Teens ages 13-18--What are your opinions on Iraq?
153115
15- I feel that the occupatoin of Iraq is to put some democratic nation in the Middle East. I feel that yes there are some things that should have been done differnt, but otherwise it is for the better good.
1154542
It became unpopular at home.\n\nHmmm i smell Iraq.
330104
i think it should be changed. they're pretty much adolescents. they may rush things and make decisions they'll regret later on.
839258
Many teens, including myself, are much more interested in "adult" political issues than one would assume; after all, we recognize that in the near future these "adult" issues will become ours.  Why not try to delve into their diverse opinions on topics such as:\n\nreligious freedoms\nabortion\nglobal warming prevention\ngay marriage/unions\npoverty\nthe War in Iraq\nimmigration?\n\nOf course, those topics may not be very specific to teens.  A discussion on materialism and advertising could be very enlightening and is more teen-specific than the previous topics.  I hope you are able to understand and sympathize with whatever topic you choose to discuss.  Three tips: \n\n1) Recognize teens' competence in discussion and don't overpower them\n2) Be affirming of their opinions while simultaneously challenging them to take their beliefs to the next level with probing questions, and \n3) Be sensitive and discerning during the discussion.  \n\nEnjoy the wonderful world of the teen mind! ;)
698227
I think that many children are starting to sit up and take notice because things are not the same as they were six years ago. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins going to Iraq. Soldiers being killed on what seems to be a daily basis. These aren't things that will escape their notice. Unfortunately, with the current administration, the age of childhood innocence isn't what it used to be.
1097137
First of all, if you have never served in the military since the war in Iraq, then I don't think that you would be in a position to judge the calibre of todays armed forces. Now since I served 4 1/2 years in the army, in the grunts, and 20 months in Iraq, I will comment on the possibilities of your question. \n \nWWII was a clearly defined war. Everyone was aware of what was at stake. We knew that civilization as we knew it was either going to prevail, or that the dark fascists states of Germany and Japan were going to rule the world, exploiting whatever and whomever they wanted. I'm sure that if the conditions were right the US would rise to the occasion once again. Remember, this war is not even in the top 3 as far as unpopular wars that the US has been involved in. The first was the Mexican American war, second was Vietnam, and believe it or not, the war of 1812 became so unpopular that we almost lost it. It's okay to have differing opinions, that's what makes this country great. I don't care if you're a liberal or a conservative, all I care about is that you're a concerned citizen. As long as we have concerned citizens, then this country will continue to prosper.\n\nNow, as far as the comment made about "We can't even win the war in Iraq" I suggest to that person that they inform themselves on some history, and try to grasp the complexity of a guerrilla war. The British citizens said the same things about their military during our Revolution because we employed guerrilla tactics against an Army that by all means should have beat us within a fortnight. They didn't understand how to fight an insurgency much the same way we didn't understand how to in Vietnam. If you are implying that we are not "winning" in Iraq because of the quality of our armed forces them I must veheamently protest. The soldiers and Marines that I worked with in my time in the service were by far the MOST proffesional people I have ever had the honor of meeting. I think that they have made our forefathers proud THROUGH this proffesionalism. \n\nFinally, I think you should apologize to the men and women of the armed forces forces for your blatent ignorance, disrespect, and utter disregard for the price that warriors like us pay so that you can remain in the pitiful world you know as your life. In other words, SHUT THE FVCK UP.
1131642
When I was 18 - it was a legal drinking age at that time.  I truly don't understand it either.  I believe if we can send someone off to war at 18, we can surely allow them to have a drink.  That's just my opinion.
139743
I'm from Camp Lejeune, my husband is stationed there, he is currently in Iraq. How old are you? When are you coming?
741686
I remember volunteering for a political campaign when I was 17.  I was nervously positioned at a busy intersection handing out leaflets.  A man grabbed one, glanced at it, and snorted in disgust at the candidate's neatly trimmed beard. "He needs to shave," was the only comment, and his mind was set for election day.  I remember simmering in the irony that, come the election, his opinion was more valuable than my own.\n\nThat's just to say that yes, 18 is a pretty darn arbitrary number.  And even then so many teens don't vote that you may not have much clout in your demographic.  If there's hope, I think it's that grassroots movements tend to be effective, especially on a local level.  You may not be able to vote, but you can convince neighbors and family members that an issue is important and organize them to make sure politicians listen.\n\nHang in there.
602739
Iraq was 200 years back to start with so if they are back 50 now then thats not so bad. Next time you see some of what you call cowards then pick up your rifle.
252225
Nope, and I don't plan to. I don't want to just be another teen statistic. I refuse to be. I hate it that everyone thinks all teens are drinking, smoking, doing drugs, or having sex. And the media is mostly to blame. So, yeah. Excuse that little rant...I'm 13 about to be 14...
885411
People should know at least as much about who runs our country as they do about the contestants in Dancing with the Stars, the plotlines of their favorite soap operas, or the current college football rankings.\n\nThey don't.\n\nIt's disgusting.\n\nPeople have opinions on Iraq, but many couldn't even find it on a map.\n\nGod help us.
236501
I think  it is more "Terror of War" my son is getting real close to 18 and it scares me everyday to think of him at war . I don't think I could bear the idea of not knowing if he were safe or not.
1095221
Your question should really be addressed to your father.  He's a good man.\n\nI've been there.  We should be there.\n\nAsk any honest Iraqi.  (I did) They'll tell you how they lived in fear for their live from their government, their police, and their border countries.  Something you probably have never had to endure, so probably can't appreciate the weight of the fear or the dispair in their lives.  They're now realizing that they have a shot.\n\nWhile the war does serve American political interests, that's of secondary importance to me.  I'll fight any day of the week to stop the hell that the Iraqi's were going through.
332195
The thing that young people should worried about is the draft Bush is threatening Iran with. The ages would be 18-37, this would take care of Americas financial problems. I wouldn't put it past him, since he cares not for the American people. War for oil is getting real old now. I really want to see some American diplomacy, that calls for compromise. George Bush is a looser, and is just stirring more fear up in the World to get votes, but America isn't scared anymore after all the Bush results of protection. Vote the Tyrants out and free America.
756467
One really powerful primary source about Iraq and Afghanistan is the Sandbox blog on the Doonesbury website.  Every day there are a couple posts by soldiers involved over there.  There is a range of content, but it gives you the sense that there really are good people working hard to improve the lives of Iraqis even though there is also a lot of disastrous stuff happening.  It might open their eyes a little.  I think they'll find glimpses of the good side there, regardless of their politics.
414201
I would like to know what you guys think too, please answer I'll report anyone who discriminates against you! Everyone be warned no bad thing about people from Iraq that answer.