When you see a "Support Our Troops" ribbon on the back of a car...

[PlatyPius 5]

I think that it does have something to do with intelligence. I think if you have one on your car you have been swept up by this "support your troops or you are a trader", and in that respect I think you have turned off your mental senses and just said, this sounds good, too hard to think about it rationally, i will agree with this.

So....you're saying that you have one on your car then?

trader - someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold

TRAITOR - someone who betrays his country by committing treason

[FutureAmerican 2]

I don't think it bears any mark of higher or lower intelligence, although I do think more highly of people with such stickers or similar (such as one of my wife's cousins, who has a "retired airforce" numberplate). I don't see why people dislike bumper stickers in general - it makes the vehicle a little more individual, and IMHO is no worse than the countless t-shirts out there....although when there's so many across the car it's an eyesore that can be a bit much.

And yes, my in-laws do have a "support the troops" ribbon on their cars, partly because they do support them through charities etc, and also because of the large amount of current/retired military in their friends and relatives.

BTW, can someone explain to me the "irony of seeing a 'Support the Troops' sticker on an SUV"? Is it something to do with the "it's a war for oil" theory? (Which while I disagree with, I do genuinely want to check I'm interpreting it correctly).

[Cantankerous 0]

With all due respect, I definitely disagree full heartedly. I do not think they are true patriots. I do not think that they are not true patriots either. They do not do this cause they are so dedicated to the ideals of this country. If that was true their would have not been one enlistment in the last 5 years. They do it cause of the money it offers. Or because of the rewards it holds once you are out. But because of the ideals this country was founded upon and because they are "true patriots", be careful of believing everything this administration is feeding you!

My first thought after reading this was… WHAT?

Not dedicated to the ideals of this Country… of course they are. They are willing to put their lives on the line to protect America. How can you not be more in line with the supporting the ideals of this Country?

For the money it offers? The pay is not that good and you are sent to a foreign country where people want to kill you. Over a 4 year period you can make more money working at a fast food restaurant. An E-3 with 3 years in makes just over 20K a year – oops, I forgot to add the $225 / Month in Hazard pay.

For the benefits when you get out? You mean after 20 years of service to your Country. Or maybe you mean the educational benefits? Yup, people sign up to be deployed into a War so they can come home and go to college.

I am really curious what actual data you are basing your comments on. Give me some references where you are able to find data on men and woman in the military that shows the majority are joining based upon the pay and the benefits. I won’t hold my breath…

[Arazia 0]

I think it has no bearing on intelligence/education.

No, I don't think it necessarily means they deserve more respect. There are lots of ribbons for lots of good causes, but who knows who put it on the car. It could be a kid driving who has no idea it's even back there. Respect is something earned, not given just because of what 'ribbons' you have on your car.

No, I generally don't put any stickers/ribbons on my car. About the only decoration I have is a tribal sticky of a sea-dragon on my back-side window.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

They choose to serve because they are true patriots dedicated to the ideals of this country.

That their patriotism is exploited in a series of pointless wars based on lies designed to fill

the pockets of military contractors is hardly their fault.

That part of your argument is at odds with the first sentence - but it is the reason why I could never see myself joining up. Having noble ideals is admirable - but not when they're turned into a tool to be used and abused by corrupt governments.

[Fandango 1,439]

The self righteous ignorance in this thread sickens me.

[Ban Hammer 13,344]

With all due respect, I definitely disagree full heartedly. I do not think they are true patriots. I do not think that they are not true patriots either. They do not do this cause they are so dedicated to the ideals of this country. If that was true their would have not been one enlistment in the last 5 years. They do it cause of the money it offers. Or because of the rewards it holds once you are out. But because of the ideals this country was founded upon and because they are "true patriots", be careful of believing everything this administration is feeding you!

that's really interesting as it's not unusual for the lower enlisted with a family to be on some type of government program because the pay is so low. given the rest of your rant about them not being patriotic and it's all about the money, i'd say it's safe to assume you never served in the military and don't have a clue what you're talking about.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The self righteous ignorance in this thread sickens me.

No doubt.

[Raspect 0]

With all due respect, I definitely disagree full heartedly. I do not think they are true patriots. I do not think that they are not true patriots either. They do not do this cause they are so dedicated to the ideals of this country. If that was true their would have not been one enlistment in the last 5 years. They do it cause of the money it offers. Or because of the rewards it holds once you are out. But because of the ideals this country was founded upon and because they are "true patriots", be careful of believing everything this administration is feeding you!

that's really interesting as it's not unusual for the lower enlisted with a family to be on some type of government program because the pay is so low. given the rest of your rant about them not being patriotic and it's all about the money, i'd say it's safe to assume you never served in the military and don't have a clue what you're talking about.

I never said they are not patriotic. Given your rant here, I would suggest reading what I said so you have a clue what you are talking about. I said that it doesnt make them more or less patriotic serving in the war. YES, it could mean this. But it could be their job that they have to do. I do have to say it is very very very brave what they are doing, going there to fight this war. But more or less patriotic, I am unconvinced.

[tmma 467]

With all due respect, I definitely disagree full heartedly. I do not think they are true patriots. I do not think that they are not true patriots either. They do not do this cause they are so dedicated to the ideals of this country. If that was true their would have not been one enlistment in the last 5 years. They do it cause of the money it offers. Or because of the rewards it holds once you are out. But because of the ideals this country was founded upon and because they are "true patriots", be careful of believing everything this administration is feeding you!

that's really interesting as it's not unusual for the lower enlisted with a family to be on some type of government program because the pay is so low. given the rest of your rant about them not being patriotic and it's all about the money, i'd say it's safe to assume you never served in the military and don't have a clue what you're talking about.

[rebeccajo 14]

The self righteous ignorance in this thread sickens me.

It's a public forum. People post whatever they want to say.

[Raspect 0]

I do not support what they are doing

at all!!!

But do I wish the best for them and their families

I do!!!

And before I forget, I also wish the very best for all these poor, innocent, loving Iraqi people who are afraid to even step out of their house with the fear of being blown up by a bomb. Like for example my mother or my sister. Thank God they are not there, but they could be. Any of us could be.

NO WAR!!!

Edited July 5, 2007 by Raspect

[Fandango 1,439]

The self righteous ignorance in this thread sickens me.

It's a public forum. People post whatever they want to say.

That holds true for me as well

[Raspect 0]

The self righteous ignorance in this thread sickens me.

It's a public forum. People post whatever they want to say.

That holds true for me as well

for me as well, contrary to popular belief these days, I do not think all dissent should be killed from the get go. I think open and free discussion of important issues is a very necessary and very good thing. Too bad some other people feel it is harmful or helping the terrorists in some way i will never understand.

AGAIN, I wish ALL the people caught in this bloodbath the very very very best. Makes me sad to see this situation.

[SqdnGuns 21]

"Freedom has a special flavor the protected will never know.............."