How should We "Support" Our Troops‪?‬

Most Americans agree that, regardless of whether they support a war, they should support U.S. troops. Just as in the months following September 11, 2001, a preponderance of American flags and signs can be found at the checkout counters and on the backsides of vehicles. Because of this, Americans feel patriotic as if they are doing something. While these displays are surely important to troops, there are more concrete and practical ways of providing them support. Most importantly, Americans need to ensure that the U.S. government is meeting the troops' needs in terms of paying them fair wages, addressing their medical concerns, protecting their families, and being considerate of their family responsibilities. Steve Robinson, executive director of the National Gulf War Resource Center, says, "My personal experience is that soldiers need equipment that works, leaders that care, objectives that are righteous and moral. Then when they return from war they need assistance to readjust, and compensation and care for their war wounds without delay, denial or obstruction. Anything less is a crime."