"Support" is an Action, Not Just a Sentiment

The number of fifty-cent yellow magnetic ribbons continues to grow. On my way to work I am told, frequently by self-labelled Bush-Cheney supporters, to support the troops, presumably those actively in combat in Iraq. Many people adorn their cars with a “support ribbon”. I see them for many causes, from “Support Breast Cancer Awareness” to “Support Medical Marijuana Use”. Typically, people sporting the latter truly are infused with support for the topic of interest and actively work towards breast cancer/pot awareness etc. However, “Support Our Troops” is really just a Republican mantra, a brain-dead reiteration of an obvious sentiment. Is there anyone that is not truly concerned about the well being of young volunteers assigned to combat? Probably not.

I ask those that “Support Our Troops” what they have done to actually support them. Is support something they have done, or is it something they say to be part of the bumper-magnet club? Have they sent toiletries, clothes, medicines, food, porn, or a kind-hearted letter? No. Have they helped the families of overseas soldiers with financial contributions or with household chores? No. This magic action of “support” is really just a fifty-cent sticker on the bumper showing that they agree with President Bush and his invasion / occupation of a sovereign nation under false pretenses. The better sticker should be "I Support the President No Matter What" rather than anything about troops. Maybe they feel guilty that their unquestioning support for an executive decision has sentenced over 1600 American soldiers to death.

Of course, if President Bush suggested that national security depended on killing puppies you’d see “Support Puppy Death” stickers on the same bumpers.

The bottom line is, when you take the time to stick a sign on your car and tell the world that you support something, then you should truly support it. Support is action, it is involvement, it is not just lip service. Of course, do you really think we can ask as much from politicians and their lockstep ideologs?