they see the other.
But I also have no doubt that Obama's mandate was, in some part, due to his outward support for those who serve. By being the first major candidate to call them out on it.
The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America - they have served the United States of America.
So I've got news for you, John McCain. We all put our country first.