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They have no idea how the politicians back home have betrayed them.

Sure they do. FReepers love to treat the troops like innocent children who can't be exposed to scary things like certain words or discussions. It's meant in a good way, but it's as deeply patronizing as calling them 'kids' or 'boys'. Anyone who's ever been downrange knows that troops are actutely aware of political changes in the States, and discuss them in very blunt and honest terms.

I remember once in the 90's when our Company commander told us we may not get paid because Congress failed to pass a budget. He said we still had to come to formation and work and asked us to stockpile food for the soldiers who had kids.

We were paying attention to politics, no doubt about it. And had some unpleasant things to say about the political process.

I completely agree with you about the toughness of the troops, and their resolve, and their understanding of what is really going on in this war, as opposed to the garbage the left, and the mission bashing freepers are dishing out.

I know you're not the most sensitive soul, Steel, but have you ever considered that a lot of Freepers have family members in Iraq, and some have even lost their own kids (yes, 'kids') in this very noble cause?

Honest discussion is one thing, but mission bashing is quite another. Don't think that the troops........at least the younger ones........aren't negatively affected by the betrayal of the politicians, and the leftist pacifists and far right isolationists. And don't think that the families who are sacrificing haven't been hurt deeply by what has happened to the support of the mission here on FR.

This discussion could be held with respect for the troops and their families, and it would accomplish far more.

I don't think that's too much to ask of decent people.