The ramblings of a Baptist Libertarian

I agree that our troops aren't "fighting for our freedoms," although that isn't something I would say publicly. If someone made that comment, I would just ignore it and not say anything. I just like to stick to criticizing our politicians and pointing out that our politicians are using our military in the wrong way. The military needs to be used for defensive purposes, not offensive purposes. I would probably say that the members of our military are "serving our country" and leave it at that. I don't think there's anything inaccurate about that statement. Anyone who signs up to serve in the military is "serving our country," whether you agree with that service or not.

Responded directly.

Originally Posted by Traditional Conservative

I agree that our troops aren't "fighting for our freedoms," although that isn't something I would say publicly. If someone made that comment, I would just ignore it and not say anything. I just like to stick to criticizing our politicians and pointing out that our politicians are using our military in the wrong way. The military needs to be used for defensive purposes, not offensive purposes. I would probably say that the members of our military are "serving our country" and leave it at that. I don't think there's anything inaccurate about that statement. Anyone who signs up to serve in the military is "serving our country," whether you agree with that service or not.

• Technically you are correct that they are "Serving our country" and I don't see why that warrants any inherent respect. If you think it should, would you say the same thing about a Nazi German soldier? The degree may differ but the concept does not. Just because you sacrificed doesn't mean you should be honored for it.
  
  If I were a politician I might pick my words more carefully. In one on one conversations, I do tailor the rhetoric to the person I'm talking too. But I don't see why we feel the need to hold back in places like this. Or even in real life in general.
  
  Everytime I hear a prayer in church for the troops who are "Defending our freedoms" I pray that God will protect the opposing side. That's how much it aggravates me. I guess we all have to pick our battles, and I can understand why maybe that wouldn't bother you as much, but it absolutely ticks me off.
  
  My attitude might be a little nicer if the entire country didn't worship at their feet. That's what really bugs me. The American People are actually stupid enough to believe that wars that destroy our freedom are protecting the same. They need to be woken up.
  
  I'm done pretending I live in the Matrix for their sake.
  
  
  
  

Well, I guess one thing I would point out is that not all of the members of our military are even fighting in wars overseas. Many of them are stationed here at home, and others are stationed overseas in countries where we're not even fighting in a war. I don't support foreign military bases and think that we should bring all of our troops home, but I don't really think that it's nearly as bad as having thousands of troops in countries where we're fighting preemptive wars or endless wars. Many of our troops join the military because it's a way for them to make money when they can't find a job. Others just feel like it's a way for them to give back to our country. The troops that get sent to Iraq or Afghanistan don't really get to choose where they're actually going. That's basically up to the commanders. I don't think that all of the members of our military have the same political ideology that the neo-conservatives have, that we should basically rule over and dominate the world.

Originally Posted by Traditional Conservative

Well, I guess one thing I would point out is that not all of the members of our military are even fighting in wars overseas. Many of them are stationed here at home, and others are stationed overseas in countries where we're not even fighting in a war. I don't support foreign military bases and think that we should bring all of our troops home, but I don't really think that it's nearly as bad as having thousands of troops in countries where we're fighting preemptive wars or endless wars. Many of our troops join the military because it's a way for them to make money when they can't find a job. Others just feel like it's a way for them to give back to our country. The troops that get sent to Iraq or Afghanistan don't really get to choose where they're actually going. That's basically up to the commanders. I don't think that all of the members of our military have the same political ideology that the neo-conservatives have, that we should basically rule over and dominate the world.

Well yeah, all of that is true. Mitigating factors are one thing. I'm not saying I support actually executing every soldier in a nuremberg trial (Like I do for the leadership behind it) but I refuse to give them any degree of "Honor" for "defending" an imperial country either.

Originally Posted by FreedomFanatic

Everytime I hear a prayer in church for the troops who are "Defending our freedoms" I pray that God will protect the opposing side. That's how much it aggravates me. I guess we all have to pick our battles, and I can understand why maybe that wouldn't bother you as much, but it absolutely ticks me off.

Have you read The War Prayer?