War Czar Says Questioning War Has Nothing to Do With Not Supporting the Troops

Testimony from war czar Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute reconfirms the fact that it is politicians, and not military men, who scream "Support the troops!" as a political attack against their enemies.

When asked about the debate over the Iraq War that has consumed Washington and the nation, Lute said at his confirmation hearing today, "I don't believe it undercuts [the troop's] morale." The troops "understand the democratic process," he said, "and, in fact, that's what we've sworn to protect and defend."

It sounds a lot like what Gen. Pace said on the subject: "As long as this Congress continues to do what it has done, which is to provide the resources for the mission, the dialogue will be the dialogue, and the troops will feel supported."

Or what Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said: "I think [the troops are] sophisticated enough to understand that that's what the debate’s really about."

Of course they are. The troops, after all, debate the merit of the war as much or more than anyone else. They know the same thing goes on at home, and that the mere existence of debate doesn't mean liberals somewhere want them to die. To assume otherwise is an insult to their intelligence.

So who's doing the insulting? Republicans in Congress like House Minority Leader John Boehner, who said, "Think about the message we have sent them... We have undermined their efforts, lowered their morale, and clearly sent the wrong message." Or John McCain, who said, "if we voice disapproval and send our young troops on their way... what message does it send to the troops? That we disapprove of what they're doing but we still support them, but not their mission?"

Or the dark lord himself, Dick Cheney, who said straight up that questioning the war is "detrimental to our troops." I suggest the vice president fact-check that with his generals, his Secretary of Defense, or any one of the troops fighting on the ground.

Think Progress has video of Lute's testimony.

Comments

Amen, Jonathan! Every time I hear some politician (on either side) spew some comment about free speech being unpatriotic or dangerous to our armed services personnel, it makes me burn. Not only do I find that kind of statement deeply offensive, I find it deeply troubling that our elected officials frequently stoop to that level. These people are tasked with upholding our Constitution and instead they urinate all over it. I fear our once great Nation is in the midst of a calamitous free-fall and it's breaking my heart.

Keep on shining the light in dark places!

Posted by: Deacon on 06/07/07 at 11:32 AM Respond

I can assure you, having been there a couple of times, that no one is questioning this war more than the troops themselves. We're not stupid.

Posted by: Christian on 06/07/07 at 1:59 PM Respond

I need help in the media as my son is sufferig from depresion [ having nightmares, walking and talking in his sleep] after returning from Iraq in december and now he is suppose to be redeployed [ involuntary extention] this comming December. I have so much to tell but everytime I go into a lengthy letter as to what is going on,I can't seem to get the e-mail sent off.
Please help me .. I need some media attention as I have writen, e-mailed and called organizations. I was told that media coverage is the best.
Sincerely, Patricia Culbertson

Posted by: Patricia Culbertson on 06/08/07 at 11:28 AM Respond

The soldier mentioned who is having nightmares and walking in his sleep should be encouraged to contact the local VA hospital or outpatient clinic. Help is available there.

Posted by: john estabrook on 06/08/07 at 11:39 AM Respond

Contact your Congressman or Senator and explain what is going on. From what I've heard of the military stance on discharging troops with post traumatic issues is that in the public they say they support getting help for them but in private they will tell that soldier you have a job to do, go do it!!! I suggest listening to this NPR broadcast: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1244341

Posted by: Vicki on 06/08/07 at 1:24 PM Respond

Am I the only person who would like to see Bush, Blair and Cheney out there on patrol a few times... it's not like they're of strategic value.

Posted by: G on 06/08/07 at 2:42 PM Respond

How can the public possibly send a strong message about foreign interventionism when the media presents this war as a "fait accompli" that will drag on indefinitely? Are decisions about troop deployment made unilaterally by any president [who can keep his pants unzipped] automatically "not open for discussion" because of presumed harm to troop morale or national defense? This is truly outrageous!

Posted by: JT Barrie on 06/09/07 at 6:40 AM Respond

Ever since the Department of War became the Department of Defense, we have been promulgating lies and mini-wars. Non-declared wars that is. The first Secretary of Defense for the new DOD/Truman era, committed suicide. How was that for karma? The troops, of which I was one as a combat Marine, are pretty well atuned to supporting each other. The rest is propaganda and lip service. Does anyone out there actually thing that Vietnam was an honest war? Well excuse me, Texaco and Standard Oil do, as we now drill for oil with our Communist Partners. What is the difference between then and now? Both Iraq and Iran will be our kissin' cousins in 10 years, and all we be forgotten. MB/USMC

Posted by: Mike Brewer on 06/10/07 at 3:28 AM Respond