Quote:
Originally posted by KSig RC
Can we stop saying "I support the troops" as a point of argumentation?
The truth is, 99.9% of us do not, in any real way, 'support' the troops in a real sense of 'doing something to ameliorate their situation' - what people instead mean is something along the lines of "I have expressed approval, sympathy, respect, or some other positive adjective, along with hopes for the safety and survival, for our troops overseas. I did this by purchasing a 3-dollar ribbon for my car, and this money did not in any way go toward 'supporting' the troops. I'm such a douche that I didn't even get a sticker, I got a magnet, I didn't want it to fuck up the paint on my 1994 Corsica."
Regardless of your position on the war, the reasons behind occupation, the actual status of the troops on the ground or your reasons or reactions to the actions and well-being of these troops, in ALMOST EVERY CASE you are not actually providing 'support' for the troops in any way. It is NOT a point to include in argumentation.
(Sorry.)
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I have to agree... the whole empty statement that many make "I support the troops" is hollow and hypocritical in many cases - amongst supporters of the War in Iraq and the protestors.
While the issue of "supporting the troops" isn't even close in terms of scope or message up here, it does still happen. Most of those who "support the troops" by purchasing a ribbon or some other trinket aren't really supporting the troops, but rather stroking their own ego by making a hollow (and often useless) gesture.
If people really wanted to support the troops there are a number of ways or approaches to take - all more constructive than buying some marketing tool and spouting the same tired refrain.
1- You can directly send your support via care packages, or moral support through letters (or even email or MSN - ah the wonders of technology). The help you give an indivual trooper through this physical and emotional connection is worth a hundred times the cost of sending it... so if any of you have friends serving overseas, drop them a line and talk to them - they need you to be a friend now more than ever.
2- You can get involved politically and work to ensure that soldier's benefits and interests are protected, and advanced. If you think that the troops aren't paid enough; or they aren't getting the medical treatment you think they deserve; or they aren't getting the logistical and material support they need - get involved and let the politicians know.
3- You can support or help the troops when they get home - volunteer to help at a veteran's clinic or hospital... or even just send a care package. You could even simply just be there a friend, someone who will listen and let the soldier talk to someone who will care or understand.
Personally I can say that I support the troops, and I support the War on Terror, but I don't support the War in Iraq (like most Canadians). I have friends (and family) serving in Afghanistan, and I have friends in Iraq, and I support them in the best way that I can - by being a friend
Now obviously I can't personally get involved in the 2nd option I listed when it comes to the US - but I have made an effort to be there as a friend for both those going over and those coming back.