What should I feel about the events in Fallujah?

[skjpm]

The other day I posted a rather heartless comment that I would no longer feel sorry for the soldiers in Iraq; that was not only wrong, it was impossible. Every person's death diminishes me--no one is an island. And it breaks my heart that these things are happening.

On the other hand, the soldiers give every indication of being excited about the battle, of wanting to fight, and not being too picky about the targets. They are aware that they might die, and seem to be willing to take that risk. They believe in their mission. The majority of them voted for the commander-in-chief that would send them on this mission. They are rational adults capable of adult decisions, and they know the consequences of this decision.

So, what should I feel? I protested this war, and I don't think this is a good mission. I do not want innocent Iraqis to die at American hands. I don't want to give aid and comfort to the enemy, but I can see the "insurgents'" point of view. I abhor all killing, but it does seem to me that we would respond the same way if we were invaded, so I don't think we have the moral high ground here.

What should I feel? How can I support the troops? How can I feel sad for people who choose to put themselves into harm's way for no good reason I can see? What should I feel?

[flowomo]

1. what DO you feel?

isn't that all that really matters? And if it's "conflicted," then so be it.

[shamrock]

2. I think

They are trained to think like that (brainwashed). To them it's life or death.....you or me mentality. I suppose that's why so many have a hard time living with themselves when it's all over....when the brainwashing wears off and they realize what they've done. But then, what do I know...I'm just guessing.

[skjpm]

3. Everyone who voted for Bush is accountable for each death

That's one thing I know for sure. They are absolutely culpable for this tragedy. And I feel no pity for them at all, in any way.

[TomClash]

4. Don't blame the soldiers . . .

They have to fight . . .

They have no choice . . .

They are the sheep . . .

Attack the wolves . . .

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. At this point, the Marines intend to kill people in Fallujah

With the full knowledge that the Iraqi people had no possible means or motive to attack the United States, and that they are the vanguard of an illegitimate colonial occupation. This is something that they will have to live with, they all willingly signed up for this duty and pledge allegiance to the chimp.

[skjpm]

7. Is holding them accountable the same as blame?

The soldiers made a set of adult, rational decision about their life and their vote which put them in this position. I would be showing them a lack of respect if I suggested they weren't responsible for their actions. But I don't want them to die, either.

[The_Casual_Observer]

11. I hate to see anybody die too, on either "side"

But, however you slice it, these are professional killers. They would be the first to tell you that. It is an aspect to it that the propagandists would like you to forget.

[xray s]

6. I feel sick about my government killing 100,000 Iraqi civilians to date

I have no support left to give to anyone involved in killing civilians, whether they are "collateral" or not.

I wish our men and women in Iraq could come home. I feel heartache that many of them will be hurt or killed at Fallujah. I feel heartache that hundreds of civilians will suffer the same fate. Women, children, babies.

Support this horror? No. No way in hell.

[quiet.american]

10. I think you got it right

Each death in this unnecessary invasion is a horrible tragedy, whether the individual involved is "ours" or "theirs." The ripples of suffering caused by each death are immeasureable.

As former USAF (and I served ALL my time, thank you) I know firsthand the indoctrination that happens in basic training -- one is no longer a human being, an American citizen with rights or an individual. One is only a cog in the wheel of military machinery to be used for its purpose and its purpose alone.

Shrub sure has a career Ted Bundy would envy.

[judy]

8. You can support the troops by working to get them home...

In the meantime, visit http://www.purposeless.com to get an idea of the extent of the suffering caused by BushCo.

[liberalmuse]

9. It disgusts me.

Bush is a bloodthirsty murderer. To put our soldiers in this mess is unforgivable. I mourn for each soldier, and yet I despise the huhah military mentality (I was in the Army). I mourn and am sickened by our slaughter of the people of Iraq.

The blood of the innocent be on the heads of those who supported this war and voted for Bush. They are murderers and to even call some of them 'Christian' is blasphemy--they are antiChrist.

The people in Fallujah are trying to defend the rape of Iraq. I would do the same if some aggressive fucks invaded my country and shot my fellow citizens in the streets. If the 'pubs want war, let THEIR children die in it.

[skjpm]

12. Should I give the soldiers the benefit of the doubt?

What made them choose the military in the first place? Is the training so good that they have lost control of their ability to choose? Are they victims of the system? At what level did they consent to their training and possible brainwashing?

I want to put the soldiers in the best light. But they are the ones firing the guns at the innocent people, and there needs to evidence of extreme extenuating circumstances to let them entirely off the hook.

[Hunter_1253]

13. I tend to think of it...

like this. I don't want any Americans to die for a pointless cause. Afghanistan was not a pointless cause, it was a necessary step in the war on terrorism. Soon (unfortunate as it may be) countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea might need military solutions for security threats they pose. Iraq on the other hand was a complete waste of time, money, resources, and most importantly human life. Feel sad for the troops who die. Feel sad for the men and women who must spend time away from their families. Feel sad for those who see huge arrows connecting Iraq with the 9-11 tragedy and anger for those who insist that those connections exist outside their twisted view of reality. My only statement to Bush supporters for the last few days has been "so, when are you (or your kids) signing up for duty in Iraq or in the next pre-emptive fight on terrorism". Needless to say, I've had quite a few pissed off people try to defend their point of view, and I still hit them with that again...because it works.

[skjpm]

14. But those in the military know there was no reason to attack Iraq

And the majority voted for Bush anyway. The soldiers have been informed that the reasons for the invasion were false, and they still believe in the mission. Are they victims? Or have they made a choice to consent? Many of their families were Bush voters. They must have taken the possibility of separation into consideration. If they are willing to do that, what am I feeling sad about? Why should I feel sad when them families themselves find some kind of happiness in supporting the war?

[quiet.american]

15. Not so simple

Keep in mind these facts about a large portion of the all-volunteer military:

Many of them never graduated high school and are at remedial levels in comprehension skills
Many of them are literally still kids (I was 17 when I went through basic)
Many of them are from the lower economic strata of our society
Many of them literally had a choice -- standing before a judge, they were told they could go to jail OR join the military
Many of them are from the "red states"
Many of them are intimidated by their commanders to "vote Republican"

Rush Limbaugh is the sole featured talk-radio show on military radio.

A troop's first and only duty is to obey orders -- especially those of the Commander-in-Chief

In the military you are indoctrinated to KILL. That's, KILL. And some love doing that, no questions asked.

Not saying there aren't thoughtful, compassionate, decent people in the military, because there are -- it's just being in the military is living on a different planet. The usual logic doesn't apply.