Do american people feel like they are at war at the moment? Do/are they ever not?
398909
I am a proud American combat veteran, retired professor, and retired career Army officer. Just as when we were in Vietnam and most of the Cold War period, the normal American people never really notice or care that their country is at war. That is primarily because of our geographic location and separation from the warzone, our tendency to focus on family and jobs, and the lack of any economic impact on their daily lives. It is only the current and former soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors and their families and friends who realize we are at war. The war on terrorism will last until the last SOB that supports terrorism is dead. So this may take a while. Throughout our history, Americans get behind our military and President in fighting our wars for a very short time, then they lose interest, go back to their jobs and daily life and ignore the war until it touches them or their family personally. In the past century, actually since 1898, the US has been involved in many small military incursions, brush-fire wars, and a few big wars. On average, we are in armed conflict about 1 out of every 4 years. But in general the US civilians (realize that we have an all volunteer armed force since 1973) are both unaware and unaffected by the war - unless they have a personal interest in the conflict - usually in the form of a son or daughter risking their lives for the betterment of the rest of the world. Mike
1153246
Most definitely ! Reminds me of an old FDR quote during WW2.\n\nIt is a shame some Americans don't understand or support that quote. However, I think most Americans would agree.
1149031
I see where you are coming from very clearly.   And I must say I agree with you completely.\n\nYou are asking us to put ourselves in the shoes of  people from other countries and ask ourselves, how would we like to be treated as we are treating people of other countries.  \n\nI would feel that I was being taken advantage of, humiliated and completely disrespected.  I would also feel someone was trying to take over my land and its resources as well as my way of life.  I would also be able to tell that they were hiding their true intentions behind things like democracy, and a war on terror.\n\nI would not be a happy camper and would probably resort to defending my honor and people against the invading force.\n\nI'm lucky I am not from another country !
397468
in general, I get that feeling alot. i live in Michigan. We have been spared many disasters. we have not had a terrorist attack, widespread flood, blizzard, or much of anything. We don't get hurricanes or earthquakes. We are suffering from job loss though. That is substantial. Motor city's engine has blown, the automotive industry continues to take blow after blow. I think the whole country is feeling these effects. on top of our problem, there are MANY more to complicate matters. If that is not enough, tensions between the U.S. and other parts of the world are becoming stronger. They are bound to come to a head before too long. More attacks on US are inevitable. And don't get me started on global warming.
748052
Yes, we are in WWIII. Except instead of conventional war (country vs. country) this is more a battle of wills and ideology. \n\nAmerica is losing her morale quickly and jihadists reasoning is that if they can murder enough people, especially soldiers, we will eventually run away. They are following a Vietnam playbook, and the Dems + the liberal media are doing their best to assure our defeat.\n\n___________\n\nThose who would deny this reality don't understand Islam or the Quran, which often commands Muslims who are able and healthy to fight against non-Muslims, to kill them, to subdue them. \n\nSuch scriptures are the primary  fuel for the current violence in Iraq.
450098
I haven't noticed this at all. I'm not sure most American teenagers even have a clue as to what the attitude of their U.K. peers is on the war. As far as the general population of the U.K. resenting America's intrusive foreign policies, that' nothing new. And while Fox News does tend to be polarizing when it comes to attitudes about national boundaries, it generally backs up the U.K. while attacking just about everybody else. If anything, I would say that most Americans, especially conservatives actually perceive the U.K. as our only true ally right now.
802280
we sure are....our country is divided as a whole....i wonder if this just a different type of civil war.....will we find common ground....i honestly dont know....reps and dems right now simply hate each other and it has unfortunately become a tit for tat struggle instead of focussing on what matters....our country...the American people are tired that is for sure and it is just a matter of time what unfolds
559744
You are right and wrong with this question.  \n\nI believe that MOST Americans care, they just have place their personal life ahead of the news.  They are bombarded on a daily basis about people getting killed in Iraq and Afganistan, and they have learned to tune it out.  \n\nSad, but true.
571031
No, of course not...I have great pride in my Dad and the service that he is in and that I served in also...WE elect the politicians who decide where and when to send these forces to fight and therefore it is all of us who bear the onus if those politicians make seemingly bad and/or unpopular decisions...I still feel much pride in our military...In our politicians?  That's another question...........
333717
Gosh, this is difficult... I promised myself I'd never get involved in giving homework help (because of the reported abuse of internet 'help' happening here in the UK).\n\nHowever, the Cold War is a part of my personal history and I feel duty bound to pass on my experience to a new generation, so here goes...\n\nThe predominant feeling in my family was of uncertainty and sometimes (mobilisation of Warsaw Pact troops on the German border, incursion of Soviet shipping into our territorial waters, the Cuba Crisis etc) downright fear.\n\nMy Dad joined the Territorial Army (TA)(a bit like the US National Guard I suspect), so he'd be trained to do his bit when the 'coldness' went and we were at war again. With the threat of atom bombs there was a sort of sense that any day could be our last, so there was no real feeling of a certain future to save or plan for. The idea of 'what matters is that we are alive today, so let's make the most of that' - was a pretty widespread feeling.\n\nAt the time of the Cuba Crisis I was still at school and in almost all classes there was a radio turned on. We were given instructions where to go, and what to do in case of nuclear missile attack and shown public information films on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare. Perhaps they thought young lads would be excited by the adventure - I was scared out of my wits and couldn't sleep at night...\n\nI guess we also felt helpless here in England. We are closer to Russia (well within striking distance of even their home-based weaponry) and no longer a major player on the world stage. Our future depended on how the Americans responded and I think that bred a sort of resentment, as well as adding to the insecurity.\n\nHow did it affect us? For me personally it had a similar affect to that on my dad. When I was old enough I joined the TA so I'd be ready when the time came. And even when the Cold War was more 'frozen' and the threat seemed less imminent, I still joined the regular Army. As I have already said we didn't bother with savings, house purchase, even saving plans inthose days... we just lived for today and short term goals became more important than perhaps they should have been. I think we were also less inclined to forgive, and more suspicious of people, which may have contributed (along with the stress) to marriage and relationship breakdowns.\n\nSpending went up, not because wages were much higher, but because we wanted to enjoy life while we had the chance and most people were focussed on the 'here and now' in terms of what they ate, how they dressed and so on.\n\nThis is getting far too long, but I hope I've given you some idea of our feelings and what it was like for an ordinary English family to live through the Cold War...
386821
It's only this present Administration that is allowing the nutcases loose in America right now. The people that rave about how free we are, as long as you allow them to protect you. All I can see and here are these people that are hurting others, and running other races down, to make them feel superior over other people. I personally don't act and feel that way, and I really think it is all very sad. There will be change as America removes the Tyrants from the Government, and replaces them with people with some diplomacy experience.
904181
Most of the developed nations, I mean the people, have become used to the life of materialism and indulgence. They have taken their life for granted. For some of them who travel aborad to see people living in pathetic condition, is an eye opening even for them. They then realise, the importance of life.  \n\nIt is not that the American life is superior. Your feeling is mostly towards their lack of apathy , awareness and understanding to be more humane.\n\nInvasion of Iraq, is an political consideration. Both sides of people have been killed.Their families have been hurt too. Nothing can come about from violence.The policy makers have been brought this point towards their notice by the affected american families.\n\nIts is matter of time for them to tackle such situation with diplomacy,tact and humbleness then being aggressive.
495123
The problem, as I've noticed, is that most Americans (I'm American; this does not apply to me) are VASTLY uneducated in how to determine things for themselves. Someone tells them how things are and they believe it word-for-word. The thing is that wars themselves have never touched America (unless in events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, which both got us INTO wars), therefore Americans nowadays have no real perception of what war is. To them, the "enemy" is whomever President Bush says it is, and that "enemy" is not a human just like them. Of course, in reality, all humans are alike, but Americans refuse to see that because of single examples of foreign people with which they come into contact, like Saddam Hussein. I bet most of them don't even know that Bush's father is the one who gave them the "weapons of mass destruction" for which we allegedly went looking in the first place, because those people are uneducated and intent on waging a holy war when half the country (those who voted for Al Gore in '00 and Kerry in '04--MY family) didn't even want our President to be OUR President.\n\nThe people who have half a brain, are educated in what's happening, have studied history and are looking toward the future are the people who AREN'T in power right now. I honestly didn't think much of Kerry in '04, but I have always hated President Bush and I always will. There is no one around willing to possibly sacrifice their political career by using the pull they have in politics and government to stand up, show this nation of idiots the truth, MAKE them wake up and mature, and go against what the government is currently doing. Actually, many Democrats in the Senate have been talking of impeaching Bush. I'm not sure if he would be convicted if such action was taken against him but I truly, honestly hope so.\n\nAnd if anyone wants to call me a Democrat, I am not; I'm liberal. And my views are not as they are because of this. I have conservative friends who study American History with me and they are also against the war. My kind of people simply aren't in power.
407492
No that is like asking if I would invade my neighbors home because I was afraid of them... makes no sense to me. But then again this is a Republican administration and they are known for their war mongering ideas... it is certainly not over yet and I will along with many others be looking forward to the day of change.....
233788
This war is unlike most we have fought.  In ww2 and other previous wars there was a line, on one side we were and on the other the bad guys.  In the past a unit would fight for x amount of time and then get some time behind the line, where it was safe.  In iraq, there isn't a line, everywere is a danger zone.  At any minute, your Humvy could get blown up by an ied(improvised explosive device) or they could shoot an rpg(rocket propelled grenade) at you.  Now don't get me wrong the people who fought in all our previous wars are some of the bravest and greatest americans in our country's history.  But this war is a little different from any we've fought in the past.  We're kind of like sitting ducks over there.  As for the emotions, well it's a rollercoaster.  But leaving is a high that you'll never forget.
1164417
I agree 100%.\n\nI was living just outside Philadelphia when 9/11 happened.  I had several friends and family members in NYC - one of which we lost (a 30 year old brother in law who was giving a speech on the top floor of the building at a conference).  It was only a stroke of luck that kept my own husband out of NYC that day.\n\nAt that point we got a glimpse of the kind of horror that the civilians in the middle east have been suffering - explosions in restaurants, schools, hospitals, temples - it is mind numbing.  I caught my heart in my throat for weeks after 9/11 everytime I heard an airplane or helicopter over head (we lived near and Air Force base).  I have little children of my own - and my heart goes out to the families that must live through the violence.\n\nWhat is so upsetting to me about the war in Iraq is that it feels unnecessary to me.  We stormed into Afghanistan, hot on the heels of those who had done us wrong and liberated a community that had been terrorized by the Taliban for years.  We had reacted to tragedy decisively and with class - in myopinion - helping others along the way.  It felt great to be American.\n\nThen this stuff with Iraq -  I mean, lots of people say that Saddam Hussein is a terrible man, and that maybe.  But we don't really have a right to bomb the crap out of another country (out of another group of people) just because their leader doesn't do things as we do, do we?  The war on Terror had become a horror.  I watched, dumbfounded, as we bombed the living daylight out of that civilization.\n\nIf we feel that we have a right to bomb other because we disagree with their leaders, then we are being repaid in kind when they bomb us because they don't agree with ours.
834315
Thank you, its nice to know not everyone is against the US because it sure feels like it sometimes.