Right to Protest?

One of the recurring themes I noticed in yesterday's Pro-American, Pro-War on Terror rally in DC, was how the anti-war protestors are hurting America. Recalling the 1960's protests which humiliated our nation and brought about the first American military defeat in US history and it all makes sense. The America Legion recently produced Resolution 169, which adresses this fact:

Yet we also know from experience the impact that war protests can have
on troops in the fi eld. For instance, thousands of Americans demonstrated
against the Vietnam War, both here at home and overseas. Those who
branded Vietnam War veterans as “baby killers” may not have realized the
long-term impact and pain that their words would cause many veterans, not
to mention the short-term propaganda value that some of their antics would
provide the enemy.
In other words, the issue of how to voice dissent in a time of war is a complex
one. It’s complex because the members of the Legion family, like most
Americans, believe in freedom just as much as we believe in the men and
women who defend our freedom. As folk singer Bob Dylan once said, “I
think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility
that comes with his freedom.” Our troops understand this responsibility.
Antiwar groups began demonstrating against military action even before
U.S. troops began to strike back at our enemies. The antiwar group Act Now
to Stop War and End Racism actually held its fi rst antiwar rally on Sept. 29,
2001 – before U.S. forces began the liberation of Afghanistan, before the fi rst
terrorist was jailed at Guantanamo Bay, before the war in Iraq, even before
the fi res stopped smoldering in Manhattan.
Because of their methods, history will not judge these protesters kindly.
They are not only causing additional pain and anguish to America’s heroes,
they are also encouraging the enemy, thereby lengthening the war.
In our view, war is painful enough without adding anguish to its veterans
and their families. What do we mean by anguish? Walter Reed Medical Center,
where many of America’s injured warriors are being treated, has been
targeted by war protesters. Some demonstrators have gone as far as protesting
at funerals for America’s fallen heroes. Some opponents of the war have
even called the terrorists “freedom fi ghters.” These terrorists are people who
murder religious pilgrims, behead humanitarian aid workers, kill unarmed
U.N. offi cials and bomb U.S. troops as they rebuild broken cities. Simply put,
they are not freedom fi ghters. They are killers without conscience or compunction.
That was obvious to most Americans on 9/11, and it remains obvious
today.
22 The American Legion – Resolution No. 169
Indeed, one of the main reasons the Legion family has urged Americans to
support the war effort is the nature of the enemy and the nature of this war:
The War on Terrorism began in earnest only after the U.S. homeland was
attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. This undeniable fact makes the War on Terrorism
different from previous wars that drew protests inside the United States, such
as the Gulf War, the invasions of Panama and Grenada, the Vietnam War, or
the Korean War. Although each of these military actions was important to
the defense of America’s national interests, none of them came in response
to a direct assault on America’s homeland.
Another important difference between this war and earlier wars is the fact
that the men and women who are waging the War on Terrorism are all volunteers.
Not one soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman has
been drafted into this war. Although there can be little doubt that our troops
would rather be home than stay on the frontlines, no one can say that the
troops are serving against their will or being forced to fi ght.
No one in the Legion family wants to stifl e the right to public dissent; however,
it is fair to ask those who disagree with this war to do so responsibly.
Opponents of the War on Terrorism can voice their dissent in several ways
that are not harmful to the troops or helpful to America’s enemies. For example,
they can:

Run for political offi ce

Vote and campaign against candidates whose policies they fi nd objectionable

Write newspaper editorials and letters to the editor

Volunteer in election campaigns

Contact their representatives in Congress

This is the sort of dissent that is responsible in a time of war. It also happens to
be the sort of political action that has the most impact where it counts – with our
elected offi cials. Indeed, it’s important to note that a majority of U.S. citizens has
already expressed support for the War on Terrorism through the political process.
The War on Terrorism has been the central issue in one presidential election and
two congressional election cycles. Since we live under a representative system of
government, these elections have a signifi cant bearing on the nature and extent of
our nation’s involvement in this war.
Resolution 169, which clearly states The American Legion’s support for the War on
Terrorism, including U.S. military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, is an effort to
support the majority of Americans as they support our troops.

As this states, the right to protest in war-time should be limited to the ballot box. Anything thing more will only harm our troops, and prolong the war.