Support the Troops”: What Does it Mean?

I see a lot of cars with “Support the troops” ribbons stuck to them, but who really supports them?

There is one political party in this country that is over-represented in the military, and it generally overwhelmingly votes that way. It is the party whose supporters teach their children that it is an honor and a duty to serve. It is the party that honors and appreciates the service and sacrifice of its children.

There is another political party that says the American military is the source of most of the world’s problems. It accuses our brave GIs of being “baby killers” and perpetrators of war crimes. It says that unless they are fighting under the United Nations flag, their sacrifices are in vain.

Is it any wonder that the children of the first party proudly serve under the American flag? Is it any wonder that the children of the second party, for the most part, don’t?

Is it any wonder that I don’t have to identify the parties? We all know without me saying it.

(Posted Thursday, October 28, 2004 )