You aren't obtuse so you must not be paying attention. I've been reading various forums on the 'net for 20+ years. I've seen plenty of criticism of the military over the years, and the vitriol gets to the point with many that they are figuratively spitting on soldiers. I've seen numerous liberals refer to them as "baby killers." The fact is many liberals not only run down America and it's institutions, especially the military, but many believe the U.S. is the single biggest problem in the world today. The oath to defend our Constitution is against enemies both foreign and domestic, and I believe a significant percentage of those who identify as liberal are going beyond their Constitutional right to protest, they are working to undermine this country with the ultimate goal to replace capitalism, proven to work, with socialism, which ultimately fails or at least greatly hampers a nation's ability to function. But as they always purport themselves as much more brilliant than conservatives, they believe they'll ultimately get it right and everyone will live in an equal, just society where all live well and no one goes wanting. This fantasy is poisonous to their ability to cope with setbacks like losing presidential elections, resulting in lashing out at anything symbolic of what they despise. And yes these people despise the military, and figuratively spit on our soldiers.