Marissa says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200911:34 am 

The American troops are fighting for the same thing that they were a year ago before Obama was president, that hasn't changed. But apparently your warped view of this country has…Wonderful, you're finally proud to be an American? Ok Michelle Obama, good to know.

Anonymous says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200912:17 pm 

yeah tell the Iranians getting slaughtered how much Obama "cares"…when he says he doesnt want to mettle.

Vicki says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200912:36 pm 

I totally agree with Marissa. What, just just because you approve of the president now, you suddenly support the troops? One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. There are a lot of people who didn't necessarily agree with President Bush's military (or other) decisions, yet still supported the troops. They have always been there, sacrificing themselves for the country they love even though you could have cared less. THAT is the reason that I support the troops, not because I just happen to agree with the current administration's policies.

As for the current situation in Iran, that is a completely different situation. It is a conflict within the country itself and we should not interfere in it. Other countries are staying out of it, and so should we; after all, for several years now people have been saying that we are not the police of world, so we shouldn't act like it.

brunettebamabarbie says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200912:38 pm 

Are you serious?! Our country is in the worst shape it's been in a long time courtesy of your supposed "steady and reasonable" liberals in both the White House and Congress. Hence why our country is becoming socialized and not staying a democracy; how Obama has become more like a dictator than an effective democratic president. This is why Pelosi and others are pushing such sweeping and drastic legislation through so fats that there is no time to thoroughly research and respond to constituents alarm with current legislation. Just look at what HB 2454 is going to do to our country, along with the proposed socialized health care legislation and then tell em we're secure. DO YOUR RESEARCH of the issues; if America had back in November, instead of drinking the Kool-Aid we wouldn't be in this mess!!!

Liam says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200912:43 pm 

What a bitch! Those guys have been over there dying for over 7 years and now because Obama's president you suddenly support them?!?!? Fuckin bitch! Unbelievable. Our country does NOT need people like you!

GL says:
Mon, 29th Jun 20091:24 pm 

I don't think this woman 'didn't support' the troops previously, but instead she 'didn't support' the cause they were fighting for.

Don't be so quick to judge.

Linda says:
Mon, 29th Jun 20091:58 pm 

Wow, you guys sound like bitter Army Wives who didn't make the show…or something.

Kelly says:
Mon, 29th Jun 20092:05 pm 

To all the haters- you'd think that you'd support someone who has found something that they can connect with in our country that is so powerful it roused them from indifference. You'd think that you'd embrace them, as a fellow American, for finally finding something in our great country that speaks deeply to them.

Politics aside, it's not our country's policy or its leaders that ever makes me ashamed of being an American, it's people like yourself that are so quick to judge along party lines, to call others with an opposing viewpoint "un-American" and to throw out such hateful diatribe to someone who, like yourself, is only looking to build our country to be the best it can be.

Our level of discourse is what makes our country so strong, the ability to entertain unpopular views without persecution is what the Founding Fathers ensured us, and it's people like yourselves that are hurting America. Not liberals, not conservatives, not Democrats or Republicans, but people that do nothing but speak hate for "the other side," instead of contributing something worthwhile. So stop complaining about how "the country is the worst in years" and contribute something. Volunteer, make a donation to a worthy cause, or write letters to your local politicians, but anything you can do is better than sitting on your ass and complaining.

snarktastic says:
Mon, 29th Jun 20095:12 pm 

i was going to write out a cogent, legitimate, and ever snarky bit, but your ignorance is just flabbergasting.

believe whatever you want to, i'm happy that you're realizing how wonderful this country is. it saddens me that it took you this long to get to this point.

Sheron says:
Mon, 29th Jun 20097:26 pm 

Thanks for reminding me why I often become so frustrated with Americans. I immigrated to this country when I was four years old, my family had nothing and we worked our way up. We come from a country where war actually meant you had to be careful about where you ventured, or had to ration because you weren't sure if the grocery stores would have food tomorrow. In America, war means gas prices rising and an extra storyline on every television show that tries to tie in the war in some shape or form.

I know, that little anecdote could have been left out but seriously Americans take everything for granted. I am guilty of it too but God can you get even more ignorant "I feel that they’re actually fighting for something. They’re fighting to defend a country in which I finally take pride." I feel bad for you that you didn't realize all the privileges that you and I have by just being an American.

Did you want us to applaud you for *finally* feeling a connection to this country? Are you joking?

After meeting Barack Obama last year, I do believe that the country is in better hands than it has been in over 20 years but even when Bush was President, you should have supported the troops and him, because we have freedom. We have the right to dream. This is something that many don't have. And God, I would support any movement to give people this privilege because I know how it is to not have it.

I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day and you take the time to remember all the privileges that come with being an American because it is a long list.

Casey says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200910:00 pm 

Kelly, I don't think anyone was judging based on her political party. I think one commenter even said they were against bush but for the troops from the beginning. They are yelling at the author because she was so ignorant that SHE let whatever political party was running the country affect her opinion of it. It is her that you should be mad at not the ones yelling at her, because she is exactly what you said was wrong with this country, "it’s not our country’s policy or its leaders that ever makes me ashamed of being an American, it’s people like yourself that are so quick to judge along party lines,". That's exactly what she's admitting to in her article.

Liz says:
Mon, 29th Jun 200910:00 pm 

I don't understand how supporting the troops makes you 'American'.

Supporting war and bloodshed? Where's the value in that?

Ayla says:
Tue, 30th Jun 20098:23 am 

You would think one huge point of pride among Americans would be respect for dissent, wouldn't you? What with the whole "freedom of speech" and "minority rights" thing, I mean. And you wonder why so many people are indifferent? Congrats to the author for her revived patriotism, but to everyone else, thanks. You've just reminded ME why I just don't have the energy to give a crap anymore. If all you're going to do is dig in your heels and polarize, give in to the "we vs. they" mentality, then this country's so called freedoms are a lie. You don't have to agree with someone to support their right to opinion, and you don't have to try to beat someone down with shame because they have a different perspective, but it sure as hell seems that that's the done thing now.

Hypocrites, all of you.

Casey says:
Tue, 30th Jun 200912:59 pm 

because liz, they are fighting for YOU! They are fighting to keep YOU free. They are not at war because they agree with war, they are not at war because they agree with the current administration. They are at war because they are always fighting for freedom. If you don’t support the people who are fighting to keep you free than you have no value in this country and are just an insensitive bitch.

Linda says:
Tue, 30th Jun 200912:55 pm 

"they are fighting for YOU! They are fighting to keep YOU free."

Oh I love this statement. It seems to be the end-all statement for the 'Support the Troops' types..

Were the Iraqi people imprisoning us in some way?

I felt free and was in no way threatened by Iraq. Or Saddam Hussein.

OneSmartDude says:
Tue, 30th Jun 20095:40 pm 

Linda, why don't you take your ass to Iraq! Cuz I can promise you they won't shower you with fucking kisses and hugs! You don't know what the heck you're talking about! You've never stepped foot in a war zone. You have no idea what it's like to fight for a country whose citizens don't even want to support you!!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT'S FUCKING LIKE TO BE GETTING SHOT AT, CRYING NOT KNOWING IF YOU'RE EVEN GOING TO MAKE IT BACK HOME!!! People like you make me sick! I put my life on the line for you fucking people so what? So you can say "I don't give a fuck?" What the hell is wrong with you!! If it wasn't for us those lunatics would be dropping bombs over here! The nerve of you! And everyone else like you! The world ain't all rainbows and unicorns girl. You got a lot to fucking learn!

Casey says:
Tue, 30th Jun 20096:03 pm 

Linda, You "don't support the troops" type are seriously sick! Do you realize that the troops have nothing to do with the administration? That they serve us, the people! No man or woman went to war because Bush told them to. They did it because they felt it was their duty. The Vietnam war, TONS of peole didn't agree with that war, but TONS (like my father) went anyways, because they felt it was their duty. That war has also been called a mistake. But what you people don't get is that the troops went there for a reason. Maybe the war is a mistake, but there is a reason that so many of our young men and women are over there right now fighting. And yes, it is for YOU.

It sickens me that you would even say "the support the troops types" sick! just sick!

"One smart dude" Thank you! Even if people like Linda don't appreciate what you and the rest of the troops have done for us, I do. So thank you.

Liz says:
Tue, 30th Jun 20096:44 pm 

Whilst I accept that we should empathize with the troops who have been dragged into this fight, I don't think 'fighting for freedom' should have anything to do with nationalism, unless of course – it was your country that was invaded.

Casey: Your hostility for anyone with a different opinion doesn't help your argument. Thanks for being presumptuous – I'm half Iraqi/half Australian, so maybe you should reconsider who's really being the insensitive bitch.

Casey says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20098:32 am 

Liz, American's supporting their troops shouldn't be a matter of opinion. Of course everyone has the right to an opinion, but when someone is putting their ass on the line to keep the people of their country free, it's just insensitive to not support them, regardless of which party is in office, or if you agree with the war or not. The fact of the matter is they are still fighting for the freedom of our country. I'm pretty sure not every other country fights for freedom, since not all countries have freedom, but ours does. Even if you don't agree with the war, even if Bush's administration made a huge mistake, that doesn't mean we should just abandon our troops, or put them down, for doing their duty. Cause I can honestly say none of them WANT to be there. They HAVE to be there.

I am very close with multiple people who have been to Iraq 2+ times, one of my managers has been there three times and his service was supposed to be up in June, in January they decided to send him back for another 6 months. I remember the day he got the phone call, he went in the office and cried for about 2 hours, this big buff marine. He's been there twice, he's seen so many people die, many of which were his own friends. But he came back out of the office and said, "You know, this is what I signed up for, and this is what I believe in. I'm going for America." So excuse me if I'm a little hostile toward the people who choose not to support our troops.

Linda says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20093:37 pm 

It's funny, really, because I never once explicitly said that I didn't support the troops. I just said there are some people that are certainly very adamant about supporting the troops and their cause, no matter what, which I don't agree with. But you were right on the assumption — I don't support the troops. I support individual people. How can I support someone that I've never met/known/been impacted by? You're fooling yourself if you think you can do that.

My boyfriend is a Marine,a few of my friends are soldiers and my uncle is a decorated veteran, but that has nothing to do with my opinion. I know what it's like for them- & I support them, but that doesn't mean I have to support whatever bullshit cause they happen to be fighting for at the moment.

..Right now the Iraqi people look quite thrilled to be getting their country back.

& you are absolutely right OneSmartDude– but guess what? I also didn't sign up for that job. Don't bitch at me, you knew what you were getting into when you enlisted.

Liam says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20093:47 pm 

Why don't you take my cock and suck it, Liz! I don't care if you are half Iraqi, that doesn't change a thing! Fighting for freedom has everything to do with nationalism! We invaded them?! We– we WHAT?!?!!!! I don't know how they do things wherever the heck you're from, but the last time I checked, when someone attacks someone for no reason other than they just hate them, they're asking for some bloodshed! WHEN YOU HIJACK SOME PLANES AND FLY THEM INTO WORLD TRADE CENTERS KILLING THOUSANDS OF INNOCENT AMERICANS, YOU'RE ASKING FOR SOME BLOODSHED! What did you expect our country to do?! Say it's okay just make sure it doesn't happen again? Things don't work that way.

This author should've been proud to be an American from the start! Who gives a crap on whether or not you agree with the current administration, when it's your country, it's your country and you support it no matter what! CUZ THAT IS YOUR HOME! AND YOU PLEDGE YOUR ALLEGIANCE TO IT BECAUSE THAT IS THE LAND THAT GIVES YOU YOUR FREEDOM! AND I'LL KISS THE SWEET GROUND OF THIS LAND EVERYDAY IF I HAVE TO CUZ THIS IS MY COUNTRY! MY COUNTRY THAT MY BROTHER FOUGHT FOR, MY FATHER FOUGHT FOR AND MY GRANDFATHER FOUGHT FOR!

Our country didn't ask for this war. Your people asked for bloodshed and they got it!

Kenny says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20093:57 pm 

I'm glad you finally love America but why couldn't you love it before? That just seems pretty terrible to me.

Linda, you're a horrible, horrible person. Those soldiers are fighting for us and our country. So what if you don't know them. The least you could do is support them instead of saying you don't care. That's like your mom having cancer but because I don't know her I say I couldn't give 2 shits whether or not there's scientific advancement in treatments. How could you be so cold hearted?

Linda says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20094:57 pm 

Kenny, you might not want to hear it or admit it, and you may think I'm a horrible person, but that's the way the world works. There are people reading this and other people all over that realize or will realize that it is pretty much impossible to have some sort of empathetic connection to someone that you don't know or that hasn't had ANY effect on your life, even if they don't want to admit it. So, I'm sorry that you think that I'm a horrible person–but I won't apologize for my point of view, I stand by it.

Casey says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20096:00 pm 

Linda, the world works that way because of people like you, not despite them. You say the troops haven't had ANY effect on your life? You mean they haven't prevented anyone from invading our country? They haven't kept American soil free from war? So you wouldn't care if they all just up and left the military and no one was there to protect you? You wouldn't care if war came to our soil and we didn't have anyone to fight for our continued freedom? That's what you're saying. No one ever said you had to feel a personal connection with any of the troops, but supporting them and having a connection with them are two entirely different things. When people like you walk around saying you don't support the troops (and just to clarify, supporting the troops does not, in any way, mean you support the cause they are fighting for) it makes the men and women of this country not want to join the military, it makes the ones who are in the military feel as though they are fighting for nothing, because if the people they are fighting for don't even care then really, what is the point? (And they certainly aren't doing it for themselves since they may not even be alive to enjoy the freedom they fought so hard for!)

And Linda, You didn't have to say that you didn't support the troops, the tone of your comment said it for you, I didn't have to assume anything.

Casey says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20096:12 pm 

And also, supporting the troops does not mean supporting every single individual. It means supporting them as a group. "The Troops", not, "John Williams, the Marine from Connecticut, and Jennifer Smith, The Navy Seal from Alabama, etc." You support them collectively, which leaves your point about an empathetic connection completely unfounded. Your boyfriend, and friends are all fighting for the same thing as the rest of the troops, what makes them any different then anyone else fighting for your freedom? Because you know them? You support them and you don't support the cause, but you don't support the many other men and women putting their lives on the line for your freedom because you don't support the cause? That just doesn't make any sense!

Casey says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20096:18 pm 

But you know what else, those people are going to continue to fight for you, despite the fact that you could care less about them. They don't know you, but they are keeping you safe all the same. Do they have an empathetic connection with every single person they are fighting for? Of course not! They put their lives on the line for you with no empathetic connection and you can't even say "I support them!" because you have no empathetic connection. THAT is sad. And THAT is what is wrong with this world.

Kenny says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20096:26 pm 

AMAN TO THAT GIRL!

OneSmartDude says:
Wed, 1st Jul 20096:41 pm 

Okay, I think we can all agree on one thing.

1. Linda is an insensitive, self-centered, uncaring, cold-hearted bitch who will die a slow, painful death.

Casey and others, thank you for supporting the troops. It means a lot to me knowing that there are people out there like you guys who actually care and are proud to be an American. And that those Fallen didn't die for nothing.

Candace says:
Thu, 2nd Jul 20095:03 am 

Hm. It's nice how easy the internet makes it for one to be half Iraqi or have a boyfriend, friends, and uncle that fought / are fighting for this country.

Emily says:
Fri, 3rd Jul 20097:42 pm 

Ok, I dont normally post on these things and maybe this has toned down anyway, but I had to stand up with Linda. The war in Iraq was a mistake, there is no substantial evidence that they were a threat against us or (as a country) participated in 9/11. Therefore, the troops aren't fighting for our freedom. And if they were, they would be fighting for the freedom for her to believe they were wrong. I dont support the war. I do believe that the men and women in our armed forces are worthy of honor and by obeying and signing up to put their lives to service for our country they are doing something honorable. So, I do support our soldiers, even though I dont support the reasoning of the war. I get that its horrible to be a soldier and hear that people dont believe what your doing is worthwhile, but they have a right to believe that. And in this case, probably some good reasons. But that doesnt mean they believe that any life lost is wasted.

About the article, I think it is a little sad that you are letting party lines determine your feelings towards the country. I think that Obama is change, which is making everyone feel better, but is also making big mistakes. Bush wasnt the best president ever, but Obama isn't the best either. The buyout of GM? the deficiet? socialized healthcare? the government is way overstepping his bounds. You should respect the freedoms we have as a country without party ties. And, work to make sure those freedoms never get taken away.

Lana says:
Sun, 26th Jul 200910:24 pm 

Wow Caseys dumb.

Casey says:
Tue, 28th Jul 20096:34 pm 

And why is that Lana? Because I value the lives of those who are willing to sacrifice them for me?

YOU are ignorant.