It has struck me from the get go much like wearing a badge that one didn't earn. It would have been different if it was being done to protect people who voted but it was done in solidarity. I don't think it would bother me if the ink were a different color. I think if family had a loved one with boots on the ground during elections a blue star on the finger would be a good idea.
From www.techcentralstation.com:
The Blue-Finger Revolution
By Ryan Sager
Published 01/31/2005
America had its Declaration of Independence, and now Iraq has had its Blue-Finger Revolution. Just don't expect those on the far left to afford the Iraqis the respect that they are due.
Just as the colonists who signed onto Jefferson's handiwork pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to each other, Iraq's bluefingers have risked their very necks -- not just in showing up at the polls on Sunday, but in the weeks and months ahead as the indelible, blue marks of their bravery slowly, slowly fade from their skin.
Though perhaps it is mawkish to dwell on the point, Americans should not forget -- and many will not be able to -- the great physical risk that each Iraqi voter willingly undertook. It's not as if they weren't warned. The blue finger was already a symbol in the weeks leading up to the election:Reportedly, al Zarqawi's men put up posters in Mosul warning, "You vote, you die." The picture accompanying that poster showed an ink-stained finger next to a headless corpse...
It has struck me from the get go much like wearing a badge that one didn't earn...See also a SIMILAR concern voiced here, from www.timothygoddard.com/blog:
Giving terrorists the finger
Ok, that lines been played out already, and the Iraqi elections ended only hours ago. But following the lead of 10-year old Shelby Dangerfield of Montana and Scott Sala of Slant Point, heres my lovely wife and I, showing our solidarity with the millions of incredibly brave Iraqi voters today.
To be honest, I feel a little silly doing this. Im nowhere near as brave as the Iraqi men and women who just risked their lives to do something I take for granted.
But who can say no to this face?
Take a moment to look at the the finger photos from braver people than I.