Why do we instinctively "support our troops"?

Natural instinct to support family or extended family members. Any war crimes by either side should be punished.

You can, but at the same time it can be hard. By saying certain things against the War, it inherintley hurts Troop Moral, and aids the enemies propoganda machine. Examples: The War is lost Why are we There Simply saying "I support the troops", means Jack and Sh1t, when in the next sentence you through one of those two out their. Supporting the troops in my mind is when I see people supporting our cause, or if you don't want to do that, actually thank them for what they are doing when you see them. That is support. Get with organization who send care packages, letters, help families and such. You can do all that ans still oppose the war. But simply saying "I support the troops", is like me saying love my children. If I do not SHOW them I do, than they are just hallow words. As for the politics, what the military wants well as bad as it sounds, should never influence political desicions. We must have Civilian rule, and they make the call. The civilian rule should give the Military its task, and than listen to them on how to accomplish it. Not ask if the military wants to fight this war.

Yea yea, take your crap to your blog. I find it amazing you are trying to convince people nto to support the troops. This all stems from your insecurities as a man, you are a man who no one listens to and no one supports. Hence you trying to remove support and respect from others, so you can have more on your loser playing field. Now, take your crap to your blog and be the change you want to see in the world. Now, my sarcasm is going to be turned off now. Stop acting like your support matters. The only support that matters is from the families supporting their service members. You are just another inconsequential hippie loser. You mean nothing to anyone here so take your crap elsewhere. Also, how the old are you? You are hella wrong if you think troops were supported in Vietnam. Put down the liberal book. Troops were treated worse than dog shite in the Vietnam era.

*points to Canada

(Canada doesn't want you either)

*points to France

Well, that really is their job, to follow orders and get things done, preferably without dying.. Someone's gotta do the dirty work. It's up to the President, Cabinet Members, and Congress to make the right calls. Vietnam wasn't the type of war the U.S. was used to fighting.

The United States may not be perfect, but it's nowhere near being like the Nazi government. Just read Hitler's Mein Kampf to see all the questionable methods he used to take control of the people - propaganda, fear tactics, scapegoating, etc.

Who's troops are Americans supposed to support? The Swiss? You may not like the national policies, and they may not either for that matter. But what does that have to do with the average service person? But you won't find a overall more loyal, hard working, honorable group of men & women anywhere in civilian life.

There is a quote from "A Few Good Men" (1992), it is only a movie, but it makes a valid point:

"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post."

You have what you have, and can live how you live because a steady stream of people have been willing to risk it all for a fraction of what a civilian makes to keep you in this sense of eternal security.

Vietnam was full of Draftees and keep in mind the Dems started that war.

As a VET I find you offensive. I am offended that you think you are above the common soldier. Because you lack patriotism and sense for one's own country and can only find fault with it's actions over the years shows that you are not at intellectual as you think. Soldiers are given orders and perform those orders and those orders come from the people you and I elect. Must be nice to live in the freedom afforded you by others then slam them for providing that freedom. I doubt you would miss it when it is taken from you by the very people you elect.

Your disapproval of our warmongering is a justifiable position, but you base to much of your ideology in ignorrance. You know nothing about the military and are incapable of comprehending individual responsibility. Additionally you know nothing about German history or the Vietnam war.

When there's a fight you help who youre loyal to. There is no time to think about logical reasons and right and wrong, its an emotional decision you make instantly. Most people dont even question the fact that they dont question their loyalty.

You can think whatever you want about wars, but the military is necessary. Without it we wouldn't be here. I support the troops because they deserve the support. They do not decide where they are going to go or what they are going to do. They are there to do whatever the politicians tell them to do. The politicians are supposed to make decisions based on what the population wants. If you think something is wrong you need to change the minds of the politicians. They are the ones who determine what the military does.