As ever, Steyn is on his game. I agree about open enemies and those yellow ribbons. Yellow still says coward to me and it is most definitely what Americans are NOT.
Now I have that silly Tony Orlando and Dawn song in my head - a pox on their heads too.
I never have understood about the yellow ribbon thing, either. Remember, the song was not about hostages, not about soldiers, but about a common criminal who was returning home from prison, and wanted to know if his girl was still waiting for him. I sorta liked the song, although I think you accurately described it as silly. But there is no equivalence between the sentiments or situation described in the song and those people associate with it today. It is too passive a symbol for America.
And yellow is the color of cowardice. It's a good color for liberals, too.
"Yellow" is the branch color of Armor troops [and back when, the Cavalry]. You might want to re-think your overbroad view of "yellow".
Cpt., Armor
MACV, Class of '71