Many news media sources have tacitly placed the intent of the “Support Our Troops” movement squarely against that of the anti-war protests. Due to this irresponsible misinterpretation of the intent of the anti-war movement, many people have unfortunately applied an “anti-troop” meaning.
In the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, the word “support” is defined, in part, as “to promote the interests or cause of.”
How is it possible to simultaneously support our troops and denounce the war?
Anti-war protesters actively promote the right to legally protest the actions of our government. Our troops serve to protect this freedom, among others; it is their “cause” if this conflict was truly initiated in the interest of protecting our freedoms.
Many worry that recent protests will discourage our troops.
The ire of the anti-war movement has been primarily focused on our government’s foreign policy and subsequent rhetoric, not on our nation’s soldiers. By challenging and questioning our government’s actions, we, as citizens, hope to effect a more just and honest government.
The anti-war movement’s active application of freedom should actually inspire our soldiers.
I challenge my fellow protesters to voice this principle so that our intent is clear to the world.
I challenge my country’s media to publicize this common doctrine of the anti-war movement.
And, I challenge supporters of the Iraqi conflict to consider the validity of the concerns voiced by the anti-war movement and not be deceived by poor journalism.
Dane Despres, Lewiston
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