thinkprogress.org — Anti-war Iraq veterans were banned from participating in a Veterans Day parade in Long Beach, CA, because ?we do not want groups of a political nature, advocating the troops withdrawal from Iraq,? said one organizer. Brandon Friedman notes that the organizers seem to have no problems with groups advocating staying in Iraq, however.
Nov 12, 2007 View in Crawl 4
fantasmacaninoNov 13, 2007
It's a veterans' parade for all veterans, just as long as you agree with their political views (and you don't have a limb missing or something, we don't wanna scare the children or give people the impression that soldiers get injured during wars or die).
Closed AccountNov 13, 2007
"Land of the free" is now just a stupid and hollow right wing mantra without foothold in reality.
lnf69Nov 13, 2007
So, is this the way we should "support" our troops? Only if they agree with our politics?I've never been a supporter of the current war, or any war for that matter. But I always try to be gracious and respectful to the troops, all of whom, regardless of political bend, volunteered to do service, in my place. I was very happy when the draft was stopped. I was 17 years old at the time. I really feel that the volunteers have gone in my place, and for that I am grateful, and supportive of the individuals who served/serve. I find it despicable that dissenters are silenced, in spite of them having truly put their lives on the line in my place.