I agree with the war because I see it as forwarding the position of the country I live in.
An interesting way to put it. I don't know that I agree with the ideas behind the war as far as what we're being told. There's a reason Powell wanted to go the UN route. The only reason I can come up with is to prevent the notion that we , the US, are nation-building. Instead, he wanted, we, the World, are choosing to force Saddam to dissarm. And since he hasn't complied with our efforts, we, the world, are choosing to replace him. But, since the UN was split, we chose to distint paths of logic. Number one, it's a threat to our security, which you have to trust the administration on. Number two, we're enforcing 1441. (probably those should be switched).
If Iraq has WMD (still to be proven), I myself have no doubt that they'd be a threat to our security, and that's the main reason why I'm for replacing Saddam. If Iraq can be proven to have links to Al-Qaeda, then that's another reason. I myself am still not comfortable with the notion of freeing a people of a different land, and putting a democracy in place. I don't think the overall goal of any democracy should be to create republic states wherever totalitarian rule exists. And that's my only philosophical struggle.
I don't deny that the eventuality of a democratic government in the Middle East COULD have calming effects there, but I'm fearful of the cost it's going to require.
I do not believe in wars in terms of absolute right or wrong, I believe there are always conflicting point of views, and the conflicting parties do not always see eye to eye on things.
I don't hate anti war people. I don't hate people that express their opinion. I do disdain public figures (read: celebrites) who attempt to parlay their social status into spouting off their personal beliefs. I've felt that long before this war ever got started. U2 is one of my favorite bands.....and I like them for their music, and their astute patriotism and dedication to their country. I feel the same towards mine. That's how I relate to U2. Plus, their music is great.....even without trying to understand the politics behind it
All of our celebs that are mostly on the far-left, while I agree tehy have a right to voice their opinion, I do wish they'd use the same methods I use. Talk to friends, talk to family. Write your politician if you want to. Write your local paper. Don't use your fame as a reason, or an avenue to spout off your beliefs.
But....other then celebrities, I have no problem with listening to a LOGICAL argument of being anti war. And I agree, that what makes this nation great, is the ability of us, it's people to openly dissent from teh government. Even the war-bashers I don't like....the ones that assault the President, or are anything less then completely reverent of our troops, they too have their place. And I can choose to listen or to not. But their right to disagree is every bit as important to defend as my right to agree.
I think the average American is a bit brainwashed (regardless of the stance they take). They just listen to someone and agree instead of thinking for themselves.
change that to the average Un-Informed American, and I can agree.
Of course to win public support our government has to market the idea and use basic propaganda. It's always a case of "Good vs. Evil" (with the side you're fighting on always being good of course)
I don't see it in those terms. I just see competition.
Propaganda/marketing from our government is something that I still struggle with. But it's the very nature of politics. The politicians say why something should be done and list thier reasons. Then it's up to us, the public to dissect those reasons and filter out the BS, which, is probably always there. I'd love for the gov't to release every bit of classified proof it has that Iraq has chemical weapons, or that Iraq has ties to Al-Qaeda. But they won't. I'm registered republican, but I follow logic in my beliefs (or try to). I'm against the Death Penalty (the older I get, the more I'm against it), and I'm for abortion (Sorry, if my sister got raped, she should have tahe right to abort that baby. And if she has the right, I don't want a goverment body telling me who doesn't have teh right.....other then minors without parental consent). But, do I believe Iraq is a threat? I don't believe I'm informed enough to know. Do I trust our goverment's propaganda and marketing? I'm smart enough to attempt to filter through it. Do I believe Saddam would attack us if he could? Do I believe he would work with Al-Qaeda if he could? Yes. That's my root cause for supporting the move to war. I view Saddam as a threat. And since he wasn't willing to comply with a total, complete dissarmamanet......he should be removed.
The only thing taht's important to me as an American is this. My grandfather was a POW in WWII. My father was killed in the military in 1981. Our freedom was bought on the blood of our soldiers. And that's the very reason why I'm proud to be in the US. Not because everyone agrees with me. Or not because my family history has paid a sacrifice. But because there are people willing to die to defend my right to be free. And, I'm not content with paying taxes as my retribution. I'm currently on a regiment program to get into shape (I have a 4 year degree). And IF I can get into shape, and I can get a non-desk job as an officer in the Marines or Air Force, I'm going to join. Not because I want to defend your honor. Not because I want to defend my family history. But because every day that I deal with my mundane problems, there's people fighting for their life, and in the end, dying for my liberty. Regardless of the politicans that put them over there. Our military is fighting in the name of our country, and if I can be one of them, I'd be honored to carry that flag with them.
The one thing I DO think that most people don't realize is that sometimes, there is no alternative to violence. Sometimes, war is a must. We can't stop Al-Qaeda from attacking us by building stronger communities socially. We can't make Saddam dissarm by talk. The logics behind it are difficult for me, as a person. Meaning....the logics behind the reason for war are tough. The politican's standpoint is tough to take. The idea of nation-building is tough to take and digest. I don't feel ambivalence in my support of my government, but I do feel doubt in wondering if there's not alterior motives. But, I support our troops 110%. And that's all that matters to me right now. Anyone that doesn't support our men and women, or doesn't respect them for their sacrifice, I could care less about what you have to say. It's the men and women over there that I care about the most. The decision has already been made to fight, and whether or not you agree, or disagree.....it's all moot at this point. Until the war is over, support of our men and women is all that matters.
Edited for mistakes, and typing.