"These days, yellow-ribbon originator Penny Laingen has three sons in the Navy. When her husband, Bruce, brought her a yellow-ribbon magnet last week, she hesitated to put it on her car. As a Kerry supporter, she feels the magnets have come to symbolize unquestioning support for the war.
Ms. PENNY LAINGEN (Originator of Yellow Ribbon Symbol): And I can see where--that the yellow ribbon, it might signify to some people that we shouldn't change horses in midstream. You don't dare speak out against it. And I think that is really a mistake, because, to me, there is nothing more American than dissent".
Americans are good at participating vicariously in a 'cause' by buying crap.
For those of us who don't plan to scrape off our "Re-Defeat Bush in 2004" bumperstickers, here's an idea that is quick, dirty, and best of all, symbolized by something to buy-
Troop Ribbons
Endorsed by the originator of the Yellow Ribbon iconography herself.
A sizable portion of proceeds go towards military AND peace organizations.
The goal is to support and mobilize anti-war troops and their families.
I'm older than you people. My life is too short to be spent convincing people that they're fucked in the head.
Past experience has proven to me that real peace isn't built by continually drawing attention to the differences between yourself and the other guy. Even if the other guy's a prick.
Dis-armament.
Let people see your reasonableness. Your humanity. Your value.
Respect is disarming. History and experience forces me to admit that mutual respect is the foundation to the only peace that lasts.
"Our vision is to create awareness that there is a majority of people in this country who support the idea and find it patriotic that our troops come home as soon as possible. We need a clear vision for the future of how and when our troops will come home."
Okay, you want a better article, write it yourself. Please.
