08-06-2006, 04:14 AM
FWIW, I don't think there's anything political about thanking the troops for their service -- and I'm someone who is more than a little tired of attempts by some people here to drag political content onto this side of the forum.
The on-the-ground troops -- the people who actually take the risks and do the work -- may themselves have opinions about this mission, just as we do, but like a good jury they put that aside and do what is asked of them day in and day out. It's what helps make America great, and for many troops I should think that this is in some measure what makes the job bearable -- to be a part of history, to be part of something that is fundamental to this nation's viability. Patriotism is not an abstract concept to these folks. Neither is honour.
We get servicepeople into our shop from time to time who are on break from duty in Afghanistan or Iraq (or elsewhere in that region) and it's always interesting to talk with them and get their perspective. Sometimes quite eye-opening too, but the bottom line is this: they put up with a lot of adverse conditions (not just people shooting at them) in that part of the world.
If you're really interested in "supporting the troops" instead of just SAYING that as though that magically supports them (hint: yellow magnetic stickers don't support troops), then there are definitely things you can do. Give money to the USO and vets' groups like I do. Or volunteer at your local vet hospital. Give time or money to the organisations that support the FAMILIES of the troops, particularly those that have been killed or injured (this is a really good way to help). Write your congresscritter in support of increasing veterans' benefits (which have been repeatedly cut, oddly enough). And of course, you can use the Xerox website to help brighten a lonely servicepersons' day. I'm sure they'd appreciate it.
Most of all, you can validate our troops and the work they do by becoming an informed and involved citizen. The job of our troops is made harder by complacency and apathy. Get informed, share your voice (in appropriate channels, please), VOTE in the upcoming midterms (registration is probably still open -- get to it!!), do your part as a citizen so that our troops don't have to do your job as well as their own. Democracy works best when the people pay attention.
The on-the-ground troops -- the people who actually take the risks and do the work -- may themselves have opinions about this mission, just as we do, but like a good jury they put that aside and do what is asked of them day in and day out. It's what helps make America great, and for many troops I should think that this is in some measure what makes the job bearable -- to be a part of history, to be part of something that is fundamental to this nation's viability. Patriotism is not an abstract concept to these folks. Neither is honour.
We get servicepeople into our shop from time to time who are on break from duty in Afghanistan or Iraq (or elsewhere in that region) and it's always interesting to talk with them and get their perspective. Sometimes quite eye-opening too, but the bottom line is this: they put up with a lot of adverse conditions (not just people shooting at them) in that part of the world.
If you're really interested in "supporting the troops" instead of just SAYING that as though that magically supports them (hint: yellow magnetic stickers don't support troops), then there are definitely things you can do. Give money to the USO and vets' groups like I do. Or volunteer at your local vet hospital. Give time or money to the organisations that support the FAMILIES of the troops, particularly those that have been killed or injured (this is a really good way to help). Write your congresscritter in support of increasing veterans' benefits (which have been repeatedly cut, oddly enough). And of course, you can use the Xerox website to help brighten a lonely servicepersons' day. I'm sure they'd appreciate it.
Most of all, you can validate our troops and the work they do by becoming an informed and involved citizen. The job of our troops is made harder by complacency and apathy. Get informed, share your voice (in appropriate channels, please), VOTE in the upcoming midterms (registration is probably still open -- get to it!!), do your part as a citizen so that our troops don't have to do your job as well as their own. Democracy works best when the people pay attention.