The left supports the troops - until the troops disagree with the left

Ever since the liberation of Iraq began, those who have opposed it have repeatedly insisted it was damaging to our military. It was the singular argument that turned Jim Webb from sullen crank into a Senator, and led numerous Democrats who were once in uniform to run for Congress (and win). Ex-presidential candidate John Kerry and current candidate Christopher Dodd cite the complaints of the late Captain Brian Freeman in their strident opposition to the President's plan to complete the liberation (Washington Post). Webb went further last week, openly asserting that the military opposed "the way this war is being fought" - before saying no one else could speak for the military.

So, naturally, when NBC finds men in the field in Iraq who wish Americans could see why its liberation was still necessary (h/t Kat), these folks on the left would rethink their arguments, right?

Actually, they did just that, and came up with a new one for our military: sit down and shut up.

Don't take my word for it; check out the latest from Post blogger William Arkin:

I'm all for everyone expressing their opinion, even those who wear the uniform of the United States Army. But I also hope that military commanders took the soldiers aside after the story and explained to them why it wasn't for them to disapprove of the American people.

Excuse me?

These people trotted out any opponent of the war with an epaulet, ribbon, or stripe. Now they want those who are in the field and risking their lives to just clam up and let them (the war critics) make meaningless everything they have ever done?

To quote my favorite tennis player, John McEnroe (who admittedly may cringe if he sees his quote being used here): "You can not be serious"!

Arkin's post is the essence of left/center-left arrogance on this issue - calling the military force "mercenary," hinting they could be duped into becoming pawns in "a military coup where those in the know, and those with fire in their bellies, save the nation from the people," and then having the audacity to call them "young and naive."

I know full well those who do not support the liberation of Iraq have well-considered reasons, even if I disagree with them. I know, unlike some of my fellow "hawks," that more than a few "doves" really do care about the fate of the men and women in uniform sent to complete this difficult mission.

So let me say this to all of you on that side of the debate who are reading this, if you actually care about our military veterans, take the time to listen and respond to arguments they make rather than demanding they shut up. You asked that of us when every dove in uniform spoke; you owe the men and women serving in Iraq at least that much - instead of the muzzle.