“I Support the Troops but not the War” Slogan Summed Up

Anyone who listens to talk radio hears liberal callers constantly say that they "support the troops but not the war". I regularly read military blogs. The "milblogs" are the vices of troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan in this 21st century war.

After visiting several military blogs I have come to the conclusion that the troops don't buy this load of baloney. The feelings on this "slogan" have gotten very serious in light of the protest led by Code Pink outside Walter Reed hospital, where many of our soldiers are recovering from their wounds.

Matthew has a post on Froggy Ruminations MilBlog http://froggyruminations.blogspot.com/ called "Hating Our Troops American Style" that sums up the slogan of "I support the troops but not the war" very well. Here is an excerpt:

Well I think we can pretty much dispense with the whole “Support the Troops but not the War” load of crap. What must it be like to look in the mirror after spending a long day outside Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC mocking and tormenting wounded soldiers? . . .

If the troops themselves don't think what the liberals are calling support is support, then that's the only test that need be given.

Ask a hundred troopers if they feel supported by the actions of the such-and-such political activists, and if a majority say "Yes" then let them be. If, however, the opposite is true, and a majority say they don't feel supported by such actions, then they should not be allowed to continue their charade.

What does the word "support" mean?

I think when liberals use the word "support" they mean something different than the dictionary definition.

1. To bear the weight of, especially from below.
2. To hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking, or slipping.
3. To be capable of bearing; withstand: “His flaw'd heart... too weak the conflict to support” (Shakespeare).
4. To keep from weakening or failing; strengthen: The letter supported him in his grief.
5. To provide for or maintain, by supplying with money or necessities.
6. To furnish corroborating evidence for: New facts supported her story.
7a. To aid the cause, policy, or interests of: supported her in her election campaign.
7b. To argue in favor of; advocate: supported lower taxes.
8. To endure; tolerate: “At supper there was such a conflux of company that I could scarcely support the tumult” (Samuel Johnson).
9. To act in a secondary or subordinate role to (a leading performer).

Maybe they mean use #8: They tolerate our troops.

I had a liberal write me and say she supported the troops, and she told me of a support group she was in which provided goods and services to the troops. I would call that "providing support", not "supporting".

To "support" the troops to me means that you agree with what they are doing.

Cindy Sheehan did not support her son. She said so. She said she did not support her son's decision to join the military, or to re-enlist. She did not support his being in a combat role.

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