Republicans love to talk about how they "Support our Troops." Their braindead supporters love to put those meaningless yellow ribbons (manufactured in China using American debt) on their cars, while encouraging policies that get our troops killed, wounded, and get their benefits cut.
As progressives, we know that we are the ones who truly support the troops--not the Party of Greed. We are fighting to bring the troops home as soon as possible, while they believe that reliving Vietnam is a great idea. We are the ones fighting to make sure the troops get the armor they need, while they vote to cut the funding. We want to increase veterans' benefits, while they want to cut them.
But that's all politics and legislation. We have to the opportunity--right now--to put our money where our mouths are, and show the troops who REALLY stands with them at the same time.
And if we can go out of our way to help buffy orpington, and give money to a
relatively unknown member of our community sight unseen, then surely we can come together to do this for our troops suffering in the dangers of Iraq and its blistering heat.
I'm talking about Operation U.S. Care Package. It's a non-profit dedicated to allowing regular Americans to send gifts and packages to our troops. It's NOT a scam, and they don't keep almost anything for overhead.
A little background from their site:
Due to the threat of anthrax following September 11, the Department of Defense suspended its practice of forwarding correspondence and personal care packages from the American public to "any service member." In its place, the USO created Operation USO Care Package to boost morale and provide a safe and secure way for the public to show their support. The packages only contain items donated by or purchased from manufacturers in bulk. Security requirements prohibit donations of products from the general public for placement in the USO Care Packages. <snip>
As of March 31, 2006 Operation USO Care Package has distributed more than 821,000 Care Packages to deploying or deployed service personnel at embarkation points and other sites and locations served by the USO. <snip>
Each USO Care Package contains, at a minimum, one prepaid international calling card, a disposable camera, toiletries, sunscreen, and a personal message of support from the sender. Other donated items from manufacturers are included so that the maximum weight of each package is approximately 2 lbs. <snip>
Operation USO Care Package is the only program of its kind supported and recognized by the White House and the Department of Defense due to the program's strict adherence to security requirements.
Now, I know the White House and DoD seal of approval will make many here retch--but it's one of the few ways (and by far the most popular) to get a care package over there.
Best of all, we have the opportunity to send our own personalized messages from the liberal and progressive blogosphere, showing that we care about them. The troops get most of their news and info from Rush Limbaugh and his ilk; liberal and progressive voices tend to be silenced. The sponsorship form has a section for a personalized message; I recommend we take advantage of it.
If we can send hundreds or even thousands of care packages to the troops this holiday season, all beginning with the message:
This care package brought to you by the progressives at DailyKos.com
and then followed with your personalized message of support (e.g., "Thank you SO much for your service to our country and to the Iraqi people. Stay safe, and we hope to see you home as soon as possible."), we could make a big difference out there. It would help them out--more importantly, it would show them that we care, and it would drive them to visit the site, and see what we're all about--instead of what Rush Limbaugh tells them we're about. And it's tax-deductible, too!
What say you, Kossacks? Can you pony up $25 or more for our brave men and women stuck in Iraq through no fault of their own? For fair representation of the truth? For the progressive blogosphere?
I know this community is more than just talk. We've walked the walk for our progressive candidates, and for our community members in need. Now that the elections are over, let's walk that walk for troops, and show them who REALLY supports them. And let's get the truth out there all at the same time.
[Update: I agree with many of the commenters who say "No political messages with the care packages." Absolutely correct; I would discourage any statements about politics, or even bringing them home. However, I don't think that saying "This care package brought to you by the progressives at DailyKos.com" constitutes a political message. It's a statement of sponsorship, which I think is totally appropriate.]