WHERE DOES SUPPORT WITH THE TROOPS REALLY LIE?

A recent letter in the Herald ("Quit complaining; support soldiers") had me wondering about something:

Given how the rate of suicides and desertion rates of our soldiers has been sky-rocketing (due to the 15-month extended tours business and the stress of being stuck in an endless "backdoor draft" situation...?) over the past couple of years, where does that writer's "loyalties" lie--exactly?

Is she just there to beat the drums of war blindly and cheerlead our already exhausted men and women until they can't see straight anymore--or does that writer's support also extend to those service men and women whom have killed themselves because of the mounted stress that this illegal war has brought upon them these last 5 years?

Or is it to those soldiers whom have deserted because they could not stand the strain of being forced back to serve yet another tour of duty? (After serving 3 or 4 tours?)

Where does her loyalties lie? Where does anyone else's for that matter? To those who are living in hell over in Iraq, or those whom have deserted, and/or committed suicide?

As an anti-war supporter, it makes me wonder if there are not double-standards to those who claim to support the troops but continue to turn a blind eye towards their ongoing pain and suffering.

It's a harsh reality we live in, but we can't pledge excessive fealty to a conflict without end. Especially one that has harmed us globally and continues to harm our troops at every passing turn.

Schuyler Thorpe

xxxth Street xx #X001

Everett, WA 98204

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