A question for military DUers:

[OneGrassRoot]

I see the civilians' role as being a watchdog so our "leaders" don't send our soldiers into battle needlessly, and certainly not to funnel funds to their military industrial complex cronies like Halliburton.

I would think those in the military would depend on us to watch their backs in this regard, and work to keep them out of harm's way, not criticizing their service, but criticizing the mission itself when necessary. Criticism of the mission is often with the intention of preventing more death and maiming; I would think our soldiers would want us watching out for their well-being.

I have loved ones who have served in years past, including Vietnam, and have only respect for their service, even if I have little to no respect for the mission itself.

The Palins of the world use the military as a shield to whip up their base (as well as racism: please see my other question, http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4183575&mesg_id=4183575), acting like anyone who criticizes Bush's war of choice in Iraq is criticizing the military. Not so. At all.

Yet it's hard to counter that viewpoint when people have an emotional knee-jerk reaction of "you don't support the troops!!!"

I'm asking your thoughts, based on personal experience or friendships/relationships with those with personal experience in war, how we can best suppport the soldiers, many of whom could be our own children, spouses, etc., when we have all been lied to regarding the mission they've been sent on.

I constantly hear that criticising the mission is the same as criticising the troops. I can't wrap my brain around that, and I also can't wrap my brain around staying quiet when lives are at stake even if some inadvertently take offense.

My sister refuses to watch CNN because "they never show the good things going on in Iraq, only the bad. Liberals hate the troops."

Thoughts, suggestions, insight?

:)