[Marxism] The low point of the CNN-You Tube debate

[Jscotlive@xxxxxxx]

I don't think this is helpful. Many soldiers join the US  military
because they don't have other options. Many are from  working-class
backgrounds. Calling them "murderous mercenaries"  is
counter-productive and only makes the left appear unreal to  ordinary
blue-collar folks.

Let's blame the system, by all means, but  not those who are cogs in its 
wheels.

Reply:
 
I find this 'support the troops' no matter what mantra unhelpful. Troops  
committing atrocities in Iraq should not and cannot be considered victims. If  
so, we'd feel sympathy for Nazi troops killing Jews and other minorities during 
 
the Second World War. No, surely our role as internationalists is to spread  
disaffection amongst the troops by making sure that they know their actions in 
 Iraq and Afghanistan are not supported. This would help to demoralise them 
and  thus weaken their efforts in what is an imperialist occupation.
 
Demoralised troops are ready to be reached. Troops that are supported by  
their own people are strengthened in their purpose on behalf of the ruling  
class.
 
The only troops we should support are those that arrest their officers and  
refuse to fight.
 




   
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