I talked to a soldier who had just returned from Iraq...

[CrownPrinceBandar]

He came over to look at my apartment, as I am moving out at the end of May. We talked for a while about the conditions in Iraq. He talked most about how beautiful alot of the architecture was (he said he was mainly near Babylon), but how much it sucked to be shot at all the time. I mentioned Falluja, and he said not to be surprised at the heavy fighting. He said that Falluja had been a problem area since the beginning.

I was right up front that I was against the war, but supported the troops, was really appreciative of the effort he put forth over there and that he put himself in harm's way. He shook my hand and thanked me graciously.

He seemed to not see any disconnect between being against this war, but being pro-troops. I think some of the war-hawks out there could take a lesson from this.

[proud patriot]

1. This has been my experience also with people who have served

and family members of those serving now .

They are the ones who thank me the most in my
daily interactions with people .

[sniffa]

2. weLL of course

no disconnect; he's a soLdier not a freeper.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. the troops realize I think, that yuo can be against the war

and pro troops... it is the neo cons who cannot see this... and ironically you and I can thank Trent Lott's famous statement, that he was behind the troops but not the President during the Kosovo crisis... Hey they do a good thing now and again, even if they do not realize it.

[sendero]

10. they see it just fine....

... it is merely a talking point to sway the thick of skull.

[Qanisqineq]

4. from my experience

(being a military wife of a soldier that was in Iraq), it is the young military wives (no, not ALL) that do not understand that you can be against the war and support the troops at the same time.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. So trrue,

My hubby just retired from the USN, and you are correct the young ones cannot get it... do not get it either.

[grannylib]

5. Same here; similar sentiment expressed to the son of a friend of mine who

is going back now to Iraq for the FOURTH TIME.
No problem understanding the difference between supporting the troops and supporting the war.
But then, he has a brain, unlike ChimpCo and its whores.

[IronLionZion]

6. If you are pro-war then you are against the troops

IMO. For this war anyway, the Republicans support the troops by cutting their benefits and combat pay.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

8. Not to mention

first and foremost, putting them in harm's way to get shot at for no good reason.

[rinsd]

9. That's because you were polite and decent.....

I imagine if he had read this thread, he would not have been so understanding.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x490791#490821

Not everyone against the war believes in supporting the troops.

You do, kudos to you for it.

[commander bunnypants]

11. ex military here

I do not know any active duty anymore. From the ex-military I know all except one are anti-war but cannot not fathom not supporting our troops.

Kudos

DDQM

[jor_mama]

12. Can't you like the Yankees and hate Steinbrenner?

Like the Brewers but hate Bud Selig?

Like the Raiders but hate Al Davis?

'nuff said.