Peace activism: a matter of language (BARF) (BUT FR MENTIONED)

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 04/07/03 | Robert Salladay

[TenaciousZ]

"Just to clarify . . . we support the troops," Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder told a Denver audience last week after getting booed and told to shut up for criticizing President Bush on stage. Some in the crowd, perhaps soothed a bit, cheered.

In the current minefield of political expression, many peace activists are creating their own version of patriotism, whether it's carrying U.S. flags at anti-war rallies or slapping "Peace is Patriotic" bumper stickers on their cars. "Support the troops, not the war" has become a mantra at anti-war demonstrations nationwide.

The use of nationalistic symbols and language by the peace movement occurred during the first Gulf War and even before. But as the current Iraq war continues, a new movement is emerging to wrestle patriotic words and images from conservatives -- and allow mainstream Americans to feel more comfortable about participating in anti-war demonstrations.

[NetValue]

"'Support the troops, not the war' has become a mantra at anti-war demonstrations nationwide. "

Shows how mindless and stupid the mob can be.

[Fraulein]

Kathy Wood with the Washington, D.C., chapter of Free Republic, a conservative group, said she witnessed a protester rip down a U.S. flag that was being held by a Vietnam veteran at a recent anti-war demonstration.

She said the protester ripped the flag apart. "That is what they really feel about the American flag," Wood said. "This is just a charade to make them look more mainstream and get their message out."

[rj45mis]

I wonder how many of these peace-activist jackasses who are so concerned about innocent Iraqi civilians also advocate the aborting of innocent babies who have no way of defending themselves. Huh?

[longtermmemmory]

""""Fundamentally," said John Bostrom, 58, a consultant from Staten Island, N. Y., who has been debating the issue online with other peace activists, "support-the-troops is a cry of fear and despair that our kids are going to die. That is the emotional level. Who could possibly oppose that?" """

Its about the blatent hypocracy. They peacniks were damaged by their overt disrespect in the 60's so they are now trying covert disrespect. Support the troops mantra is an underhanded way of saying soldiers are mindless obedient machines who have no clue about the eeeeeeevil they are doing. The peacnick/politicians who use this fraud argument are frauds themselves.

[rj45mis]

support-the-troops is a cry of fear and despair that our kids are going to die.

Like I said...see post #4

[longtermmemmory]

no its not, its a statement of political convenience which has nothing to do with abortion. It is about a real as saying "do it for the children" or Ms. America saying "world peace"

[rj45mis]

actually, the point i am trying to make is this..while we have so many in our country and around the world that seem to be so concerned about innocent lives being lost in this war, there is even a greater holocaust going on in the killing of unborn children. this is source of anguish for me as we continue to make it legal to murder babies but protest over the removal of an evil dictator.

[LuvUSA]

"we support the troops" is a farce.
The troops are carrying out the mission, therefore by supporting them you support the mission. I beleive you cant separate the two. This statement is just trying to ensure them they wont get their asses kicked too bad by returning veterans of this conflict.

[longtermmemmory]

I see, a valid point in that context.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

"Support the troops, not the war"

Support the police, not the crime fighting.

"Honor Our Troops, Bring Them Home,

Honor Our Firemen, Keep Them in the Fire House.

[MainFrame65]

Right. Our brave service men and women are sacrificing their lives fighting an unjustified war against helpless civilians, women, and children, committing a war crime with every bullet fired. This is supporting the troops?

These people can try to appropriate the symbols, but they will never own them.

[JaimeD2]

But as the current Iraq war continues, a new movement is emerging to wrestle patriotic words and images from conservatives -- and allow mainstream Americans to feel more comfortable about participating in anti-war demonstrations.

Notice the implied assumption here: mainstream Americans want to participate in anti-war demonstrations, but fear being branded as anti-American by conservatives. I bet they think that mainstream Americans protested against Vietnam, too.

[jiggyboy]

try to stay on topic

[Angelwood]

I didn't realize the reporter would quote me in his article. He called to find out information on M.O.V.E.O.U.T., an organization headed up by Joel Kernodle, a Vietnam Vet who participated in the DC Chapter's Patriots Rally for America III held January 18, 2003. I called the reporter back with the phone number for Joel, but I don't see him or M.O.V.E.O.U.T. mentioned in the article.

[AuntB]

Recently the peace freaks demonstrated in front of Rep. Greg Walden's office demanding to know why he refuses to support them when he supported our protests regarding Klamath Falls. The difference is when 9/11 happened we got together and decided it was time to support our country, our president and our fellow citizens and that our cause would have to wait. These poor misguided dolts just don't understand priorities.