Quote:
Originally Posted by aap1966
We wouldn't presume to know what it is like, but if our kids are involved we have an obligation to try to know what it is like.
Care needs to be taken in the arguement that unless one has experienced war one cannot have a valid opinion of, or (in the case of a political leader) initiate, military action. The logical conclusion to that negates the concept of civilian control of the military, which is an essential cornerstone of Western democracies. Are we who have never served obligated to hold no opinion regarding war? Would you argue that those of us not police officers can hold no opinion about criminal justice?
I have never lost a child. I (pray God) will never know what that is, but it doesn't mean I can have no empathy, or seek to understand, or care.
Support the war, or object to it. That's your right. Your obligation is to at least think about it. War is too important for the vast majority of the population to be obligated to simply shrug and have no opinion.
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That is very well said. If anything our founding fathers did was put the civilian commander in chief to do just that, have civilian control of the government. I concur with all of your thesis. But IMHO folks forget their responsibilities to speak out prior to committing troops. When one thinks of how heavy a responsibility it is to decide the question of war, it should sink in. That is not to say that, regrettably sometimes war must be fought. FOLKS NEED to weigh the question prior to the decision and scream like hell if they are opposed or support such a decision.
One thing I have a problem with is after the decision is made, I have a real intolerance of those that act like a bunch of spoiled brats and publicly aid and comfort our enemy once troops have been committed. Protesting the war in this manner emboldens our enemies and gets our kids killed, period, no doubt about it. However, that does not mean that I don't say there should be decent, but in the form of political workings that are not so subversive. The blood of many Soldiers are on the hands of those who demonstrate in such a manor. Read the history of what kept the communists going in indochina.
Now for those of you who hate war and are pacifists don't you dare shout me down, cause I got a challenge for ya. The State Department needs folks of many skills and trades to help get the infrastructure running. Positions pay up to 149K a year with about a 75% stipend and they pay your room and board. Is it dangerous? Can be, but Iraq needs folks to help them get the show running. SO before those of you who would castigate me, I say come here to Iraq as a peacemaker and walk the walk.
Anyway, signing off from Fallujah.