Supporting the Troops? by Craig Watts (7/27/2010)Craig Watts is pastor of Royal Palm Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Coral Springs, Florida and co-moderator for the Disciples Peace Fellowship.
In a recent conversation about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan I found myself echoing the words often spoken by antiwar folk: “I oppose the war but I support the troops.” My conversation partner was quick to respond, “You really don’t.” I replied, “So, you don’t think it’s possible to be supportive of the troops and stand against the way that are being misused in this war?” He answered, “Perhaps that’s possible for some people. But you’re a pacifist. Even in the best of circumstances you don’t support the troops. You may support the soldiers as men and women but not as troops.”
I had ...