Show your true colors

Curt Loftis, a reader of the almighty Power Line blog site, recently visited the Cindy Sheehan protest camp, with some very interesting observations and conversations with those camping out at the protest site.

I have tried on many occasions to understand what she is trying to really accomplish. Enough! She wants more than to just talk to the President so you can now sit down and do not answer again without raising you little hands.

I don't care what your political opinion is about the invasion of Iraq. It's a moot point now, and everyone needs to concentrate on more effectively and efficiently carrying out the mission. But many of our own citizens refuse to do so.

The self-loathing, Blame-America-First crowd loves to throw around the witty query, "If you believe in the war so much, why don't you go fight it." Their own rhetoric apparently advocates a military dictatorship, where the only people that have the right to comment on such policy are our uniformed servicemembers. That works out great for me, but I think the liberal crowd might grow to regret that position.

If you want to support the troops but not the war, then that is just fine. So with that said here are 10 ways you can show your support.

1. Volunteer at a VA or military hospital

2. Contribute to the DoD “America Supports You” programs

3. Contribute to the local National Guard or Reserve Family Support Program

4. Cultivate a supportive relationship between employers and National Guard/Reserve employees (ESGR)

5. Send “care packages” to deployed units and troops (without “anti-mission” statements)

6. Contribute to the “United Way” and designate their contribution towards an organization that supports the troops, such as the USO

7.Stand up against those who call the troops “babykillers", “torturers", or “Nazis”

8. Adopt a unit and write letters, without political refernces, to deployed service members

9. Welcome home units after deployment and participate in recognition ceremonies

10. Greet a service member with a heartfelt “thank you for their service to our great nation.

NOTE: Personal opinions on the mission should be kept personal and not shared with the troops because they may cause doubt in their minds which could result in serious harm to themselves or others in combat.