Perspective: Iraq war still has supporters

LAKE TEXOMA, Oklahoma (Reuters) - "GOD-BLESS-OUR-TROOPS" is spelled out in four big signs along a wooded stretch of highway in rural southern Oklahoma.

Support for U.S. soldiers in Iraq runs deep in these parts and throughout much of the South and Southwest.

But while polls show the war itself is steadily losing the support of Americans, it has strong backers in the region, with God and terrorism often evoked to justify the war effort.

Rodeos here can start with a prayer to the troops abroad, while yellow ribbons remembering the soldiers are common sights on the bumpers of big pickup trucks.

From rural resort areas like Lake Texoma to upscale suburbs in Dallas, big U.S. flags and signs blessing the troops are common sights.

"I support the war in Iraq, as it's better to fight the war on terrorists over there than in Nebraska," said Lynn Kartchner, a Vietnam veteran and gun shop owner in the dusty Arizona town of Douglas.

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