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February 08, 2007

Blue Friday

I just received a forwarded chain email – no doubt another example of the right-wing machine – from a right-wing friend. This one is entitled "Will you give this to my Daddy?" and tells the supposedly true story (yeah, right) of a little girl who saw a solder in the airport and asked him to give a hug and a kiss to her daddy who was serving in Iraq. I can tell it's a right-wing gimmick because the writer, who claims to have personally observed this incident, describes how 30 to 40 soldiers were moving through the airport together and everyone stood and applauded them as they went by – leaving the author with the realization that "I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families." Also, he describes the soldiers as "unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal." It's right-wing spin all the way.

The email concludes with a call to recipients to wear red every Friday in a massive silent display of support for the troops – and, by implication, their mission.

We've discussed on several occasions here the fact that the Republicans, by failing to properly equip our soldiers or care for them when they return home, and by sending them into harm's way for nefarious purposes, are not supporting the troops. We have also discussed the fact that when Democrats oppose this war, it in NO WAY implies a lack of support for the troops – in fact, the truth is entirely opposite of that.

So I have an idea. If you're against this war but you support our troops, wear blue every Friday. Red is the Republican color and the Republicans support the President's horrible war. Blue is the Democratic color and the Democrats oppose the war. Show your stance on the war and your support for the troops all at the same time. Make every Friday a blue Friday, starting tomorrow!

Posted by Becky at February 8, 2007 01:44 PM