Iraq War and Patriotism
63Photo by James Scott Murphy
I am an American. I love our country. I believe in the ideals that it was founded upon. I served honorably in the US Navy for over 9 years. I have been to the Middle East and visited several countries there. I consider myself patriotic.
However I did not agree with the premise we used to go into Iraq. Nor do I think we should have gone into Iraq without the full support and participation of the UN and the invitation of the Iraqi people. I love America and I do my best to support our Government. We have the right to defend our country.......however
When it comes to international matters, I think we are always better served, listening to and working with the global community, instead of taking actions independently. Are the Iraq people better off now? Maybe, maybe not. Was it in the best interest of Iraq or the United States, to go to war in Iraq. I do not believe it was.
This issue truly tears at my heart, because I honestly care about the people of Iraq. I met some very lovely people while on duty in the Middle East.
I also have the uttermost respect for those serving in the US military who have sworn an oath, that they are bound to uphold.
What saddens me is that I feel our service members dedication to duty, was used to some degree in a careless manner. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one because of this war.
I can only speak for myself, but when I raised my right hand and joined the Navy, I swore to fight and die for the interests and welfare of this country. I still feel very passionate about that oath. That type of commitment should never, ever be taken lightly or misused.
I can only pray that somehow the situation in Iraq will come into balance and our troops will come home and stay home. This may be a naive or idealistic prayer. Yet I pray it nonetheless.
Respectfully and with hope for peace in all nations.
James Scott Murphy
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Great hub Scott.
Thank you so much for your comment. I hope you have a wonderful day.
James
I concur wholeheartedly Scott. A person's allegiance to his/her country shouldn't be used for ulterior reasons. Invading Iraq didn't improve the lot of the average American, or Iraqi. There are still oppressed groups there, just different ones to before. The stranglehold on oil was virtually finalised, a few rich men became immeasurably more powerful and the world was forced to pay absurdly high prices for fuel. We're now in a worldwide depression. (Recession is a cover-up, disaster fits better)
You've just earned another fan.
Good luck, TOF
Thank you for your comments and fan mail. I greatly appreciate the feedback.
Wish we could hear more voices like yours! Thanks for a great Hub and being so honest about what is a painful thing for many in the US, I'm sure.
Love and peace
Tony
Thanks so much for the supportive feedback. I do greatly appreciate it.
James
countrywomen 3 years ago
James- It is so true. Whether we like it or not isn't a choice that the soldier makes. All that matters is to follow the directive of the supreme commander in chief. I have seen many a times people who say that if you don't support Iraq invasion you aren't a patriot and here we have a soldier like you who is patriotic and still doesn't support war. I hope there is peace and harmony in the world. We don't need innocent young men dying and God knows how many people feel whether their death/injury is justified when it was due to a lie in the first place. A great hub and I hope more people read this side of the story.