The War In Iraq

[Gecko]

What we are say is if the media is going to put anti war protest and the like in the media, then they should also show something that supports the men and women that are over there fighting. Yes some of them joined just because of the war, but most were already in our armed services before this war and have no choice but to be there, whether they believe in the war or not.

It really has nothing to do with whether you or I believe the war is right, it has to do with supporting our troops and their families. They put their lives on the line in the name of freedom for our country. They gave that to us as soon as they signed the dotted line that put them were they are today. They have all put not only their lives in danger by being over there but put their personal lives on hold, some never seeing their children being born, or their first steps, or to be home when a loved one is sick, or a losing a parent, family member or bestfriend. They deserve more from us than they are getting.

Very few people don't support the troops. Even the majority of the people in the anti-war momvement support the troops. I doubt very many Americans are thinking "Boy, I hope a lot of troops die today."

I really don't see the point of equal coverage when things are not equal. For example if 80% of the people don't support the war that's something that needs to be put out there. That way we won't just keep doing the same thing. Lack of support for the war and support for the troops can be totally different things.

 

[ByRandom]

Very few people don't support the troops. Even the majority of the people in the anti-war momvement support the troops. I doubt very many Americans are thinking "Boy, I hope a lot of troops die today."

I really don't see the point of equal coverage when things are not equal. For example if 80% of the people don't support the war that's something that needs to be put out there. That way we won't just keep doing the same thing. Lack of support for the war and support for the troops can be totally different things.

Not in the minds of the troops, and expecially, our allies. You think by holding Anti-War Rallies it is going to change anything? If you want something to change, vote.. :main_thumbsup:

 

[Josh'sGeckoCloset]

Ok I agree with josh all the way. President George w. Bush is not the perfect president by any means but he definitely has made some right decision's. And what many people do not know is that the president before him(Clinton) ignored all of this crap on terrorism without many people knowing. This terrorist thing has been going on for a long time. So pres. W decided to actually be the man with some balls and engage the terrorists. And I mean I personally think that we should not have played as defensively as we have in Iraq. But he definitely made the right choice in invading Iraq and the people that do not support the war apparently just want to sit around and let another incident like the world trade center to happen once again. So God bless America and God bless the troops who are giving up there lives for our freedom.

Sincerely,
Josh

 

[Gecko]

Actually I do think holding anti-war rallies will change things. Politicians work for the people in theory. (and tend to lack spines when it comes to big issues). If they see the majority of people are against something they will change there votes on different issues. That way we don't have to wait 2-4 years until the next election for things to sink in.

I really don't think the majority of troops are going to have moral problems because of anti-war sentiment back at home. If they do it's because of bigger issues at play like your third tour of duty when you signed up as a "domestic guard" etc.

I don't think it's totally accurate to say Clinton ignored terrorism. He got tons of crap for any action he took and was dealing with a hostile house/congress. No one actually wanted to do anything more then launch a missle or two at a training base. There wouldn't be any support for wider action until a big attack took place on American soil.

Let's not forget Iraq technically did not really have any terrorist presence until after the war. Saddam was pretty brutal to the religous fundimentalists because they threatened his power.

IMO Iran was always the bigger problem in the region when it came to terrorism. Well that and Afganistan and Syria. Iran and Syria would have been better targets then Iraq and more stable afterwards as well.

I don't support the war and I don't want another trade center like attack. I have no problem even with a preemptive war. I do have a problem attacking a country that actually probably posed very little threat (and yes we knew that in advance). Not only that but a two front war is pretty stupid when you don't need one. How's Afganistan going? Why don't we hear more about that. The Iraq was responsible for 9-11 argument is a total fruad.

How many people who support the troops paid extra tax money to help fund the war? Will you support a major tax increase to fully fund vets services (medical and psychological). I guess one of the things that bugs me is at some level I think a lot of the "support the troops" attitude will disappear once they come home and I'll be fighting with the same people to "support the vets".

I don't think we can withdraw either at this point since it's basically a disaster at this point and even the politicians advicating that know that.

 

[The NY Gecko]

That aggravates me more than anything!!! Yes the presidents approval ratings are really low, but that doesn't mean go out and interview these people and impower the enemy. They do have a voice, that is the beauty of our country, but don't broadcast it so that it can impower our enemy and belittle (might not be the word) out brave men and women in harms way.

I'm afraid I have a slight problem with this statement. I support the troops, and I'm joining the military. And yeah they've done some good. However, having spoken with a few troops who've come back recently, things aren't all peachy. Its essentially civil war over there. To say they've made ALOT of progress is standing would put you on the edge of reality vs wishful thinking.

 

[ByRandom]

Actually, we invaded Iraq for WMD, not the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, etc. They were why we invaded Afghanistan.

 

[Gecko]

No ones really going to change my mind and I know I'm not going to change anyone elses. So this will be the last thing I say about this.

Let me just say when I lot of people say "I support the troops" what they mean is I do and those that don't don't support the troops or America. Certain news personalities and political candidates have used it that way in the past. Whether you mean this or not it means that it has those connections.

That's why some people including me feel uncomfortable when some people say that.

Imagine if it was implied that when you say "I support the troops" you really want them to stay in a war and get killed. You want to use that for political gain. You are also aiding the enemy by proving all along that the "Great Satan" is invading arab land just like Osama and friends said. Your helping motivate new people who never would have joined before to join terrorist cells and hence are a terrorist yourself, hate America, blah, blah.

I'd be offended if someone was implying that and don't see why someone wouldn't. That's how some people feel when they insist you don't support the troops if you don't support every decision coming out of the white house or pentagon.

I guess I'm a bad person, but I wouldn't have had any problem breaking international law to assasinate Saddam. I just don't think the war was the smartest thing.

I fully encourage people if they support the war or not to help out the troops and families. Even if they aren't allowed to wear better armor , etc. you can still help the families with things like money for food, etc.

I think I'll stick to the animals and not political stuff now.

 

[The NY Gecko]

No ones really going to change my mind and I know I'm not going to change anyone elses. So this will be the last thing I say about this.

Let me just say when I lot of people say "I support the troops" what they mean is I do and those that don't don't support the troops or America. Certain news personalities and political candidates have used it that way in the past. Whether you mean this or not it means that it has those connections.

That's why some people including me feel uncomfortable when some people say that.

Imagine if it was implied that when you say "I support the troops" you really want them to stay in a war and get killed. You want to use that for political gain. You are also aiding the enemy by proving all along that the "Great Satan" is invading arab land just like Osama and friends said. Your helping motivate new people who never would have joined before to join terrorist cells and hence are a terrorist yourself, hate America, blah, blah.

I'd be offended if someone was implying that and don't see why someone wouldn't. That's how some people feel when they insist you don't support the troops if you don't support every decision coming out of the white house or pentagon.

I guess I'm a bad person, but I wouldn't have had any problem breaking international law to assasinate Saddam. I just don't think the war was the smartest thing.

I fully encourage people if they support the war or not to help out the troops and families. Even if they aren't allowed to wear better armor , etc. you can still help the families with things like money for food, etc.

I think I'll stick to the animals and not political stuff now.

If you really think about it we did do just that. We made up a whole bunch of nonsense to go in there and get him and get him executed. An assassination would've just saved lives and money.

 

[Nastynotch]

If you really think about it we did do just that. We made up a whole bunch of nonsense to go in there and get him and get him executed. An assassination would've just saved lives and money.

If thats the case, why dont we just drop the big 'A Bomb' and black top the whole bloody country into a walmart parking lot. :main_no:

 

[OSUgecko]

Yes, we're fighting terrorists. But sitting and doing nothing isn't going to stop terrorism, it will only encourage it! Especially when the terrorists are raised to believe that the greatest honor possible is found in wiping "infidels" (that's any non-muslim, by the way) off the face of the earth. Although they're supposed to give us the chance to convert first... oh joy...
My point is that although there are always going to be terrorists, that doesn't mean that we just let them do whatever they want without fighting back! That's like verbally telling the terrorists, "hey, we're weak, you can hit us and we won't respond, so please kill us and cripple us with fear." Which, by the way, was Osama Bin Laden's opinion of America pre-9-11.

 

[OSUgecko]

wow, people type fast. That was a response for the previous page. Oh well.

 

[The NY Gecko]

Yes, we're fighting terrorists. But sitting and doing nothing isn't going to stop terrorism, it will only encourage it! Especially when the terrorists are raised to believe that the greatest honor possible is found in wiping "infidels" (that's any non-muslim, by the way) off the face of the earth. Although they're supposed to give us the chance to convert first... oh joy...
My point is that although there are always going to be terrorists, that doesn't mean that we just let them do whatever they want without fighting back! That's like verbally telling the terrorists, "hey, we're weak, you can hit us and we won't respond, so please kill us and cripple us with fear." Which, by the way, was Osama Bin Laden's opinion of America pre-9-11.

Your profiling terrorists as muslims. Not politically correct, about 85% accurate, but close. I guess I should remind everyone of good ole' timothy macveigh. Or all those lovely eastern european organizations.

 

[eyelids]

Remember this song???

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Uh-huh
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again, y'all

War, huh, good God
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

Ohhh, war, I despise
Because it means destruction
Of innocent lives

War means tears
To thousands of mothers eyes
When their sons go to fight
And lose their lives

I said, war, huh
Good God, y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again

War, whoa, Lord
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, it ain't nothing
But a heartbreaker
War, friend only to the undertaker
Ooooh, war
It's an enemy to all mankind
The point of war blows my mind
War has caused unrest
Within the younger generation
Induction then destruction
Who wants to die
Aaaaah, war-huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it, say it, say it
War, huh
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Uh-huh
War, huh, yeah
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again y'all
War, huh, good God
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War, it's got one friend
That's the undertaker
Ooooh, war, has shattered
Many a young mans dreams
Made him disabled, bitter and mean
Life is much to short and precious
To spend fighting wars these days
War can't give life
It can only take it away

Ooooh, war, huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Say it again

War, whoa, Lord
What is it good for
Absolutely nothing
Listen to me

War, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker
War, friend only to the undertaker
Peace, love and understanding
Tell me, is there no place for them today
They say we must fight to keep our freedom
But Lord knows there's got to be a better way

Ooooooh, war, huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
You tell me
Say it, say it, say it, say it

War, huh
Good God y'all
What is it good for
Stand up and shout it
Nothing​

:sultan: :rifle: :army: :army:

 

[OSUgecko]

Your profiling terrorists as muslims. Not politically correct, about 85% accurate, but close. I guess I should remind everyone of good ole' timothy macveigh. Or all those lovely eastern european organizations.

I'm from Oklahoma, so I'm quite familiar with McVeigh; and yes, there are non-Muslim terrorists. However, the discussion at hand is dealing with the United States currently fighting and being threatened by Muslim nations. I'm not saying that all Muslims are terrorists, or that all terrorists are Muslims. I was merely pointing out that the majority of the terrorists that we are fighting were brought up to believe that blowing up their bodies and killing non-Muslims will be rewarded with the greatest joys of heaven. That type of mentality does not understand "world peace", nor does it want such a society.

 

[ByRandom]

War actually stimulates the economy... That's one thing it is good for.

 

[BalloonzForU]

Very few people don't support the troops. Even the majority of the people in the anti-war momvement support the troops. I doubt very many Americans are thinking "Boy, I hope a lot of troops die today."

I really don't see the point of equal coverage when things are not equal. For example if 80% of the people don't support the war that's something that needs to be put out there. That way we won't just keep doing the same thing. Lack of support for the war and support for the troops can be totally different things.

Again supporting our troops has nothing to do with how many people agree with the war. I don't want to see these guys treated the way our Vietnam Vets were treated. Ask our men that served that war how they were treated when they came back. They were called every name in the book along with, baby killer, murder, etc. They need to see support back home to help their moral. If they think the US people as a whole are against them then why should they be fighting to stay alive, just to come home to hatred? Those men and women over they are under enough stress to only see those anti war protests and no support for them. They need to see it, you have no idea what it does for them to know we care about them and their safe return.

 

[Nastynotch]

War actually stimulates the economy... That's one thing it is good for.

lmao. if it could only stimulate my BP bill.

 

[The NY Gecko]

War actually stimulates the economy... That's one thing it is good for.

Too bad our economy is in a downward spiral. Inflation, huge nation debt. All because of the war.

 

[OSUgecko]

Can't blame the war for all economical problems - inflation is going to get majorly worse because of the raise in the minimum wage.

 

[ByRandom]

Too bad our economy is in a downward spiral. Inflation, huge nation debt. All because of the war.

That's almost as bad as the comment you made about profiling terrorists.... To claim that any and/or all of our Nation's debt is from the War is, quite frankly, naive.

During the second quarter of 2003, when the war in Iraq was in full swing, some 60 per cent of the 3.3 percent GDP growth rate was attributable to military spending. [source:http://skeptically.org/parwho/id7.html]

A smaller proportion of the roaring 8.2 per cent growth recorded for the third quarter was directly attributable to the military, but Professor Pollin and others argue that it is still the military that is driving the deficit, and the deficit - budgeted at about $500 billion (£270bn) for next year - that is driving the recovery. [same source]

So to say that we're in a downward spiral is far off base. We are actually recovering exponentially. The stock market is in full swing, the NASDAQ And DOW Jones are roaring up the charts, where as they were barely hanging in there after 9/11.

Come on guys, do a little research before posting. My source is a little dated, but if you were aware of what was going on in 2001-2002 (i.e. searching for a job) you would be able to easily see how much better we are doing now, than we were almost 4-5 years ago.

Wars are notorious for stimulating the economy. Period. Not that I support the war, which I have already said many times, I'm just sick of opinions being thrown around as fact.

[Good Discussion Thus Far Guys! :main_thumbsup:]