Support The Troops By Supporting The War

By Joe Renna

Saying that you are against the war but you support the troops is ridiculous to the point that it is harmful to the troops. This statement is usually made by politicians or celebrities that want to pander to both sides. I would have more respect if the critics of the war were honest and consistent in their stance.

War is hell. Nobody argues that and nobody wants it. The fact of the matter is that we are in a war, as heinous and costly as it is and it can only end in terms of warfare. That means fighting out of it. The most effective way to do so is for the country to be united behind its military.

Armies are not designed to do things in moderation. They have one intent and it isn't pretty. Government needs the support of its people to move forward swiftly, efficiently and effectively.
This year's presidential election has played ping pong with issues surrounding the war but not the war itself. Both camps don't argue what needs to be done but they bicker over who is going to do it.

Our young soldiers are dying. This is a horrible, horrible, horrible thing. It is the ultimate price to pay so the rest of their countrymen can live in peace and freedom. To suggest for one second that these soldiers are dying for any cause other than the safety and well being of all Americans is outrageous. The flippant way critics suggest that the motives are financial profit or personal vendetta is insulting. It is insulting to those fighting and it is insulting to the memories of those who were killed.

I appreciate how our country debates the issues. I listen to every opinion and try to understand every viewpoint, both for and against. Though excellent arguments are being made against the concept of the war in Iraq, they are based on hindsight and they fail to address the reality of the situation and what should be done.

I wish we weren't at war. Doesn't everyone? I wish every last soldier can come home today. I wish 9/11 never happened. We could wish all we want but it won't make a difference. We must act not against our government, but with it.

Debate is healthiest when it results in solutions. A one sided debate will only prop up half an argument resulting in an unstable solution doomed to fail.

There has been a frenzy of reporting and analysis during the war, some of which has been irresponsible. Freedom without responsibility is self destructive. It becomes a weapon in the hands of the enemy. The open society we enjoyed so much gave passage to the terrorists looking to close it.

It is our duty to sort through all the reports and commentary on the war and throw away the political propaganda and sensationalism and get to the heart of the issues. Find the analysis of the most qualified experts on both sides of the issue and then let your voice be heard. At the very least, we should not trivialize the sacrifice that our soldiers are making by making rash comments about their service.

I found that our military action came with a tremendous cost but has had greater immeasurable benefits.

If you support the troops you must support the war. It's the only way we could end it.