People in the peace movement are often branded as unpatriotic because, supposedly, they do not support the troops. However, in many cases, this is simply not true.
While there are some in the peace movement who are indeed anti-military under any circumstances, this is an extreme view that should not be thrust upon the entire movement. Many will agree that a military is necessary for the national security of a country. Some will even go so far as to say that sometimes war is unavoidable, such as in the case of World War II.
Peace Keeping Not Invasion
However, support for having a military, and respect for the men and women who choose to join, is not the same thing as being in favour of one's country occupying a foreign land such as in the case of Canada in Afghanistan or the United States in Iraq. The purpose of a military is not to be imperailistic. But even these actions are not necessarily the fault of the military. It is the fault of the government that issues the orders for the military to go into these areas.
"Support the Troops" has become a major catch phrase concerning Canada's involvement in the war in Afghanistan. People are putting yellow magnetic ribbons on their vehicles. Some view this as a grassroots campaign to support the troops, when in reality, those decals are a program of the government.
Red Friday -- Just Another Pro-War Message
"Red Friday" celebrations are happening, where people wear red and have rallies in support of the military. Again, this is less about supporting the troops, than about being pro-war. Remembrance Day used to come once a year -- on November 11. Now, society is barraged with pro-war messages -- all because of what is going on in Afghanistan. The government is trying to sell this war to the Canadian people through feel-good methods.
Support the Troops by Bringing Them Home Alive
Since the peace movement in Canada officially believes that Canada should withdraw from Afghanistan -- and at the same time, those in the United States believe the country must get out of Iraq - supporting the troops means bringing them home alive and not allowing any casualties in the name of an illegal, immoral, and unjust war.
It's not even that big of a leap to suggest that the whole "Support the Troops" hoopla is created by the government to polarize the population. If you support the troops, you're a good citizen. If you don't, you are unpatriotic. Again, the question must be asked: why now? Why so much emphasis on the war in Afghanistan over other struggles with which the Canadian military has been involved?
The men and women of the military chose a physically and emotionally harsh profession. It was their choice. One of the unfortunate occupational hazards of being in the military is getting killed in battle. Sad and tragic, yes. But the same applies to police officers. And construction workers have a mortality rate as well on the job. Construction workers have important jobs, building the infrastructure of society. But there is no hoopla or regal funeral when a construction worker gets killed on the job.
Support the troops - bring them home. Avoid unnecessary patriotism. Work for peace.
