Do You Support War Resisters?

Question

I'm a huge supporter of war resister campaigns. I'm anti-war but pro-troops, and I think any member of the armed forces has the right to leave the military if they're against a war or want to get out of their commitments. I think this should apply whether there is conscription (e.g. the Vietnam War) or not (e.g. the Iraq War).

However, whenever I mention to people that I support war resisters, they're disgusted with my views. What do you think about war resisters?

Answer 1

I see nothing wrong with resisting wars as long as it is done lawfully and without violence and destruction. Freedom of speech allows this.

If you have not served and oppose war, then don't join. If you still want to serve, you can do so as a conscientuous objector.

Answer 2

uh Man, the military is about the fight to protect. No one wants a war who has half a brain but it's the "Brainless" (insane) ones who start them to take what they want to possess. I have many opinions about wars we have fought in the past that I felt were avoidable but to preserve and protect freedom we ( The USA) fought them. Wars have been fought all down thru the centuries, it is part of the human nature cause in the Bible just read the Old testament . But to join the military means you are willing to fight in a war. And since the draft ended where ya didn't have a choice. So anyone joining the Armed Forces today , I mean what do you expect cause you can't just say no to serving your country's and our allies who are also being attacked , is like just standing back and letting a friend get pounded in the ground or killed when you can step in to help defend said personal friend or a helpless person. I don't think us geting involved in every skirmish around the world is going to stop what has been prophesied , just like Issac and Ismael , half brothers have been fighting since the days of Abraham and we won't stop it, but Isreal is an allie as well as Saudi Arabia, so peaceful means of tryintg to settle disputes are our first means of preventing war but ya can't run from the fight that someone else has started. Any action we as the USA can do to keep the fight from coming to our shores is why the military can not let people desert just cause they don't want to. That is where resistance can get your country overrun and to be ruled by another whose Ideals would get ya in front of a firing squad or the hangman's noose and to lose our rights as described in Thge Constitution and the Bill of Rights is why resisting or being a pacifist is an oxymoron while supporting the troops

Answer 3

I like the way you put it, you support the troops but not the war, and I respect that. However, your view on members of the armed forces being able to leave the military if they're against a war is ridiculous. They signed up knowing that sometime in there military career there MAY be a war/conflict. And when one pops up they all run for Canada.. give me a break. They should be brought back and made to fight with loss of pay and rank. You don't join the military with the idea of "oh, there's not going to be a war in my four years here so what the hell."





And Holly, you're wrong. You can be pro-troops and anti-war. If you don't see how you can be, you're pretty stupid.

Answer 4

If military personnel were allowed a voluntary discharge for simply not agreeing with or not liking a conflict, then we wouldn't have a military.

Nobody likes war and the brutality it entails. Those who do should probably be locked up. However, there exists a need in any defense-oriented nation for each and every soldier/sailor/Marine/airman to stay committed to his/her decision to join and to serve the entire length of his/her commitment. It's called Selfless Service.

As for the "War Resistor Campaigns" themselves, there seems to be too much political involvement at work for any servicemember in his/her right mind to get mixed up in them. Not to mention that it would probably be construed as outright treasonous behavior.

Answer 5

How can you say you support the troops but not what they do. That's like saying you like the ice cream man but think ice cream is disgusting.

I wish you liberals would do think before you start badmouthing somebody. A Soldier, whether they are a cook, truck driver or infantryman, is a warrior. Plain and simple. He is not a boy scout set out on a street corner to help little old ladies across the street. He puts himself in harms way so you don't wake up dead. That means he is at war.

So, by saying you don't support the war, you are telling the Soldier that you do not support him in his effort to bring peace to people that have never known any.

Why the hell am I trying to explain this to a liberal? Anyway, go on about your life and I hope to see you at the firing range.



EDIT* Embrace, I am a Decorated Disabled Vietnam Vet. I was spit on by a war protester once. I have ever right, to hate them with every fiber of my being. I have seen things that no human being should see. People get all up tight about water boarding a terrorist. If you saw what the NVA and VC did to people, water boarding would look like we were giving them a shower.

Answer 6

If you support war resisters, you do not support the troops.



A "war resister" is a person who signed up for the benefits, completed the training with a unit, but then backed out at the last minute, leaving his fellow Soldiers undermanned.



That is pretty much the opposite of supporting the troops.





So, yes, I too am disgusted with your views. A contract is a contract, and we all volunteered.

Answer 7

As has been mentioned here already: 1) THERE IS NO DRAFT! 2) Because of #1, the current US Armed Forces is filled by people who VOLUNTEERED to serve. Therefore, if they try to leave the US, or otherwise not fulfill their contractual obligation, they are DESERTING. In the civilian world, it's called job abandonment, and is usually grounds for termination of employment.

Answer 8

I support them, It would be hypocritical for me not to.



Here's what I have to say to the following who are "disgusted":

Civilians: What have you done to serve your country? Have you offered to DIE for your country?

Military Personnel: Would you really want someone with you overseas who didn't want to be there? Do you think they would risk their life to save yours?

Prior Service: Does it matter? We thank you for your service, but...you are no longer in the military, so how do war resisters affect you?



There is no other job offered in the United States that you can't just, quit. Yeah yeah, so they took an Oath...so do you have the same disgust for people who get divorced? Atleast they TRIED...where as most of the American population at most just sit around with there yellow car magnets saying 'Support Our Troops'.



-EMBRACE

Answer 9

I think it's more offensive to people that you support the concept of shirking your obligations rather than opposing an unpopular war.



It is the duty of the people to elect policy makers who support their views. You don't get to pout when you lose and get out of the military.



It's this "If I don't get my way, I'm gonna quit!" mentality that is not prevalent in the military and is unpopular amongst employed, responsible society. Maybe you should hang out and get more support at a university campus or some sort of liberal message board.

Answer 10

The US Military according to the US Constitution is supposed to defend the borders of the United States but instead has grow 40 times in size and now tries foolishly to defend the rest of the Earth using money WE DONT HAVE.

RIDICULOUS

Answer 11

If you are going to sign up for the military you have to support the country in any and all wars and conflicts ...it is your duty and obligation all service members know this before they sign and and know that they have to fulfull their obligations and commitments before getting out so no i do not support anyone who tries to fun from their obligations

Answer 12

nobody likes war, but if you're not willing to fullfill your commitments as a soldier wether you agree with them or not then you shouldn't join the military.

Answer 13

I think if your going to live in the U.S. and freeload off everything. And your chosen to serve than you have a duty to serve our country

Answer 14

you cant be pro troop but anti war

if you support the troops you support their missions regardless of your political view



i do not support any person, campaign, group who does not support or respect our military



hollyy

Answer 15

I think war resistors should be put in work camps.

Answer 16

I think its time to bring back the draft.