Monday, June 12, 2006

Seeing Red

(Warning: Major Venting Ahead; If you don't like it TOUGH!!!!)

I sent out an email to the faculty at my school that asked people to wear red on Fridays to support our troops in Iraq(email is at the end of this post if your interested). I guess I am pretty naive to think that this idea would be supported by all. I actually got negative replies to the email. One accused me of being "sly" in trying to push support of President Bush and the war on everyone. I went back and read the email at least three times to see how it could be seen as offensive. (One person made a comment about preparing myself for nasty replies from sandal-wearing, granola-eating, tree-huggers. I thought that was pretty funny. Hope I didn't offend any sandal-wearers, granola-eaters, or tree-huggers.) I really don't like to confront others and hate causing any kind of problem. I was actually embarrassed earlier this afternoon when someone sent a negative reply to the entire faculty. I've gotten over that now and have moved on to being very irritated by these peoples closed mindedness.

The more I have thought about it the more irritated it makes me. How can people not see a difference between supporting the war and supporting our troops? These people are far, far from home putting their lives in danger in the name of our country. They are seeing horrible things that I pray to God that none of us ever will have to endure on our home soil, partly (or mostly) because they are over there right now. They volunteered to serve our country, not knowing what they may some day be asked to do. They are far away from home missing births, deaths, birthdays, graduations, etc. Besides the soldiers that are far away, what about their families? Think of all the parents who are now raising children on their own because their mate is deployed. Think of all the children who wish their parent was home to read them a bed time story, toss a ball, or help with homework. I can't even imagine waking up every morning and hoping this isn't the day that you will get a visit or phone call telling you that your loved on has been injured or killed. How can these people not deserve the support of other Americans just because they are fighting in a war that we may not agree with?

Here is the email. These few people who responded negatively to my email have irritated me so much I have decided to spread this message as far and wide as I possibly can. Please pass the word.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that..Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances,co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is... 'We need your support and your prayers. 'Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

4 comments:

M3 said...

Hey Carrie, I think it's great that you care enough to do something. Most people just sit by and are afraid to voice any opinion at all. And yes, unfortunately most people do miss the whole "support the troops not the war" point of view. It's pretty sad if you ask me. I'm horrendously opposed to this war, but I don't for one second think that it's the fault of the men and women who are over there fighting it. Ooooo, I'm all fired up now, and I haven't even had my Cheerios yet today! :-)

Carrie said...

Linda, I am not a member of a military family. It is just my opinion that we should support them. I really don't know how I feel about the war at this point. I see positives and negatives to it. I can see the families point that the two things cannot be seperated. Glad I could enlighten you about this subject (LOL).

Susan said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Susan said...

(That was my delete - bad, bad typos..I'll try again)

I think it's a great email and I wear red on Fridays :) As a prior active duty family, current reserve family whose husband was active duty last year in Iraq, I'll say thanks. There are military families who aren't war supporters but we do support our families, friends, loved ones and their comrades as they do their jobs at home and abroad. The one thing I learned when Will came home and shared his experience was this... no matter what my opinion or idea was before, it was simply that - an opion and idea that was created based on what I heard and read, not necessarily what was going on. It's definitely one of those things that falls under "until you've walked in my shoes..."

Sorry for the long post, it's definitely a topic I'm passionate about.

Thanks for the support and if nothing else, two of us will be wearing red on Fridays!!

Susan