'Stop saying "Support the troops"'

IBL

 

Most definitely they were. The loser Lembke who wrote the book saying they weren't was inundated -- upon the release of his book -- with numerous veterans who told him first-hand how they were spat upon. He dismisses their claims, apparently because they didn't immediately call a newspaper when it happened. He makes his claim because he couldn't find media reports from the time period. Then, when people who actually had it happen to them come forward he dismisses them.

 

There was a draft. What other legal options did the troops have at that time.
There was no choice other than to leave the country.

Now I guess you could be really cynical and say why thank the troops because
they volunteered and are being paid a handsome sum for their efforts. Your
government paycheck and benefits are our thanks.

I've seen people at shopping malls thank recruiters for their service. For what?
Sitting in a plush air conditioned mall trying to sign up 18 yr olds to go to war.

 

Or jail.

I have an immense amount of sympathy for the young men drafted into Vietnam, and would have trouble criticizing them too severely.

The current troops who signed up for this? They do not get a free pass.

 

Unless I am not understanding your point, then how would Viet Nam era troops be subject
to criticism if their only choices to avoid were illegal.

To me it seems like those who chose to go to Canada are the ones open to criticism
and not those who were drafted and sent to Viet Nam.

Anyone who went to Iraq volunteered. If there were against the war they should have
never signed up.

 

Because civil disobedience is a valid option as a principled action.

Agree with you on Iraq, obviously. They are not bystanders to the politics.

 

In other words, no evidence other than the sympathy-seekers themselves.

A teabagger spit on me in the elevator the other day. Take my word for it.

 

Why many hold Ali in high regard.

 

That one does not avail oneself of "a valid option" does not mean one is acting without principles.

 

Obtuse really doesn't suit you, Starman.

 

Did you swallow?

 

Of course.

But to say that there is no valid criticism of Vietnam veterans because of the draft is just wrong. There were other options available, including jail. They chose Vietnam. That choice can rightly be scrutinized.