Can a Pacifist Support Our Troops?

I was a pacifist before I knew what it was to be one. Peace has always been in my heart, along with the natural inclination to shun the "evils" of the world: killing, torture, destruction, abuse of the innocent. There is no way to paint the picture of was as a "good" thing, no sense in pretending it is happy, nice, or in any way positive. The furthest I have been able to move from this is toward war as a necessary thing. This is a concession which my idealist mind still refuses to make, but also one whose validity is considered, at times, by the realist portion of my sensibilities.

Not one to be openly contradictory, I couldn't conceive of crying out for peace in a violent protest, but I have yet to be involved in a peaceful one, either. I imagine it's safe to say that I'm no activist. This is neither from lack of conviction, nor from any desire to hide my beliefs away; it is merely a show of respect for others to believe as they do, differently from me. I remain quietly, politely, but firmly, as opposed to the current conflict in Iraq as I am to all others, by all names and levels of intensity.

There have been many accusations, mainly of a political nature, of pacifists being unpatriotic, or Anti-American, at their more extreme. Pacifists, it has been said, don't support the troops. This has been drug along even further, to say that those who don't support the troops do, in effect, support the enemy. I see little point in defending against political propaganda, as I realize that it is meant to incite, not to deliver facts. I will, however, say, after a length of introspection, that yes, even a pacifist can support the troops. In fact, it makes perfect sense.

They didn't ask to be there. Yes, all service personnel are aware when they sign up that they may be sent to combat. I'm sure there are some who even look forward to this, for a variety of reasons. Soldiers, however, are not given their choice of assignments; the military cannot be that fully democratic. Every member of the service isn't given the chance to opt out of a conflict with which they disagree, nor are they involved in a massive vote before the country commits. In every given conflict there are soldiers fighting who disagree to some extent with the necessity of the fight. Yet they're still there, putting their lives on the line for all of us at home - grateful and ungrateful alike.

These men and women have decided to dedicate their lives to protecting us, our country, and our way of life; and in the process agreed to risk their lives for all efforts deemed necessary. Unlike civilians, who can pick and choose their battles based on what they feel is worth fighting for; these brave individuals have their battles assigned. Whether or not they believe in an issue, they put their faith in their commanders and look toward what has been decided to be the greater good.

I could neither quickly nor conscientiously turn my mind against someone who has signed on unwaveringly to protect me, to ensure my life, my rights and my freedom. Even beyond that, some of the principles that lead me to pacifism also lead me to support our troops. Sounds strange, doesn't it? Pacifism makes me support those who fight.

The world needs more love, more compassion, more understanding. How else would we have peace? I can like someone, support someone and their rights, without necessarily agreeing with all of their beliefs, choices or actions. There is no need to speak or act against someone who doesn't do as I would do - goodness, isn't that how we got war in the first place? The support I feel comes, in part, from respect. Not merely respect for these people and who they are, but also respect for the sacrifices they make for us and the reasons behind what they do.

I hope, with as much want as I have ever had for anything, that someday what they do will no longer be seen as necessary - to anyone. I hope fiercely for the end of the conflict in Iraq, the end of wars in general, and the safe return home of all military personnel. In the meantime, I wish for their safety, and thank them all for what they are doing for the rest of us.