Support the Troops
I don’t support the unconstitutional quagmire that is the Iraq War, but I do support the troops who are there for whatever reason. It’s true that there is no longer a draft, and everyone involved chose to join. However, due to the non-libertarian policies put into place in America over the years and the resulting poor economy, many young people (skewing towards the lower socioeconomic end of the scale) find that the military is a good choice for them, and they can’t be faulted for that. Many joined after September 11, and who didn’t want to do that themselves? Other people joined not realizing that they would be sent to fight in a war more similar to Vietnam than World War II, and since the military requires such a long time commitment, some have been out for years and have been called back and deployed overseas.
Some have even been lucky enough to win an all-expenses-paid vacation to the Middle East three, four, or even five times. The government’s policies aren’t their fault.
I’m with Obama Girl on this one:
Here are some ways to support our troops currently deployed overseas.
AnySoldier.com allows you to read the specific needs of platoons in different areas and send packages to one soldier who gives out the supplies to the others, many of whom don’t receive care packages of their own.
Trees for Troops will send real Christmas trees to those overseas. According to the site, 17,000 trees are being donated from 29 states and will travel to 15 countries, 51,000 miles by FedEx. This is not the most environmentally friendly program, but who doesn’t like Christmas trees?
The VFW’s Operation Uplink sends calling cards so soldiers can call their families.
Who doesn’t love ham radios and their operators? Besides having their own personalized license plates, they contact the astronauts visiting the International Space Station, and members of the Military Affiliates Radio System deliver messages to soldiers.
Finally, Iraq Veterans Against the War is a commendable organization comprised of those who have served and don’t want anyone else to have to go through what they’ve been through.
And, if you want to support the troops, you may want to know who they want as President. Congressman Ron Paul has more donations from active military personnel than any other candidate for president of any party.