From March 14th to 16th 2008, Pacifica Radio provided coverage of the historic Winter Soldier 2008 gathering in Washington, DC.
National broadcast (April 22nd) on the first class action lawsuit brought by Iraq war veterans against the Department of Veterans Affairs. US vets suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are alleging a system-wide breakdown in the way the government treats injured soldiers.
When young American men and women sign up to serve in the US military, our government makes a basic promise to them: that if they are wounded in the line of duty they will get the care they need. Unfortunately, for tens of thousands of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, that's a promise that only exists on paper.
Corporal Phillipe Louis Jean: When I Got Back from Iraq, They Tried to Deport Me
Specialist Joshua Casteel: Abu Ghraib Interrogator Meets With the Pope
Lance Corporal Jeff Key: Gay Marine Comes Out on CNN
Sergeant Todd Bowers: While I Was in Iraq, My Student Loans Were Sent to Collection
Sergeant James Dean: Afghan Vet Shot by Maryland State Troopers
Reponse to support the troops
It is clearly stated by the president of the United States that supporting the troops is not synonymous with supporting the soldier or veteran. He has threated to VETO VA benefit increases, he did not support the troops by being sure that their was WMD's in Iraq before sending over 4,000 of them to their deaths for his lies. Supporting the troops can only be done by never sending them to fight for a lie. To take care of them when they return. But most important of all. To support the troops now means to hold those who sent them off to Iraq accountable for their acts of treason!~
How Does This Slogan Actually Work?
I am really curious as to how the psychology of this propaganda works. Various administrations have used this during wartime, and communities see their loved ones come back unwhole, and witness the apathy of the system to their plight after serving. If they come back at all. How can this slogan be made transparent, and what slogans and actions would have to replace it? ie, what can be done to appeal to people who now believe that being anti-war means being anti-troops?
Yellow ribbons that say "Support Halliburton"?
I suppose the Clear Channelization of media doesn't help with getting other perspectives out there. Really thankful for KPFA!!
"Support the Troops"
The slogan is here, whether we like it or not. The only thing I can do personally is to give it MY OWN MEANING.
Support the returning troops in getting the mental and physical healthcare they need. Support the troops in getting worthwhile employment. Support the troops in their efforts of coming to grips with what they had to do under the guise of a just war. Support the troops in getting the word out that war does nothing for anyone.
"Support the Troops" slogan
Everytime I see the ribbon magnet on a vehicle I have this sinking feeling. The magnet does nothing to show support for our troops. I believe the slogan is to show support for the war not the actual men and women fighting the war.
I believe that supporting our troops would mean no more wars. Military would need to be used all over the world to build infrastrutures, education, etc.
"I Support Our Troops." Not!
I find it really tacky that many profess to be so called "Christian" and falsely claim they are pro life yet drive around with a magnet (I like to turn upside down)that supports murder of innocent people who had nothing to do with 9/11 for STOLEN oil and land for redevelopment. War is neither pro life theologically or biologicallly. All the things that are being commited against the Iraqi people by "supporting our troops" such as: murder, rape, child molesting, stealing, grand theft of their homes and their oil is not only so against everything the good book teaches, but they are crimes against humanity! So, when I see someone with that on their car, I do not trust them with my children and loved ones, my possessions, and my home. I think of them as an accomplices to those crimes. They are sitting and eating at the same table of demons.
San Francisco's Fleet Week does not support the troops.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom says that Fleet Week, the Blue Angels, Air Show, the Viper West, the Golden Knights Parachute Team, and all the other shock'n awe demo shows that come out here each October, expressly timed to coincide with Columbus Day, come to support the troops, in an unpopular war.
Our mayor's more famous for amorous escapades than razor sharp logic, but this year he finally acknowledged that Fleet Week comes to recruit, though he's still trying to tell us that they come to support the troops and honor the vets as well.
San Francisco's Fleet Week is indeed a massive all forces recruitment essential to continuing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. Navy alone scoops up roughly 1/5th of its annual recruiting target right here in San Francisco in less than a week.
Twenty-five to thirty percent of the homeless on San Francisco streets are vets, and I also very much doubt that they feel honored by Fleet Week, though I also doubt anyone ever asks if they do.
I'm collecting signatures to get an initiative on the November ballot that would cancel San Francisco's invitation to Fleet Week:
http://www.ktvu.com/video/15590046/index.html
Anyone who thinks they could collect a page or two of signatures or otherwise help, feel free to contact me at anniegarrison@mac.com.
Support the Troops...Not the War!
Living in a small Midwestern community I find it difficult to swallow seeing all the "Support Our Troops" yellow ribbons on their cars. In this town it is understood that these stand for those supporting the war and when in conversation with people I am not afraid to let them know I don't support the war. Immediately they assume that I do not support our troops, when the opposite is quite true. Inspired by an instructor who encourages us to speak out, I am currently lobbying for extended help for mental health care for our troops. I have never served in the military myself but I have many close relatives and friends that have. Some of the atrocities that they have witnessed at such young ages puts them at special risks and I believe they deserve to be taken care of the country that put them to work. I do support the troops but not by purchasing a magnet but rather in the actions I choose to take. If the government can spend trillions on this war they sure can spend it on taking care of our veterans.
-Peeved at Ignorance
Support the Troops Mantra?
I'd support the troops if I could afford to buy groceries for my family, fill my gas tank once a month, and have a little dignity about what it really means to be an American.....I used to know.....but now....it's real foggy and I need some help......
h