Have all those who've died in Iraq & Afghanistan made us freer or safer?

[Philosoraptor]

Were their sacrifices 'worth it'?

[Vincardog]

1. NO Not one bit

[Bigmack]

2. As soon as people in this country...

start to actually value our troops, they will bring them home. Until then, it's "Support our troops".... but send them to die and be maimed in pointless missions.

[joeybee12]

3. I'll one up you...they haven't made the people in Iraq and Afghanistan

freer or safer, either.

[FiveGoodMen]

7. Which is fine with the fuckers who sent them there in the first place

The warmongers never intended to make those places -- OR the US -- any freer or safer.

[joeybee12]

14. War is usually, or should I say, always, never about the invaders stated goals...n/t

[FiveGoodMen]

23. Sure seems that way!

Just saw the Ellsberg special on PBS ("The Most Dangerous Man in America") and found that past 60-years-worth of presidents were worse than I thought.

[arbusto_baboso]

4. No. And as a veteran, that lie fucking incenses me.

No uniformed American has "fought for our freedoms" since 1946. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar and a shameless flag-waving fuckbasket.

[Ishoutandscream2]

9. Wish I could recommend what you just stated!

But I can kick it!

[atreides1]

10. I've had that same conversation recently

I asked someone, when was the last time that the US military actually "fought for our freedoms"? All I get is the "deer in the headlights" look.

[arbusto_baboso]

12. It's the "comforting lie".

People know in their heart-of-hearts that it's just not true. But admitting it to themselves would crumble much of their preconceived worldview.

[RaleighNCDUer]

19. Which is not to say the soldiers did not sign up to do so -

they, like the rest of us, are being lied to.

[gratuitous]

5. I find your lack of faith . . . disturbing

Violence is the perfect tool to drive out violence. If it looks like it failed, then you haven't used enough violence.

[mmonk]

6. Only enforcement of our Constitution and rights granted

can make or keep us free. Free and unfree countries both fight wars.

[atreides1]

15. Now

We just have to find someone who will "Support and Defend" it! And for the record the US military as well as the US Congress, have both failed in that regard.

Just the opinion of an Army veteran.

[mmonk]

18. You've got it. Many tell us they will until they are in charge it seems.

[COLGATE4]

8. No. Hell No. NFW!!!!!

[Puregonzo1188]

11. No.

[iamtechus]

13. No. Their lives were wasted as were the lives of those who died in Vietnam.

[handmade34]

16. in respect for those who have lost a loved one...

those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan have died serving their country in the way they hoped best...

but no, I do not believe that we are freer or safer, although there are a few who are a whole lot richer

[mike_c]

17. they died in vein, for nothing-- their lives were thrown away for war profits....

Obama: End these fucking wars!

[cutlassmama]

28. +1

[DCBob]

20. The war has likely reduced the capability of AQ types to plan and conduct further attacks.

However, that being said.. I think it's now time to get out and let the Afghans deal with this themselves.

[NC_Nurse]

21. Sadly, no. Perhaps the initial invasion of Afghanistan diminished AQ's capabilities,

but everything since has been more collusion of warmongers and the MIC which is dry-humping this cash cow for all it's worth.

It's nice to see so many vets who are willing to be brutally honest about this. I know it must be very painful to the families to entertain the thought that their loved one's lives have been squandered. I think that much of America hesitates to face this truth because they don't want to believe it. The ugly truth.

[dionysus]

25. yeah, but the AQ who did 9-11, those were trained professionals. over there, we're fighting AK-47

jockeys. it comparing apples to oranges.

they probably spent a ton of time and money training the 9-11 plotters. they wouldn't let those guys get wasted in a firefight somewhere.

[Bigmack]

27. "Squandered"... better word than "wasted"..I'll use it! nt

[sakabatou]

22. No.

[dionysus]

24. not in the least. unless those guys can swim here with their AKs.

[Ezlivin]

26. We're freer of our liberties and safer from peace

Because, you know, those liberties were just holding us back and peace is overrated.