Americans:how do you feel about having your loved ones sent to war?
454884
Moon love, you know how difficult this is to answer, and I would invite others to know, but I have made my 360 only available to friends.\nYes my loved one made his choice when the war was already underway. But his family and friends know the heart that drives this man (who was once a boy in my arms), and we believe in him and his fellows. We do not believe in this administration, and how they have handled this effort that has cost the lives and limbs of so many.\nBut take me out of the equation for a minute, after all I haven't seen day one of combat. Let me share from someone who has:\n\n"As a First Lieutenant and Infantry Platoon Leader for the U.S. Army National Guard charged with leading thirty-eight men in Iraq, Paul Rieckhoff followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After Rieckhoff volunteered to take part in the invasion of Iraq, he and his soldiers spent almost a year in one of the most dangerous and volatile areas of Baghdad, where they struggled to maintain order, protect Iraqi civilians, track down insurgents, and defend themselves against sniper and roadside bomb attacks. \n\nBut it was clear to Rieckhoff almost from the get-go that America's mission in Iraq was deeply flawed - and that his platoon was overchallenged and underequipped. If there was a plan to stabilize Baghdad after the invasion, no one had let them in on it. And with so many obstacles to overcome, they faced enemies that included thousands of armed, angry, and unemployed men who had been unleashed into the streets when the U.S. government disbanded the Iraqi army."\n\nThat is just a sampling of the book released just recently by the former platoon leader. He has served, and he wants the American public to KNOW the troops need more than just their love and support. The troops need a plan, they need someone to understand what it is like on the front lines, and they need the forces behind this war to come up with a reasonable and timely exit strategy.\n\nFrom my heart, yes we are in this horrible mess under false pretenses, and I know Dubya, Dick and Rummy all brought us in to pay for their luxuries in life, to extract vengence on their behalf, to stock their coifers... it just goes on. Yes we can't just pack up camp and go home, things might very well be worse than how it was before we came over.\n\nDubya, let me tell it to ya straight. Ya ain't never gonna win a place in this heart, you have lied and cheated us too many times, but the least you could do for the history of this country, is drop everything and I mean everything, and gather every brilliant mind and former general into a think tank to break this stalemate and get us the H E !_ !_ outta Iraq, before you cost one more life or limb. And you had better do everything in your power, combined with the people of both Houses to repay the American people who've lost family and friends. You owe us way more than that, but I guess I could call it even.\n\nOh and one more thing, should a hair be harmed on my boy, hear me loud and clear...\nThe UNIVERSE has witnessed no fury, like this Nearly Demonic Momma Grizzly!\n(Cindy S. will seem like a long lost college drinking buddy, comparativly!)\n\nNo one's husband/wife, mother/father, sister/brother, uncle/aunt, and most especially son/daughter should pay with any hurt upon their being FOR YOUR MISDEEDS.
1185423
It becomes a genocide when it happens to THEM... If an American dies it's a huge crime, but if my country is bombed and thousands of innocent people get killed, than it is an "act of democracy". When a child next door was killed when NATO bomb fell near our building, I was a horrified witness of "American concern for human rights"... Oh, please leave us to our own tyrants, we don't need your bloody mercy! And how the hell do your soldiers defend America in MY country when we are thousands of miles away from US, and we do not and can not put you people in any danger?\nAmericans should take a deep breath and deeply think about the fact that half of the world was celebrating on the 11th of September... I didn't, and I feel deeply sorry for every victim of that attack, but in the light of what your troops are doing all over the planet - you have certainly had it coming... And it hurts, doesn't it? But, 11th of September was an act of terrorism, while American killings are "peace actions"- oh, for Good's sake wake up!
1118348
I have two sons in the military (not American) and no, I'm NOT willing to give them up for useless reasons like that.It  really bothers me every time I see someone else's child has been sacrificed. It reminds me of the Viet Nam War.Sad,Sad,sad.
795868
More and more Americans are staring to agree with you on this. It is a terrible situation. Some soldiers say that they've had enough. However, there are those who've only just begun over there, and they feel like: Would you run into a burning building to save lives and then leave everyone to burn? I think at this point we are damned if we do, and damned if we don't
925727
Agreed, although we are in Afghanistan.  I never really understood saying "Support Our Troops" while sending them to die.  That's great support.
1085293
First off, I do hope that your husband comes back alive and well. Godbless him and you too. \n\nCalienstacie and to anyone else who think that was a stupid question, well guess what? That is not a stupid question. I think  that's just taking it the wrong way. Yeah, it's awful to see or know what could happen to our soldiers, but that question was not stupid question.\n\nI think people should think carefully about joining the military. Whatever military branch it maybe. And, if there willing to go to war(even a war which they don't exactly support or not at all), not complain and whine, and be proud of serving their country and their military, then yeah they should join the military.\n\nPeople should know they might be sent to war one day, whether it's in Afghanistan,Iraq, or any future war, and that is what they are going to get. End of story.\n\nLove my country and my soldiers. God Bless America. God Bless America allies.
799038
Yes, I will. And a thought for those who oppose our presence in Iraq..\nI'm not a fan of the war or the politicians. I do, and think everyone in this country should, be respectful, thankful and compassionate to our soldiers and their families. The men and women are doing their JOBS. And, unlike you and I, have chosen to do their jobs to benefit the people of this country knowing it may cost them their lives, limbs, mental health. They do this without question and in spite of the danger. Their families support their loved ones out of love, not duty. They sacrifice out of love. I'm sure there are many family members and soldiers themselves who don't agree with the politics, but they continue to do their JOB. So, whatever your position politically, the soldiers deserve our loyalty,respect,prayers and admiration for the sacrafices they make on a daily basis while we get to be here on Yahoo Answers discussing it on a computer sitting in a chair, in a warm home. I don't know about anyone else out there, but sitting here I'm not concerned in the least that I may be shot or bombed or even get an uncomfortable chill. And no, I don't know any soldiers or any families of soldiers. I do, howerver, love this country and the life I enjoy as an American. You can't have it anywhere else in the world.
558066
Unfortunately, life is unfair.  In a just world, they would or he would.  If you did lose relatives, I am so sorry.  People on here are certainly being mean to you..and to tell you to leave.  It's your country as much as theirs and if a person loves their country, they speak up when it is doing wrong.  \n\nA friend of mine in military families speak out, whose son recently returned home, said he told her that the majority of the troops disagree with the war and want to come home but that most are afraid to speak out.\n\nAnd to those mentioning freedom, if you were an Iraq parent and our depleted uranium weapons did this to your child, would you care about freedom or want to turn back the clock?\n\nCaution --very graphic and disturbing\n\n\nadults only\n\nhttp://www.xs4all.nl/~stgvisie/VISIE/extremedeformities.html\n\nhttp://www.rense.com/general70/deathmde.htm\n\nhttp://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=BUL20060122&articleId=1777\n\nIf all your food and water was unfit to drink for 4 1/2 billion year, would you be better off with freedom that Bush claims he's giving you?\n\nIf your country had the equivilent of 1/4 million Nagasaki bombs dropped on it with its soaring deaths, gulf war type syndromes, skyrocketing cancer, and horrific growing birth defects till the end of time, would you be glad for this democracy you get as a consulation prize?\n\nIt is these troops Bush proports to support so much that will suffer from the poisoning of depleted uranium and the wives that wait for them who will get sick and the children they long for. \n\n This is a crime against humanity never before seen...if we don't stop the use of du weapons eventually all human DNA will be ruined...he should be tried for his terrorism and crimes against humanity and history will show what he has done...my sympathy to you and your family.
1005904
I know that because of the Viet Nam war. After the Viet Nam war.  We treated the individuals that served in that war pretty badly when they got home. Many people suffered as a result of that negetivity in our society.  People couldn't get jobs. They were outcasts in there hometowns.  I think you were feeling some of that left over crap people felt. Misguided anger because they didnt know who else to be pissed at.  Now that everyone is scared because of terrorism, they have found that we need military. I am sorry you had to suffer that way. My family always supported the military. I know that Your family did us a real service. I think its the media that has hyped it up so that we all look like a bunch of people with a newfound religion. but I think its just that we stopped being such a silent majority. Sadly those anti war and anti military people have always been loud and unapologetic about who they spit on. But now after 9/11 its chic to be patriotic.  But most of us I think have always felt that way but didnt think we should say it outloud. Its sad isnt it. that we have been ashamed to be patriotic. We should never feel ashamed to praise and stand up for those who protect and serve our country so well. And we shouldnt do it just because its the "IN" thing to do.
1123745
I would tell our troops thank you for doing a job that so many people are a fraid to do!\nI would tell them that they are brave for fighting a war that so many people believe is an unjust war!\n I would thank their families for being unselfish and  allowing there family member to fight for the rights of their country!\n I would tell their children to be brave and do not be mad at the parent for having to leave! \nI would thell the spouse to love and support them even though they are not home to help with the problems and continue to love and support them when they come home and they are not the same person who left!\nI would tell them that it is ok to be scared!\nAND;;;\nFinally I would tell them to BE SAFE and come home to their families!\n\nThe soldiers are doing more than any person can ever be asked to do----Defending there country! I am so proud to be an American!
1106266
Well hopefully your General has your interests at heart.  As George Patton said "War is not about dyin for your country.  War is about making some other poor son of a bitch die for his country."  (well something like that.)
1121515
I am totally against the war, however, people who join our military go in knowing that even if it's not necessarily a war they would back, they have comitted to doing their job.  I might also say that no matter what war or why - they have my absolute respect for being a part of a bigger picture that may cause them great harm or even death.  I salute all of them.  Bush, however, can kiss my flabbly butt.
1130822
if there are people out there who dont support our troops should be shot for treason...ok maybe thats a little harsh but i hold our troops in the highest repect...i feel like dirt compared to them and id give anything to help their situations over seas....it doesnt matter if you support bush or the war on terror....fuck the cause but stand by our men and women in uniform who signed on for a job and have no choice but to follow their leader and do what they were trained to do...i love all of you and watch your asses and keep your fuckin heads low out there and GET HOME SAFELY to this wonderful homeland we call AMERICA...we need to remember our history and the men who've died to allow us to live and prosper the way we do...yes we are in some rough times but were AMERICANS for christsake and we will make it out on top... GOD BLESS THE USA AND OUR TROOPS  WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
674993
i think it is good to honor all those that have been in battle and it does not matter what the war was...i do not like war.. but i am glad for all those who made it home...but in what condition did some of them make it home...how much damage does being involed in a war do to a person... i do not think i could sleep nights myself...i have never been in was but just abusive husbands has done great damage to me...
170148
i'm part of a military family, my thoughts are we are fighting in the wrong country/s... i support our troops and their families 100%
597440
it depends on the person....we're not all the same you know, which is a very common mistake that many foreigners make with americans, but me personally, i wouldn't want war unless mayb they actually attacked us
911015
sometimes we do but I do not agree with it. I saw the statment brother aziz made and I really feel a bit upset about this topic. \n\nHe asked if God told bush to start this war? If God was wrong?\n\nGod did not tell George Bush anything. I just feel bad for all our troops overseas and all our Good men and women who have died. As well as for the all innocent lives that have been taken in Irak and elsewhere.\n\nIt is a sad thing indeed and I really do not even want to talk about it, I DO NOT LIKE POLITICS. We all have friends and family in the military and overseas and is just sad to see what is going on. It just makes no sense to me.\n\nI do appreciate the MEN AND WOMEN OF THE U.S MILITARY FORCE and I am sad that many have died in the line of duty and left widows and children!\n\nI pray for all our man and women in the military as well as for all of us Americans and all our brothers and sisters muslims and non-muslims. Inshallah there is world peace and we do not go through the situation we are in now.\n\nGOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! AND GOD BLESS ALL OF US! AMEEN!