Marine Corps Moms: Massachusetts tax dollars at work

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February 24, 2005

Massachusetts tax dollars at work

Read this, then e-mail or call the Daily Collegian to express your view of the asshats who rip off yellow ribbon magnets. Especially this one, whose first amendment rights are protected by the troops he refuses to support. Bah.

By Thomas Naughton, Collegian columnist
February 23, 2005

Guilt can only weigh on a person's mind for so long before they crave the act of purgation; to get the weighty feelings of shame and responsibility out of the mind - or at least the guilty parties attempt to find some kind of peace if they cannot rid themselves of a screaming conscience that implicates and indicts its possessor.

That said, perhaps some readers will understand why my friends and I rip yellow ribbon "support the troops" magnets off of cars or wherever people have affixed them. By ripping off these ribbons, we find a way to deal with our guilt, as though with each ribbon swiped we take back a life that was taken by this senseless war started by our senseless president and those who support him.

I will never say, "support the troops." I don't believe in the validity of that statement. People say, "I don't support the war, I support the troops" as though you can actually separate the two. You cannot; the troops are a part of the war, they have become the war and there is no valid dissection of the two. Other people shout with glaring eyes that we should give up our politics, give up our political affiliations in favor of "just supporting the troops." I wish everything were that easy.

What they really mean is that we should just give up our will, give up our identities, give up our voices to those in power. Perhaps that's just the way people aligned with the right wing choose to get rid of their guilt: blindness and ignorance.

I listen to talk radio very often. It's important to know who your enemies are. The pundits on the radio are the pinnacles of guiltless, shameless wonders, and I am jealous. It must feel good to believe without question, to benefit from the blind belief of young men and women who chose to join the armed forces, to sit in a radio studio in New York and admonish the public to give in like the troops, to just follow orders, to live as just a number that will soon be etched into a gravestone that no one will ever see.

I look into the cars of people with "support the troops" ribbons as I speed past, trying to find some trace of recognition on their face, recognition of their guilt and the fact that they have given up. I usually see nothing; just a mouth moving robotically, singing the pop hits of today or the contemporary country wine of fake cowboys who share a lot with George Bush: no shame.

We say, "support the troops" so that we won't feel guilty about saying "no" to war. We reason that if we say that we support the troops, somehow we aren't monsters for not saying a word when the death tolls of U.S. soldiers climbed above 1,000. Those ribbons are yellow for a reason, they are not the mark of armed forces support, they are the mark of cowards.

Pundits on the radio advise their cowardly listeners to approach men and women in army uniforms and say "thank you." I cannot do that. Every time I pass a person in uniform I look long and hard at them and all I can think inside to say is "I'm so sorry." I want to apologize to them, to their families and to their friends. I feel sorry that we, the people, couldn't control our own government at the outset of this conflict when most of us knew deep inside that it was a mistake.

Where are we now? Are we in a better place? Is the world safer for democracy? No, it is not safer and we are not in a better place. In this war that we are fighting to somehow avenge the deaths of the Sept. 11 tragedy, we have amassed a field of body bags, the number of which almost matches the number killed in the terrorist attacks four years ago. Now, we stare at yet another request for barrels of money for this war by President Bush, while people in our own country search fruitlessly for jobs to feed their starving families, while every public school gets left behind, while our elderly are ensured an uncertain future of unpaid medical bills.

I guess we shouldn't think about those things though, right? We should just buy a yellow magnet and slap it on the butt of our car so we can sleep at night and just let our government do whatever they want. That's supporting the troops, right?

Two years ago my friend Eric called me out of the blue after almost five years of silence between us. We were in a band together when we were teenagers and he had joined the army around the time I was graduating from high school. He had to join the army; he had a son to provide for in the grand tradition of many young members of the armed forces. He called me to tell me that he was going back to Iraq, against his will. He was so sad and angry and scared. He didn't say it, but I know he was calling to tell me that he might die. I didn't say it to him then, but I felt such overwhelming guilt that I couldn't do anything to keep him from going back.

I haven't heard from him since. I don't know if he's dead, and my guilt is alive and well. I hope that all of our family members in harm's way return alive. Until then, I can really honor their sacrifice by demanding that it finally comes to an end.

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Posted by Deb at February 24, 2005 05:59 PM

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Comments

Hmmmmm! Their forum wouldn't accept my comment. And it was a pip too! ;-)

Something I learned in skool: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

That is something that is applicable to reality. Like when I catch him trying to pull anything off my vehicle! :-o

Posted by: JarheadDad at February 24, 2005 07:44 PM

I would LOVE to catch someone trying to remove my yellow ribbons or my Iraq the Model bumper sticker. Actually, I DARE THEM. When I read an article such as this I feel sorry for the author is obviously stuck in group think.

Posted by: Kathleen A at February 25, 2005 04:14 AM

All I have to say is that this person has the right to make ignorant comments such as these thanks to all those troops that this person doesn't support. Not only the men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice in this war but in every war. The ones that have died to maintain this way of life that all Americans just seem to expect but aren't always willng to sacrifice for. These people that don't support our brave troops like my husband, a man that left for war and hasn't even met his unborn son that is due in less than a month, really aren't deserving of my husband's sacrifice. Yet they still benefit from it and don't seem to have any qualms about taking advantage of their freedoms to totally disrespect our heroes, the ones that have given up everything to ensure people such as this can continue to disgrace themselves by completely disregarding or acknowledging any good done by our troops. Maybe if this person would get of their *** and do some research about what all our troops have accomplished instead of focusing on nothing but negative maybe their views of our men and women serving in the armed forces, mind you the forces that keep us free and full of undeserved rights, maybe they might be different. I doubt it though because people who believe like this have never had to give up or sacrifice anything that meant any thing to them for a cause. Therefore have no clue what it is like to be a wife, husband, son, daughter, mother, or father of one of these "unsupported" troops. What I have realized though is that the only support that our loved ones want or need is that of the ones that love and care about them the most. As a matter of fact I doubt that any of them would want the support of this so called American that admittedly steals peoples symbols of their support off the vehicles of hard working Americans. So on that note I have nothing left to say other than you are one of the most undeserving people I have heard and I pray for you that one day you will see how blind you are and that every person serving in our military deserves your respect if nothing else for your right to say the things you just said about them.

Posted by: Michaelynn at February 25, 2005 09:03 AM

I'm looking for a photo of this 'jerk' to include in my snack box of Jerky for my Marines in Iraq.

Posted by: Chevy Rose at February 25, 2005 09:32 AM

I wonder if this fool has enough courage to steal the blue star hanging from my home

Posted by: skip at February 25, 2005 09:53 AM

I just called the student newspaper. The Editor in chief is Peter Foundris. The paper is run by students, I was told that there is no faculty adviser. Further I was told that this particular publication recieves no financial support from UMass.

the nice person that answered the phone was unaware of the fact that this column appeared on this fine website.

I advised her that I would do all I could to make sure that they recieved a lot of calls about this column.

Posted by: skip at February 25, 2005 10:02 AM

I think this young man needs to get his facts straight before he starts spewing his BS! His friend "Eric" was going "Back" to Iraq two years ago? Two years ago we had yet to go into Iraq!!!

Posted by: Bill T at February 25, 2005 10:43 AM

I just wrote a note asking why they are not posting comments. I posted a couple of days ago and it is still not there. Regardless, it is obvious this guy is a huge jerk.

I just want to say thank you to all the moms and wives at this site. I and my family, my co-workers and friends are just so proud of your sons, daughters and husbands. My heart swells when I think of them and I am in awe of their bravery and professionalism.

My company makes remotely operated weapon platforms designed to keep your folks out of the line of fire. The best part of my job is getting to work with the Marines and soldiers. I always shake my head afterward in amazement at how wonderful these people are.

Thank you all for standing behind them. Thank you for all of the hours of worry and lonliness you have to endure. Tell your boys that we love them too.

Posted by: Remoteman at February 25, 2005 01:21 PM

I emailed the piece a turd a note earlier also. I think it would be a good idea to have him visit the torture chambers of Saddam's. I'll bet several terrorist would love to have the chance to cut his tongue out to show him that was one of their freedoms. You have the freedom to be abused, tortured, beaten and killed in front of your family. How about it dirtbag. Take a trip, go see how long you can last there. Don't let your mouth overload your ass. You pay alot of money for a college education...to bad your a gutless jackass that has no brains.

Posted by: Sandy A at February 25, 2005 11:39 PM

To Whom it may Concern-

I am the "jerk" or the "asshat" who wrote the column, "No Yellow Ribbons Here". I really appreciate you people spending your time and energy to go crazy about my column. I'm already reaping the benefits of scandalization with offers to write for some pretty venerable magazines. Please forgive my sarcasm, I'm just trying to pay you all back for the "kind thoughts" you've addressed to my email and personal phone which include:
death threats, the word "faggot", and to my delight, lots of invites to hang out with handsome members of the armed forces!

Here's what troubles me (free of sarcasm):
NONE OF YOU GOT THE MESSAGE. ALL I WANT IS FOR OUR TROOPS TO COME HOME SAFE TO THEIR FAMILIES. If it was my choice, they would all come home today. My column was addressing the fact that these WAL-MART-bought yellow ribbons don't bring back the lives of US SOLDIERS that were lost FOR NO REASON. Its clear that no one can say anything in this country that is percieved to be against the war or Mr. Bush. How sad.

The actual column was not printed in its entirety. If you are interested in reading the full version, email me, I'll be happy to oblige you.

Finally I want to say this (also free of sarcasm):
It was never my intention to harm, disrespect, or disregard the great sacrifice that our troops have made by fighting this war, and I don't think I did. I think about the 1000+ dead soldiers and their poor families and friends EVERY DAY and that is why I wrote my column. Before you judge me, read the entire column and consider that I am a patriotic American who LOVES AMERICA. I will not, however, be bullied or intimidated into jingo-ism while young men and women die overseas, while only 1 of our congressmen has a son or daughter fighting this war.

I know in my heart that my intentions were right. I pray for all of your sons and daughters, wives and husbands, sisters and brothers to return quickly and safely. I pray that they will rejoin their families and live long happy lives.

Thank you for your time

Thomas Naughton

Posted by: Thomas Naughton at February 26, 2005 08:24 AM

Thomas, you simply do not get it. And you never will. Why? Because you haven't earned the understanding. Intellectual interpretations can only go so far. You cannot separate the man/woman from the mission. You cannot understand that there troops ARE protecting your freedom to receive your offers from "venerable magazines". You will never, ever understand the concept that our men and women in uniform BELIEVE IN THE MISSION! They are not forced or drafted, just simply volunteers. They are not ignorant or lacking in opinion. truthfully they are mainstream Americans with something more than you will understand! What you believe is just fake patriotism is something so real the blood of our Country flows through it.

Your little vanadalism project that you are so proud of is an affront to all of us. You seem to think that WE are the enemy yet I can just bet you believe the terrorists we are fighting are nothing more than "freedom fighters" defending their homeland from an "occupying" force. You also make the assumption that WE do not support our troops, President, and Country. Coming home not having accomplished our mission is a failure. Much as your moral bankruptcy on this issue. Our Armed Forces will not accept or tolerate defeat. Defeat is not an option simply because of what is at stake. Your personal freedoms are directly connected to what we are fighting for. These young men and women are the ones that make it so easy for you to have your fantasy. The blood of generations allows you your opinion without fear of beheading, body parts chopped, or being put feet first through a shredder. You sir are not a pimple on these noble troops collective asses but they will lay down their lives to allow you your opinion. This is frankly something you will never be able to intellectualize no matter how hard you try.

Why do you think you are getting so much heat? Why are the returning troops not plastered all over the TV like they were in Nam? Do you really believe the hatred felt for you is because of your opinion? No, it is your disrespect to all of us that you show through your childish acts of vandalism that has created the sh*tstorm you find yourself in. And you can laugh all the way to the bank for the freedom you have to generate your articles on the blood of those greater than you! Is this a great country or what? Enjoy your selfishness and please, we do not want, care for, or need your support!

I'll leave you with something one of the greatest American statesmen of all times left us for prosperity. Read it, learn it, live it. But alas it'll mean nothing to you and that is apropos of your ilk:

"It is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own." --Benjamin Franklin

P.S. My offer still stands for a much needed science lesson for you if you care to take advantage of my offer. I'll also avail you of the meaning of other "cowardly" yellow ribbons that are earned the hard way. I'm sure it would be a great chapter in your ongoing education and make one hellova' article for the venerable magazines! ;-)

Semper Fi buttmunch from;
The Coward of Wal*Mart Yellow Ribbons!
Mattis Cult Six Out! :-o

Posted by: JarheadDad at February 26, 2005 09:51 AM

What is interesting about Thomas's rant is that he seems to think that people who have "Support Our Troops: yellow ribbons on our cars do not support the war. Typical leftist thinking - they all think that everyone thinks the same way they do.
In reality, everyone I know with a yellow ribbon supports not only the troops, but President Bush and the war also.

Posted by: Beth at February 26, 2005 09:09 PM

Mr. Naughton is a very typical UMass Amherst Campus student. The school is a mecca for the "left" and a great place to sit around and think about life. You will find many Ward Churchill clones on the faculty spewing the America is bad mantra especially in the "social science " classes. The typical weekend activity, after a hard week of learning what a terrible country America is, invloves heavy drinking, drugging, vandalism and this interesting practice of throwing burning pieces of furniture out the campus housing windows. No wonder the "locals" call it ZooMass, the place is out of control.
There is an ROTC program at UMass Amherst, very small, but very dedicated, and a very good School of Business, nothing else to speak about.
Everything that involves the military is very unpopular in Massachusetts, taking the lead from our two Senators. I am not suprised that Naughton and his fellow students handle their anguish about being Americans by stealing personal items from motor vehicles. Don't expect the campus police to crack this case anytime soon, for they are too busy solving the numerous felony crimes on campus such as the rapes,robberies and drug sales.
gdw

Posted by: gary at February 27, 2005 05:50 AM

Greetings Mr. Naughton. You might be surprised to learn the number of military veterans that are presently on Amherst�s active law enforcement roster. There are 63 police officers, detectives. Of those 63, how many do you suppose have a military background of which they are inherently proud? Just ponder that a while�as the rest of us ponder why someone would be so daft as to confess to violations of the Massachusetts penal code on public record.

CHAPTER 266. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
Chapter 266: Section 127B Actions for civil rights violations; liability

CHAPTER 266. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
Chapter 266: Section 122 Notice against trespassers; defacement; penalty

CHAPTER 274. FELONIES, ACCESSORIES AND ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT CRIMES
Chapter 274: Section 2 Aiders; accessories before fact; punishment

Posted by: IR at February 27, 2005 10:13 AM

I just want to say, whoever wrote this is nieve and ignorant. First off, you need to support the troops for whatever mission they are sent on. You are sincerly a Jackass. Every man and woman who joins the armed forces protects this nation. So, whenever the day comes when another great country like North Korea attacks us, I truly hope a N. Korean soldier gets a hold of you and makes you pay for your comments. Hopefully you will get drafted and will have to face the enemy face to face, but your cowardly ass will probably run.

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