Veterans oppose US Afghan war surge

[IndianaGreen]

Veterans oppose US Afghan war surge (VIDEO at link-2:45)

While most US war veterans tend to be supportive of their country's military operations abroad, some have been voicing their opposition to any escalation.

For weeks, Washington has been debating whether to send more troops to Afghanistan but a growing number of veterans are lobbying US politicians against a new war strategy for Afghanistan that Barack Obama, the US president, is expected to deliver on Tuesday.

While the budget for Obama's military plan would need final approval from the US congress, many veterans are hoping for an outcome that will cost fewer lives and mean fewer men going to war.

Al Jazeera's Nick Spicer reports.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/11/20091128183342450400.html

[FrenchieCat]

1. Veterans like who? Do you have a link?

[noamnety]

3. Veterans like the one in the link she posted.

It's obvious from the OP's posting time and yours that you didn't watch the video, but it is pretty clear there's a link (see "VIDEO AT LINK").

Or check any of these other 870 links at DU about veterans opposing the war in Afghanistan: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x24508

Or if you were at any of the large anti war demonstrations, you probably ran into Veterans for Peace. They oppose the war in Afghanistan as well.

[FrenchieCat]

16. That's like me saying doctors don't want health care reform......

I was hoping to be given links to Veteran groups.

[noamnety]

19. If you wanted that, you're welcome (for my link) nt

[jaxx]

2. The enlisted now that I've talked to are in favor of the plan.

They will be going and they say it's time to get it done.

[noamnety]

4. The enlisted folks I've talked to are not.

This is a direct quote from a marine friend regarding the plan:

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Obama is expected to send another 35,000 troops to Afghanistan. I'm going to drink myself into a puddle of my own vomit. Who's with me?"

[jaxx]

5. One on leave now from a year in Iraq, second tour.

Says this needs to be done to get us out of there.

[noamnety]

7. He can't be on a second tour in Iraq.

The surge we had there got us out ages ago, no? ;)

[jaxx]

8. SOFA

;-)

[knightinwhitesatin]

11. Any enlisted soldier that says he WANTS

more war, I challenge his mental faculties. I guess your friend hasnt watched his best friend bleed out from three out of four stumps and be so badly burned that his family had to have a closed casket. I had to do that and then lie to the family and tell them it was quick.......

[knightinwhitesatin]

10. I'm enlisted

I don't support it, we just talked about it.............

[atreides1]

14. To get what done?

Ask them how they would feel about staying there for the next 5-8 years?

Ask them how do they plan to keep the Afghan tribes from doing to the Karzai government, what they did to the Afghan government left in place by the Russians?

By the way you might want to let them know that the plan is kind of one sided, because I'm pretty sure that the Taliban and the other militant groups fighting them weren't asked what they thought.

Unless a large occupation force is left on the ground,like the one currently in Iraq, the blood and treasure spent will be in vain!

But I guess as long as the generals and the politicians don't mind the body bags,missing limbs, and scarred minds, it's a wonderful plan!!!

[jaxx]

17. This must be one of those one side only threads that we're treated to way too often.

I'm not backing down. As bad as you all don't like it, not everyone thinks like you do.

[otohara]

6. Not According to NBC Guy Speaking

from Afghanistan on Thanksgiving.

He was saying this was the 8th Thanksgiving he's spent in Afghanistan with the troops. He spoke to many soldiers and they welcome the help - and are feeling better about their mission.

[Cha]

9. Thanks for another view,

otohara.

I hope they are able to get it done.

[Aramchek]

12. do you really think you are accomplishing anything with all these threads?

Obama doesn't read DU

[IndianaGreen]

13. nor listen to the base

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MadBadger]

15. Is there a poll to back up that subject heading?