We’ve all seen them- magnetic ribbons on cars, truck, minivans, and SUVs. The messages may differ, but they tend to be variations of the same them: “We Support Our Troops”. I often find myself wondering why anyone would need to spend $5.00 on a magnetic ribbon to demonstrate their support for our men and women in uniform? How could any reasonable American NOT support our troops? Even amongst Liberal opponents of Bush’s war of aggression in Iraq (such as myself), the problem is not with our troops, but with the leadership that is all too willing to place them in harm’s way for no compelling reason other than their political aggrandizement.
Think about it for a second. What does slapping a magnetic ribbon on the back of your vehicle really prove? And does the absence of one demonstrate a lack of patriotism and support for our troops? Don’t be ridiculous- or are you that vulnerable to the the not-so-subtle pressures of jingoistic Groupthink?
I’ve refused to place a magnetic ribbon on my truck as a statement of principle. First of all, the ribbons have become little more than meaningless fashion statements. Secondly, where do you think your $5.00 goes? Do you honestly think that it is going to any sort of program to assist our troops? If you do, you’re even more hopelessly out of touch than I had feared. Someone is making some serious bank off of this trend, and it has NOTHING to do with supporting our troops. It has everything to do with making a quick buck. Perhaps if it could be demonstrated that the money was being used to benefits causes that supports our men and women in uniform or the families they’ve left behind, I’d think about changing my tune. Sadly, this is just another instance of people capitalizing on a fad based on Groupthink and false patriotism. Isn’t it about time to WAKE UP AND SMELL THE CAT LITTER?
If you really want to support our troops, find a group that is dedicated to supporting their families. Volunteer at a VA hospital. Write a letter or send an email to a soldier. Collect food, DVDs, or books to send to our troops overseas. There are so many things that can be done that can actually make a difference. All slapping a magnetic ribbon on your car will do is to help you feel better about yourself: “Look at me; I’m a patriot. I support our troops.” No, in reality, you’re actually little more than a typically lazy, self-absorbed clueless American more concerned with conformity and empty gestures than with doing something that will actually make a difference.
Not that feeling good about yourself isn’t a good thing….
There's no magnetic ribbon on my truck, either.
Nor will there be -- because I don't support the war in Iraq, and I don't support the way prisoners are treated in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Guantanamo, let alone all the other places we don't know about yet.
I don't support the troops who tortured prisoners there, or the troops who tortured prisoners at Abu Ghraib.
Nor do I support the troops who are still torturing prisoners anywhere, while wearing a US uniform.
I don't believe that is what my country stands for.
I don't believe the "ends justifies the means."
I don't believe the information gleaned through such methods -- methods that defy the Geneva conventions and put our troops at greater risk of torture and beheading -- is either accurate or worthwhile.
Don't take my word for it. Ask John McCain.
The people who voted for Bush last year may not deserve better, but the country does, the US troops do, and certainly the rest of the world does.
I can't verify this, but I read online that a company in China jumped in on this market, and THAT'S where the profits go...interesting, huh? All these Bush/Reagan-types are shoveling their money to communist China while our soldiers die for lack of decent armor in an insane war.
As a veteran (US Navy) of the 1991 Gulf War, I can personally vouch for the efficacy of sending letters and/or books, magazines, whatever, to "Any Service Member." The mail we got from well-wishing citizens back home was really appreciated. A million flag stickers (or magnets, or whatever) on cars here at home aren't worth one box of old paperback books sent to servicemen/women overseas who need something to read. Those wretched magnets have zero to do with "supporting the troops."
I would support the Chinese prisoners and small children working twelve hours a day to produce the magnets for MalWart to sell, but they get so little of the money and live such a short time it isn't worth the effort.
The "yellow ribbon" is from a song about a guy getting released from prison, so it isn't really relevant for those who do their duty honorably.
If people want to do something automotive for the troops, buy some quarter-inch sheet steel and ship it to them for their vehicles.