Two posts caught my attention on this topic –
h/t to Hot Air for this YouTube video by Lizzie Palmer:
And now that you have been reminded of why to support the troops and are presumably eager to do so, read Support is More Than Words at Euphoric Reality.
For many Americans, “supporting the troops” is an abstract concept, a broad statement referring to a vague obligation that is easily fulfilled with a $2.99 magnetic ribbon from the corner gas station. Slap it on the back of your vehicle, and you’re an official troop supporter—whatever that is, and minus the decoder ring. It doesn’t require any kind of real commitment, no debate skills, no standing up and taking fire from your liberal neighbors. Above all, it doesn’t require you to see or hear anything that might disturb the relatively pleasant rat race that is life in America: going to the mall, talking on your cell phone while impatiently waiting for the light to change, or grilling steaks and hoisting a beer with friends.
This is not support.
A select few Americans truly understand what “supporting the troops” means…
It’s a great essay on what supporting the troops really means – it’s a lifestyle. Go read it all. And predictably, in the comments is an explanation of how we can support the troops by losing the war. That’ll sure show Bush! Not to mention the Iraqis who have risked their lives by standing with us, and al Queda who predicted it and has been counting on that all along. Iran is salivating at the very prospect. There’s a reason why Nancy Pelosi is well liked over there, in spite of the fact that Islamists hate everything she stands for – whether or not she intends it, she supports their victory. You can make all the arguments you want about how we got there. Personally, I think that the administration did the best they could, and in the bill authorizing the use of force, many more reasons besides WMD were listed. But many disagree, and they’re certainly entitled to do so. (And anybody who supports intervention in Darfur, but is against the war in Iraq, is a total hypocrite. Just my 2 cents…) But since we ARE there, you can’t just say, “we should leave,” unless you are willing to address the consequences of leaving, which will be severe. Honest opponents of the war will not leave the topic unaddressed.
The Euphoric Reality post does a good job of describing what support for the troops looks like. So how to get involved, as a practical measure? If there is a military hospital in your area you could volunteer. Another way to show support is to send letters, or if you want, packages, to service members. AnySoldier.com makes it easy, and they say that their number one request is letters, so money is not an issue – just a few minutes of your time. It’s a good start.
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