Bumper Stickers, Magnet Ribbons & Rubber Bracelets
I haven’t taken my Kerry/Edwards sticker off my bumper yet. I don’t know why. Maybe my period of mourning hasn’t passed yet. Or maybe I want to cling to it as my own “I told you so” for when Bush’s continued incompetence finally catches up to him, although his re-election leaves me little hope that it ever will.
Other cars sport magnetic yellow or flag colored ribbons reminding us to “Support Our Troops” and that “United We Stand”. I guess we’ve run short of ‘old oak trees’. I support our troops. But I do not support their Commander-in-Chief. Is he supporting our troops?
Now Lance Armstrong’s rubber yellow braclets have led a new wave of wearable advocacy. It’s not new really, I can remember the metal bracelet my father used to wear in remembrance of a POW/MIA soldier in Vietnam. And some have jumped on this bandwagon by offering blue or black bracelets to tell the world you’re no Bush supporter. I don’t know if I’ll get one, I might. Anyone who knows me doesn’t need to see a bracelet to know my politics.
Just be careful what color your put on your wrist, as there may be untended consequences, especially in a hospital.
update: too funny… tonight on my commute home I saw a truck with 7 various ribbon magnets, two American flags, and two racing number 3’s for Dale Earnhardt 🙂
For further reading:
Anti-Bush Bracelets Say, ‘Count Me Blue’
AP, 1/15/05
Heart on a wrist
San Francisco Chronicle, 1/14/05, editorial
Proliferating bracelets could pose hazards for patients
American Medical News, 1/3/05
<p>Sir,</p><p>I happened on your Blog while doing a search to order another POW/MIA Bracelet.</p><p>I do respect your opinions and your right to voice them, although one comment that you made has somewhat upset Me. The fact that someone may try to politicize the color and meaning of a POW/MIA or Fallen Comrade Bracelet is wrong.</p><p>First off, let Me explain that I am a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. I have served honorably for 16 years now, since I was 17, and have had the pleasure AND displeasure of serving My Country in 14 different theaters of combat now.</p><p>The original color of the POW/MIA Bracelet was red, however many have worn solid gold or silver bracelets as well. The latest trend is that a red bracelet denotes that an individual (as We all that civialians are all too often unfortunate targets as well) is actually a POW/MIA, Blue Braclets are worn for soldiers of the Korean War and the Black, Gold and Silver Bracelets generally denote Killed in Action.</p><p>My son and I both wear Black Bracelets bearing the names of two fallen comrades who I had the distinct honor of serving with in Somalia. I need not remind you that Somalia was a President Clinton legacy long before President Bush came to office.</p><p>I do agree that a bracelet does not show My politics, although I am a supporter of President Bush. My bracelets, to include the red one I wear for My cousin who was shot down over Hanoi and never seen again in 1967, are to help raise awareness in the community of the effort We must still make to account for all of our fallen and Missing Comrades. The names on My bracelets are forever etched in My heart and soul, they are not a reminder for Me. But I can have no prouder moment than to explain to a little boy who asks Me what they are, or even an adult. Education about our comrades is the key to full acounting.</p><p>Thank you very much for the oppurtunity to express My views with you.<br>Good Luck, God Bless and Remember All who have served.</p><p>Sincerley,<br>SFC Robert T.</p>