A sad day indeed because this abuse is coming from a cross section NOT just "ethnics" as some say

I challenge the description "hate mobs." Were some of the confrontations from war protesters? The article allows that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could be the motivation for problems that have emerged over the past several months. This is NOT about the RAF particularly, as I understand it from the reporting, it is about the RAF's engagement in these two wars, and more importantly the reason why.

It is a matter of perception, how the Ministry of Defence sees it and how anti-war people see it. Anti-war people are NOT criminals.

The majority of Britons oppose the involvement of British troops in Iraq. The majority of people in the U.S. oppose this war. It is a big issue here. It is an issue in the election here. Bush is unpopular because of the war in Ira1, it has lead to his declining popularity. And don't even mention Tony Blair. Feelings run high against him because of his perceived lock step position with Bush over Iraq.

Whatever their reasons for the RAF, the British Troops, the American Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, WILL PEOPLE PLEASE STOP SPEAKING OF THESE WARS AS DEFENDING THE US OR THE UK! Please! From what? Terrorism? Terrorism has increased because of them. Terrorists have come out of the woodwork. Terrorist organizations have used them as a recruiting tool.

Government branches have explained them away as wars to defend our freedom. What freedom? Our freedoms were established long before our armies invaded these two countries.

"Last night Defence Secretary Des Browne said: It is a great shame that some individuals in this community don’t respect our Forces – who are daily doing a great deal for this nation." Really?

The way I see it, it is a great shame that members of government and the military continue to try to fool the public - in the U.K. and the U.S. This is not about being proud of our fighting forces. It is not about being proud of wearing a uniform to be proud of. And it for damn sure has nothing to do with doing "a great deal for this nation" - or any other nation for that matter - while wearing them.

"Hate mobs" is a convenient label to hang on people. But those perpetrating the abuse on people walking around wearing the symbols of war, the trappings of war, are taking a violent stand on a sentiment shared by many: the wars in Iraq are not about the safety of Britons or Americans; they are about government interests and the people be damned.

Des Browne, stop hiding behind uniformity - the same mistaken thinking on both sides of the Atlantic, and get real. "Our Forces" is a convenient label too. You should understand that the people in Iraq and Afghanistan see us as just that: a force invading their countries and imposing OUR views on THEM. I respect their views. My heart goes out to the troops fighting in these wars and losing their lives. Often with lack of equipment and food. But I question the reasons for their doing so. My right. And the right of the so-called "hate mobs" also.

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