Today were the protest marches in DC. I keep wondering which group I would have stood with? I am, as my name implies, a Liberal. I don't agree with the invasion of Iraq, and I never have. But the military is my family, I am immersed in it right now, with the Brigade being in the Sand. I could NOT have stood by and watched peace protestors showing any disrespect to the wounded veterans that I know were at the Wall, but reading what the posters "The Eagles" were holding said about Liberals being pro AlQuaeda would have been close to impossible to take.
There are military bloggers out there, whose pages I have read and commented on, who are telling me that I am not really supporting my husband and the other members of the Brigade, if I don't support the mission, that I am, in effect, a traitor to my husband and the rest of the Brigade. Now supporting the mission... what does that mean? Do I support my husband in his mission of trying to make sure that the convoys go through safely? of course. Do I support Pat, Ashley, Phil, Todd and Nick in their missions to keep our people safe?? of course. Do I support the Brigade members who are riding convoys, building schools, hunting the men who plant IEDs? of course. BUT, do I support our continuing involvement in a civil war between two sets of religious morons?? no. Do I support the thinking that got us into that mess in the first place?? no. This entire war was mishandled from the beginning, full of the lack of planning, arrogance, and self imposed blindness that I have come to expect from this administration.
I try to show my support with care packages, planning all kinds of surprises for my husband and his troops, blankets for Soldiers Angels, try to help the families back here who slipped through the FRG cracks like me. I try to show it by making people remember that our troops are there, that the families are here and hurting so badly right now.
So where would I have stood today. I honestly don't know. Am I a traitor? that, my friends and posters, I will leave up to each of you to decide... But I have to tell you, there's only one person who's opinion matters. and no, it's not mine.
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11 comments:
You're a good egg and you can stand wherever you like.
Your comments on my blog mean a lot to me --- please e-mail me at either jross@everwear.net work days 8-5 Eastern Daylight Savings Time or NOW or any other non-working hours at sjross@tampabay.rr.com!
I admit, that I did a happy dance across the floor when PM Chretien said (with his usual non-existant tact) we weren't going. We had "heard" more than was on the US news about the conflict.
I admit, I am not impressed about being in Afghanistan for the reason's that got us sent there. BUT, the decision was made by NATO and as one of the founding countries (and only colony at the time - we weren't a "country" yet) it is our duty to do our part.
I do appreciate though, watching the politics being played out btwn military personnel, gov'ts and the general public that it's come down to a "them/us" discussion and that's wrong.
Where would you have stood?? On the fence and probably cried b/c nobody was listening to anybody else. Just casting stones.
I also appreciate the frustration of military personnel that the other 300million people no longer care. As they say... time heals all wounds and life goes on and it's been 5.5yrs since 9/11 and the general public has a short memory. This is unfortunately true and most people forget or get upset b/c their personal needs are not met through those $$ put into that conflict.
Is there truly an answer - NO. At the end of the day all you can do is stay true to yourself and do the best you can.
One day at a time.
You certainly are not a traitor. Keep up the good work!
There is no better tribute than to exercise those rights for which our guys are fighting.
Please e-mail me at work NOW (3-20-07)if you can.
I know what you mean...
No greater lie has been told that you have to support this war in order to support our troops. People like you and me prove that's not true everyday. As far as the prostest I feel the same I could not stand with those disrespecting our veterans but not with those that support the shrub!
I'm in the same position as you, proud of my soldier but ashamed of this war. The group Military Families Speak Out has been wonderful for me to find. They are anti-Iraq War, pro-military. Their motto is "bring them home now, and take care of them when they get here." Our local Minnesota chapter is doing some great work with PTSD and depleted uranium poisoning, as well as speaking against the war. If you're interested, the website is www.mfso-mn.org It helps to know that I'm not alone in my neither-black-nor-white position.
I was actually in D.C. when the protest was getting underway and, like you, both sides made me uncomfortable. I'm married to a Marine and consider myself fairly liberal (not easy in the Marine culture either!). But I'm pretty conflicted about a lot of things right now. It helps that my husband (currently deployed) feels that he and his fellow service members are doing the right thing. But it doesn't make me sleep any easier at night! Hang in there.
Years ago, I sat at a board room table listening to women tell about how difficult they had it in their country when it came to issues of equality and education. It was an important time for me, as I came to understand how essential it is to hear someone else's "reality."
I believe the value in this country is the diversity of opinions. The architecture of our democracy is made to ensure a system of checks and balances. Had our forefathers not put this in place, no doubt, at some point we would've had a scenario such as the one that unfolded in Burma.
I think that those on either side need to hear and read the thoughts of others. Because the issues that face us are many, and if we only examine what interests us most, then surely, we will be unable to come up with any solutions.
I've enjoyed your blog, and have been lurking for awhile.
Kudos to you. I wish you success and comfort in the days ahead. Thanks for serving, I appreciate your conscientiousness and your hard work.
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