Luddites: Taking Sides

The Luddites were skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans. They sabotaged new machinery and attacked factories in the early 1800's to late 1700's at the start of the Industrial Revolution. A common misconception about Luddites is that that were anti technology. The Luddites were protesting new machinery in mills because the machines were putting more people out of jobs and leaving many in economic hardship. Also, the machines were getting rid of the skill and art of weaving that many of the Luddites appreciated and loved. By braking the machines the Luddites were also protesting the factory owners who were not paying their employees enough to make a living. The Luddites were most concerned that  their wages would be too low for the work they were doing.

Two Luddites destroy machinery in mills in 

order to stand up for what they believe in.

Dear cousin frank,
Recently I have been assigned to the city where I must protect factories from Luddites. At first I felt very excited and proud to be a soldier and help the good guys to defeat the bad reckless Luddites. Once I got to the mill I realized this was not the case. The Luddites were not protesting technology but they had a good cause. They were protesting the economic hardship and the decrease of skill in the factories and most importantly the owners who were lowering wages unfairly. Personally the Industrial Revolution has only done good things for me. As a soldier I have more opportunities now that the Luddites and mills exist. Also advances in medicine will help soldiers if we are ever to go to war. Although I have had positive experiences from the Industrial Revolution I have to agree with what the Luddites stand for, and if I was in their situation I would do the same thing. It is not okay for factories and machines to replace people and take away their livings or for factory owners to take advantage of people by lowering their wages. I am torn with what to do because if I let them destroy the factory I will loose my job but if they aren't allowed to protest thousands of mill workers and Luddites will be forced to face unjust economic hardships. I think that I might ask to be assigned to do a different task or protect something else because I can't allow myself to allow something I believe in to be crushed. I would love some encouragement or advice on what to do because many people's livelihoods are at risk. 
Thanks, cousin Billy