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Support Our Troops Magnets - Disputations
Posted by Jeff (Wednesday December 29 2004 @ 06:08PM EST)
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On the way back from the mountains the Pragmatist wondered aloud, "Hasn't the support our troops magnet craze just about peaked?" I noticed a big hunkin' SUV with two Support Our Troops magnets. Its rear fender proudly waved Old Glory in bumber sticker form. "I don't know," I said. "She could be doing alot more to support our troops. The tailgate could handle another two magnets and her doors and hood are completely bare."
While she could have shown more support for troops on that vehicle, the driver was probably comfortable with her patriotic brownie points. She had two Support Our Troops magnets and we had none. She was more patriotic than us. The most patriotic people in this century were the Nazi Germans. They did whatever the government told them to do. Sure they probably didn't know there was a concentration camp just over the hill. They suspected something but they were good little Germans. Good little Germans don't pry in the government's affairs. I'm an ethnic German; and I want to know what mine is doing at all times. It's not an innate tendency.
Besides the warm glow of patriotic furor, the extent to which magnets support our troops is unclear. "We need more body armor!" "Don't worry. People are applying magnets to the SUVs state-side." I did a little googling for Support Our Troops magnets. In most cases, "procedes" from sales were used to send things to troops. The amount of procedes and the nature of the shipments were never mentioned. You get the feeling it's a calling card or two. If its anything at all.
MSNBC confirmed my search results and suspicions. With few exceptions, little magnet money is finding its way to the troops. They recommend you research before you buy. Let's face it. Most people who support the war do so from the comfort of their SUV. The discrepancy between their involvement and actual participation has caused little pangs of guilt. Those pangs were squelched by a couple magnets from a patriotic website. Here's a thought: Instead of driving to the mall with magnets on your tailgate, why don't you drive supplies from Baghdad to Takrit? Now that would be an act in support of the troops.
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By Sgt Striker (Friday December 31 2004 @ 02:13PM EST)
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Oh but your wit is just too much for us. There doing a lot more than you are, dumbass! Every effort to support our troops should be cheered. Why don't you move to Paris where they don't support the troops?
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By Greg (Monday January 03 2005 @ 02:25PM EST)
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Jeff,
Regardless of the stupidity of our being over there, the troops are not the ones that decided to go there. They are simply doing their job.
You *should* support our troops, not the war. Support includes stopping the war and bringing those who are serving back safely.
I know you have never served, so it is difficult for you to fathom what it means to do your part to protect our country (I know, this war does nothing to accomplish that, and I agree with you on that point).
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By Greg (Monday January 03 2005 @ 02:28PM EST)
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just to follow up...I do agree that the magnets are stupid, and those buying them even more so. I wish they really would support our troops instead of buying those damned things.
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By Jeff (Monday January 03 2005 @ 04:12PM EST)
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If the Canadians pour over the border, then I'll pick up a gun and do my part to defend the country. (Unless they storm the White House, in which case I'll consider them like-minded folks and leave 'em alone.) With regard to ending the war, my Congressman is sick of my anti-war letters. He's full steam ahead. Unfortunately, the front of the car is in a ditch, the rear wheels are off the ground and spinning out of control...
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By Will is Right (Monday January 03 2005 @ 09:07PM EST)
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Is there any group with whom you think you disagree that you don't lump into generalities and stereotypes?
Take your magnet-toting SUV. Do you know the owner? Do they have children who are serving like I do, or, did they serve themself like I also did?
Better yet, did you?
I don't necessarily believe that you have to have sacrificed in order to have an opinion on the Nation's military. I never played professional football but opine whenever possible as the NFL is one of my passions. That said, there is a big difference between having an opinion and blathering on with tired histrionic rhetoric that usually borders on hate-speech (you libs don't have the market cornered on that accusation).
"Let's face it, Most people who support the war do so from the comfort of their SUV."
What an arrogant, uninformed thing to say. Deliver that message to my son's battalion. They would beg to differ.
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By Jeff (Monday January 03 2005 @ 09:41PM EST)
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That's a ridiculous question. Why would I serve in a war that I adamantly oppose?
With regard to my arrogant statement, there are 150,000 troops in Iraq. Assuming they all approve this war (a dubious claim, I think), their numbers prevent them from offering the lion's share of support. Most backers are registered state-side. They want to wage war against brown people but lack a taste for car bombs or hidden enemies. Really, who can blame them? A magnet may make them feel better, but it is hardly a tangible show of support. Driving supplies on the other hand... If you support the war, then get over there and fight it. Otherwise I don't want to hear about it.
James Wolcott offers nice glimpse into the war in Iraq. If this is accurate, then not only do I disagree with the rationale, but I disagree with the tactics.
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By Greg (Thursday January 06 2005 @ 10:30AM EST)
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That's a ridiculous question. Why would I serve in a war that I adamantly oppose?
If you serve, you go where they tell you. You cannot pick and choose the wars that you fight in as a soldier, unless you enjoy military prisons.
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By Jeff (Thursday January 06 2005 @ 10:41AM EST)
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Hence the tragedy of Bush's War.
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By Cal (Wednesday February 09 2005 @ 01:03PM EST)
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The magnets are pretentious crap. I'm glad someone agrees with me. And sticking a magnet on the back of a car so a 70 year old man can look at "Keep my daughter safe" on the back of a '84 Ford pickup is plain ignorant. How the hell do these people think that anyone riding behind them is going to keep them safe? I made my own magnet. It says "support pretentious fads" and I stuck it on my car.
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By Tony (Tuesday February 15 2005 @ 05:41PM EST)
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That is absolutley ridiculous. you obviosly dont know what its like to have family over there. If I saw that sticker on your car id probably get out and kick your ass.
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By Cindy (Monday March 28 2005 @ 03:02PM EST)
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First of all my fiancee is over in Iraq right now. Okay and if I want to put magnets all over my car I will. Just because u dont want to support them doesnt mean anything. I would support them even if he wasnt over there.
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By Jeff (Monday March 28 2005 @ 05:50PM EST)
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Just curious: Do you have a haircut and a real job?
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By jeffiswrong (Tuesday January 04 2005 @ 03:55PM EST)
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I guess it is impossible for you to thank a veteran for your right to express your views. Any way...
My brother was in Iraq, building an airport, and finishing a road that connected the far north to the major city of Mosul, which the Iraqies under Saddam didn't have the money or resources to complete, since he was building Palaces while his people died from starvation or his Chemicals. He also delivered food and water to Iraqies as well as built schools, and repaired/built other aspects of their infrastrucure. Yes, he also did security missions and killed the people you call "brown people". I guess according to you, since you don't know him or his SUV, and if you caught a glimpse of him driving down the road, that you would say he is silly or doesn't have the right to have a magnet on the back of his SUV.
WELP YOU ARE WRONG.
Also I think if you did a survey you would find that most of the people that have them on their cars, were either veterans themselves or Parents, siblings, Husbands, Wives, etc of people who are currently serving in the armed forces. So yes they are supporting the troops in a very difficult way, and that is how they are expressing it.
In Closing:
STFU A$$HOLE, and say thanks. I don't neccessarily agree with the Iraq conflict, but the general war on Terror, minus the patriot act, I am ok with it. Take the fight to them rather than having another building, plane, etc blown up.
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By Jeff (Tuesday January 04 2005 @ 06:13PM EST)
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My right to express my views is guaranteed by Amendment One of the United States Constitution and subsequent judicial precedent. With regard to my Constitutional rights, I am beholden to no one. I'm not going to STFU simply because your brother was in Iraq.
While this is off topic, it may surprise you to know that I'm far more concerned with American infrastructure. Sure the Iraqis had a tough go under Hussein, but you get the government you deserve. Don't send the Tax Man to my door for contributions to international infrastructure enhancement. Here's a news flash: It sucks to be Congolese, Iranian, North Korean, Kenyan, Saudi Arabian or Cuban but that doesn't mean I want the United States government to send troops and treasure there.
In closing: Join the effort in Iraq or STFU. I'm sick of sideline cheerleaders who've got no personal stake in the Iraqi conflict singing its praises. While you might feel like you've earned a combat pin, duty in the 101st Fighting Keyboarders doesn't qualify.
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By jeffiswrong (Wednesday January 05 2005 @ 10:36AM EST)
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"My right to express my views is guaranteed by Amendment One of the United States Constitution and subsequent judicial precedent. With regard to my Constitutional rights, I am beholden to no one."
I'm sure Japan or Germany would have allowed us to keep our constitution. Thank a veteran.
I have a support the troops magnet, and everyday I take a minute to pray, and thank a veteran or an active duty personell. I think about what they do, and the sacrifices they make for you and me everyday. Point being if someone else sees the magnet hopefully they will take a minute and think about the sacrifices that the armed services make, or better yet go to the VA Hospital and serve a meal or just talk to the Veterans. VIsit a family member or a soldiers wife who had had a baby while her husband is on a foreign land, and help out his wife. That is supporting as well. There are many ways to support the troops, but things like your opinion ARE NOT one. The constitution is a piece of paper, that guides our laws, if it wasn't for the armed services to protect it then you wouldn't be able to speak out about your government so you ARE beholden to the Armed services for allowing american citizens to keep that right. Just because you don't support the military action in Iraq, doesn't mean you have to bash the people in the armed services.
BTW My point with the first post is how did you know that person didn't serve in IRAQ??? I gave you one story, about my brother, to show you that you would have no clue that he served in Iraq, but yet felt you could have this felling of ... "I'm sick of sideline cheerleaders who've got no personal stake in the Iraqi conflict singing its praises." I wouldn't say that he is a sideline cheerleader.
In closing:
BY your aurgumentitive points the only people who can support the troops are people who are in the military??? again YOU ARE WRONG. Every american should THANK the military and support them, think about them AND their families, everyday of their lives. They should also visit a widow of a fallen soldier, or his/her grieving parents. But then according to you that would be a silly sideline cheerleading stunt. What ever you are just showing your ignorance.
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By Jeff (Wednesday January 05 2005 @ 12:02PM EST)
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Who was bashing members of the armed services? My point was that state-side supporters of this war ought to get off their asses and ACTIVELY support the troops by taking any one of the thousands of available job opportunities in Iraq. We're in this mess because too many people were good little patriots who stood by idly as the government launched a war that had NOTHING to do with defense. Well it's time for those who wanted this war to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Do you want me to set up a Halliburton interview for you?
BTW: An army does NOT guarantee inalienable rights. Your willingness to allow it to serve as guardian is frankly quite scary.
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By Franziskaner (Thursday June 09 2005 @ 07:30PM EDT)
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"the yehaw redneck Bushite aka "jeff is wrong"
well 2 men kissing, prolife and bible my gonads! you are indeed a tiresome wanker
how about
support Our SUVs
to do so give them OIL
Hmm Iraq sounds like the perfect place to start!
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By Dyl (Tuesday January 04 2005 @ 04:16PM EST)
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Since we're including anecdotal evidence, a quick survey of my office indicates that no one with a family member serving in Iraq actually has a magnet on their car. How do I know? We asked everyone and posted the names of their relatives in thanks when this entire adventure began. We also collected boxes of goods and sent them back in November. I guess this is called actual support.
The entire point of this post is that the magnets themselves don't actually support the troops. No money collected supports buying supplies, giving financial aid, or anything else. Those magnets support the economy of China - where they were probably made. They're a way for Bush-voting yuppies to feel better about sending someone else's kid into harm's way.
"Bringing democracy" to Iraq has involved the death of over 1k people and the wounding of 9k more with no dent in the actual war on terror. Remembering those dead, wounded, and still serving on a daily basis, sending what you can, and reading the accounts of the war even when it is knocked off the front pages by the Peterson trial would be a far better way to support them than slapping a dumb ass magnet on your SUV and then forgetting about the sacrifices being made.
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By MattC (Thursday January 06 2005 @ 02:01PM EST)
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AFAICT the MSNBC article only states that one should use caution when buying the ribbons, since the money may not be going to the troops. The only fact they offer is that Wal-Greens gives 50%.
I don't disagree that most money spent on those things probably does not do anything for the troops, but the article you cited confirms nothing. It would be nice if some actual research was done.
If people really want to support the troops then save the money from the silly ribbons and help out a soldier's family or drop off toiletries and treats to their local VFW for care packages for the soldiers.
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By Jeff (Thursday January 06 2005 @ 02:20PM EST)
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And I claim if you support the war, then you should support the troops by applying for one of many available positions in Iraq.
The MSNBC piece reinforced my sketchy-meter. I could have made that more clear above.
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By cj (Thursday June 09 2005 @ 07:32PM EDT)
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Communists?
Well fundamentalists are all the same US, China or wherevah!
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By simoncornwell (Thursday June 09 2005 @ 07:36PM EDT)
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"I have a support the troops magnet, and everyday I take a minute to pray, and thank a veteran or an active duty personell. I think about what they do, and the sacrifices they make for you and me everyday. Point being if someone else sees the magnet hopefully they will take a minute and think about the sacrifices that the armed services make, or better yet go to the VA Hospital and serve a meal or just talk to the Veterans. VIsit a family member or a soldiers wife who had had a baby while her husband is on a foreign land, and help out his wife. That is supporting as well. There are many ways to support the troops, but things like your opinion ARE NOT one. The constitution is a piece of paper, that guides our laws, if it wasn't for the armed services to protect it then you wouldn't be able to speak out about your government so you ARE beholden to the Armed services for allowing american citizens to keep that right. Just because you don't support the military action in Iraq, doesn't mean you have to bash the people in the armed services. "
oh shut up gitface you'd think they were going to invade your poxy country tosser..
we lived with the fucking IRA for 30 years and some of your idiotic countrymen NORAID sent them money to blow up our kids and young men so don't give me the wank about turroisim and why they hate us for our fruuudoms...
Like all macho SUV bumper sticker patriots, go stick you magnet on your rental car next time you go on holiday to Beirut.
Eh hard man yes?
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By Jeff (Friday June 10 2005 @ 08:13AM EDT)
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Simon says, "The constitution is a piece of paper, that guides our laws..." With that sentiment, you've just taken ignorance to a new level, congratulations. Don't worry, Jefferson still has a place for you in the body politic:
Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him?
Hint to simon: that's a rhetorical question. We've got a president appointed by God and the answer is still "no."
Another hint: nobody was bashing people in the armed services. As the article specified, driving supplies in service of an army contractor is a far better means of support than sticking a magnet on your SUV and feeling satisfied that you've done what you can to support the troops.
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By Osiris (Tuesday June 21 2005 @ 02:42PM EDT)
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I agree with Dyl. If serving directly in Iraq isn't quite your cup of tea, then by God, send the people who do serve something useful and not a stupid sticker they will never see physically or monetarily. Send someone you know a nice blanket, jacket, knife and everyone loves cookies. The "Support Our Troops" stickers are just prompting people to take the pointless approach of buying more of the damned things! everyone thinking they are being extremely patriotic.
We Americans have the stupid habit of giving to the wrong causes (the 80 billion to start the war in the first place being at the top of the list). know what you're doing before you buy
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By Ron Taub (Thursday August 25 2005 @ 10:11PM EDT)
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As the father of a deployed soldier I applaud anyone with a support our troops magnet. After endless rips on the war from the media it's nice to see that average Americans support our troops, even if they are not sending care packages. The troops like to know they have public support although they can live without it.So screw you hippies. Right on Rednecks.
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By Jeff (Friday August 26 2005 @ 10:33AM EDT)
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Sure, some would say the best way to support the troops is to demand civilian leadership build up international cooperation to decrease the burden on American forces. Others would argue that we should assume a greater tax burden so that our troops are properly equipped. Yet the only real show of support we find for those deployed in Bush's War are yellow magnets on SUVs. Here's to superficiality! Peace.
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By Shane (Sunday August 28 2005 @ 05:03PM EDT)
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Yes we all have opinions and feelings,but as a vetern myself I have had the opportunity to do what my "Commanders" wished. Now,no I am not a gumby blindly obeying but a American citizen doing his duty to God And 'MY' Country. For it was pasted down to me by the Citizens before me willing to put themselves in the line of fire ,not for what "YOU" thought but what they thought. If you do not like what the "Government is doing then vote. Everyone blames Bush for this war. If I was the President then they would blame me also, because with only part of my staff in place because congress (the democrats) did not like this guys religious beliefs so they stalled all they could on having him or her approved until we were attacked of course then all that was forgotting and everyone was praying publicly and the ACLU did not say anything about that. This form of government was formed by the people for the people, not for the special interest groups so if you want to do something about it ask yourselves just what is this "Able Danger" group and when did they make their report to their superiors and why didn't Bill Clinton stop the terrorist since he had information about it, or why didn't he pass that info on. So if you want to bitch about the war the make sure you are talking to the right person.......Like your congressman or Representative when was the last time you called them.........you know they usually act on about 5-15 calls on any given issue, so where is your "Concerned" call?
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By Monz (Sunday August 28 2005 @ 10:36PM EDT)
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I've contacted my Rep. and my Senators many times on a range of issues. Unfortunately they are all lap dogs of this administration. They all reply with their standard form letters which are nothing more than meaningless GOP talking points.
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By giwifegimom (Wednesday February 15 2006 @ 08:30AM EST)
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Hi Jeff,
You made your comments over a year ago, but mainly I agree with you. I've found that that there are a lot of people with magnets who really want to support the troops, but there is no shortage of people who only support the troops if they don't have to make any small sacrifice.
A friend of mine wrote to tell me of a single mother whose second son was leaving for Iraq. The first was still there. The day before her shift, she asked for two hours off so she could see her son off at the airport. Her boss said if she left early she'd be fired. Of course, he had those yellow ribbons slapped on his SUV! I know of hundreds of other incidents like that.
I don't support the Iraq war, so many conservatives have called me a "nigger". Most of them have the ribbons! I have a t-shirt with "soldier's wife, soldier's mom" printed on it and I sometimes wear it at protests while carrying a sign reading "Support our troops, Bring them home now!"
I don't think using derogatory language or gestures to a soldier's wife or mother is at all supporting the troops, but I suppose that my daughter spent a year in Baghdad so that they would have the freedom of speech (even she doesn't believe that; she says it's all about the oil and a show of power by Bush and co). Ridiculous, isn't it?
Denise Thomas
co-founder
GA Military Families Speak Out
giwifegimom@peoplepc.com
SUPPORT THE WARRIOR, NOT THE WAR
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By Jeff (Thursday February 16 2006 @ 10:33AM EST)
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Denise,
Most regular BDA denizens have been sympathetic toward U.S. warriors. I can't say we "support" them since we're all comfortably state-side and hurling spitballs at the President from the cozy confines of Pennsylvania. Many of us prefer a more tangible definition of "support." If you're driving supplies from Baghdad to a forward base, then you're supporting the troops. If you put a sticker on your SUV .. not so much.
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By Denise (Monday February 20 2006 @ 07:03AM EST)
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I agree, there is a ocean of difference between sympathy and support for the troops, but you don’t have to drive a truck in Baghdad to support the troops! There is much you can do from stateside:
· Visit a single mother or father whose
child (or children) is deployed.
· Sit with a family who has recently lost their loved one to the war (or to suicide, which is also a war casualty). Each family has its own needs. Take the time to find out what they are, and meet the needs that you can.
· Ask a bereaved family to tell you about their lost loved one… and really listen.
· Help a struggling family whose father/ husband (or wife/ mother) has been deployed.
· Join a program such as My Soldier www.mysoldier.com
· Pray for the soldiers who are fighting, and the families of the deployed and the fallen.
· Give financial help to a returning disabled vet who may lose his/her house, car, and even spouse and children before help can be received from the government.
· Demand better treatment of our returning veterans from your representatives in congress.
· Do what you can to end this war now, bring the troops safely home, and make sure they're taken care of them when they get home.
These are not the only ways to support the troops, but it’s a start!
Denise
www.orgsites.com/ga/save-our-soldiers
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Enlighten me, Marge
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The most formidable weapon against errors of any kind is reason.
-- Thomas Paine
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We Did Our Job!
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