I recently heard an analogy that caused me to seriously question (not deny but critically evaluate) if I am able to “support the troops but not the war.”  As you may, or may not know, I am not in support of the military actions of America in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Despite that fact, I have always considered myself a strong supporter of the military and the troops that are obeying orders and dutifully serving.

My ethical quandry is related to the morality of these particular conflicts and those “dutifully” serving.  I heard it put this way:

Saying you support the troops but not the war is like saying, during the Civil Rights movement, you support the police who are using the German Shepherds and fire hoses to attack African-Americans but not the policies of discrimination.

What do you think?  Is this consistent logic.  Should I rethink my classic bifurcation of policy and persons?  Is it possible to support the persons carrying out a policy and be morally opposed to the policy itself?

*Note: If I have not been clear, I am seriously trying to evaluate the critique that was leveled against my position.  I am very supportive and thankful of those who serve in the armed forces but am trying to honestly, critically, and realistically evaluate my positions.  No one should read into this post anything other than what is here.  I am not critiquing the military or the troops but merely asking a simple question in regard to my logic.