Why can't I support the troops without supporting bush?

[Bouncy Ball]

I just read an article from last Sunday's Ft. Worth Star-Telegram about this reservist, Eric Richardson.

He's home, but while he was in the Gulf, he had to wear boots that were a full size too small (a 9 instead of a 10). It caused permanent nerve damage and things have just gone downhill for him and his family. He's in a wheelchair 24/7, hooked up to morphine. The nerve damage spread to his sympathetic nerve system (I'm paraphrasing), etc. and he's in very bad shape.

All because of a pair of boots one size too small (but your feet are VERY important!). They simply didn't have any more boots in his size. He was jumping out of a Humvee one day while in Kuwait and heard and felt something snap. Was put on crutches and into athletic shoes but his superiors soon told him to get back into the boots. WTF?????

So I went to the webiste that was set up to help veterans like him and saw a flash video all about supporting the war and supporting the president.

Dammit, I support the troops. I think they are getting FUCKED over. But I DO NOT support the "president" or his illegal, immoral, unjustified war.

Here's the website: http://www.operationwarhero.org/

There actually doesn't even seem to be any way to help financially on the website. All you can do is watch that flash video and read an article about a homecoming they had in Ft. Worth in June. That's it, no other links.

This organization is apparently building a new home for Eric Richardson because his 40 year old house is falling down and none of the doorways are wide enough (or can be widened) for his wheelchair.

I'm sure there are organizations out there which allow me to support the troops and that DON'T tell me to support the president, too. Aren't there?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. yes there are

Operation Truth does taht, google it

[Bouncy Ball]

5. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I found it, it looks fantastic. Bookmarked and will read it more when I get back. Thanks again! Now that's REALLY supporting the troops!

Making sure they get the right damn sized boot....grumble grumble, that still pisses me off no end...

[ComerPerro]

2. in light of cases like that, if you support Bush then you DONT

support the troops.

With situations like inadequate body armor, bad food, and issues like this one with the boots, how could anyone not point the finger at the Commander in Cheif?

What's wrong with him? Why won't he give our troops what they need after recklessly sending them to war?

To me, if anyone still supports Bush in light of all this shit, then they can never really claim that they "support the troops".

[CWebster]

11. I despise this argument

That supporting the troops would be represented by providing better body armor, food, weapons, numbers, etc--because it legitimatizes their presence in Iraq. It is a half-measure adopted by centrist Democrats who voted for the Invasion and do NOT oppose our Occupation. They don't support the troops because they are a party to keeping them in harm's way based on criminal lies--lies that they knew were lies.

[ComerPerro]

12. I figure, if they are there, at least give them quality stuff

What I am saying is, if someone supports the war and supports Bush despite how little he has actually done for the troops, then their yellow ribbons are just meaningless.

[CWebster]

14. I understand, but our politicians stop there

Quality stuff for the troops is also meaningless when their purpose is meaningless. It only prolongs the lie.

[LoZoccolo]

3. I think we just need to not give a fuck with people who are obviously...

...manipulating us by accusing us of not supporting the troops or whatever lame accusation du jour the conservatives try to come up with. Too often we beg people to believe us who actually do see our point and are diligently working to dodge acknowledging it. If I've stated my case clearly, and someone wants to continue playing games, they're wasting my time and I shouldn't give them any more.

[Bouncy Ball]

7. Oh I agree

I was just so disappointed to go to that website, thinking "Hey! It's local and I can help people like him who've been fucked over" and I see this nationalistic support the president bullshit.

Pissed me off.

[smurfygirl]

4. there is it's called operation truth

www.optruth.org

Sounds like operation hero was set up to confuse people from optruth.

edited website address

[GeekMonkey]

6. You can't support the president and the troops at the same time

If you support Bush, you are against the troops, you are for getting them killed to further enrich the already rich.

If you support the troops, you can't possibly support the asshole that is sending them to die for his own benefit.


Supporting the troops and supporting Bush are mutually exclusive

[yewberry]

8. You could try

http://anysoldier.com

I don't know their political leanings, but they're way into direct support for individual needs.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

9. Bumper sticker I saw: Support our troops - Fire the commander

[etherealtruth]

10. I'm with you Bouncy ...

... as far as I'm concerned most of the folk over there are drawn from people who had few, or limited, options after high school. They joined seeking a "better" life for themselves and their families. Most are from poor or working class families and they, too, are victims of this immoral war.

I support them and mourn every loss of life --- be it an Iraqi, a soldier, a journalist ...

[Karmageddon]

13. According to Trent Lott, you CAN support them without supporting bush.

"We can support the troops without supporting the President."
~ Trent Lott, 1998, failing to support the "elected" President, during the Kosovo crisis.

[Bouncy Ball]

15. Well THERE YA GO!!!

Thanks for that quote, that's going to come in handy!

And welcome to DU!