On Yellow Ribbons
Attention magnetic patriots:
I’m not sure if you’re aware, but buying a little yellow ribbon magnets to affix to your vehicle of choice is actually not the best way for you to express your support for the American military and your agreement with our current government’s military policies. Since I’m sure that you’d honestly like to do everything within your power to express your patriotism and respect for our country’s servicemen, I’ve collected a list of other actions you could take that would actually do something with a bit more tangible benefit.
Join the military. The branch of service is really a matter of personal choice, but the occupation of Iraq has really put a drain on our ranks. Military recruiters are always in need of new patriots, and only those with medical or psychological conditions are usually turned away. Heck, if you have a college degree, then your unique job skills would be even more valuable. America needs nurses to tend to the wounded on both sides. America needs computer programmers and IT workers to help with communication systems and securing intelligence data stores. America needs anyone willing to help honestly. Just walk in to your local recruiter and say that you’re ready to do your part to help support a cause and country you believe in. This is precisely what most of your grandfathers did.
Write letters to those serving in the armed forces. The service men and women aren’t here in the States to look at your conveniently removable magnetic doodads. Far more effective in relaying your concern and support would be actually picking up a pen and paper to write a letter expressing your feelings to the eighteen-year-old kid from Iowa who’s actually working security in the middle of Baghdad through the cold nights and sweltering days. Tell your soldiers how truly grateful you are for the personal sacrifice they’ve made in your stead, and explain why you think it will help the Republic for them to be there doing such things. It’s gets lonely out there, folks. Learn to knit and send wool socks for those cold nights. Send a solider some heavy-duty re-sealable bags to protect his personal belongings from sand. Take time to learn what a soldier might need or want and buy that with the money you’ve wasted on four copies of the same ribbon magnet to put across the back of your car.
Conserve. All of the oil, electricity, and raw material you use could also be put to use in the war effort. Most of your grandparents lived through rationing. Most of them had victory gardens in their backyards to help reduce the drain on our food supply. Recycling was an important facet of the war effort at home during World War II. Do you really need to take that 15 MPG SUV or light truck a mile down the road to pick up soda cans you’re only going to throw in the trash?
Write to your elected officials. This is especially helpful if your duly elected senator or representative is against the current war effort. Explain to them why this issue is important to you, and be willing to vote them out of office if they don’t agree with your opinion on this issue that’s obviously important to you. Your elected official is rarely in your district long enough to take a survey of how many cars have what quantity magnets on them.