Just Politics?

I note that an earlier post of mine attracted some "criticism" from the right.

Evidently, my opposition to the war is being characterized as partisan politics, or worse. The fact is that this war was presented to us in the most partisan terms -- you either got on board or you were considered un-American.

Those for the war assumed the stance of courageous patriots, and felt entitled
to challenge the courage and patriotism of those who were opposed. Those for the war claimed to be supporting our Troops, with the implication that opponents of the war were somehow letting the Troops down.

Stories about people spitting on soldiers showed up in right wing blogs. All part of a campaign to pressure people into going along with a war that looked very questionable. When it turned out there were no WMD, and no WMD programs either, the partisan spin machine had to turn up the heat to keep people in line. The propaganda and insults have been streaming in for months and months.

So I have come to accept that those who support this war will never allow that anyone opposed to it might love his country and support the Troops. I don't even mind if they think my motives are political. It is an accusation that may suggest something about their own motivations and thinking, or perhaps they are simply reacting to the stress of defending a hopelessly flawed position.

For now, all that matters is bringing this war to a close. We can sort the rest out later.

Neil

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