Unfortunately, as I recently learned, it is not only "peaceniks" who feel this way. My patriotism - indeed, the patriotism of ALL of us who participate in rallies, waving our flag and supporting our military and our President, has been called into question by a few FReepers who feel that military service is a prerequisite and the criteria by which someone may be judged and considered a "patriot".
So, as you might guess, this is a hot-button issue right now for a few of us here. I admit, I cannot see war through the eyes of a veteran, but I do understand the sacrifices of those who have answered the call and endured God only knows what horrors on the battlefields. I grieve for those who's lives were cut short and their families, and I DO understand the price that so many thousands throughout our history have paid fighting under OUR flag. Patriotism is expressed in many ways and in many degrees. Thank God that MY patriotism and yours and the patriotism of many fine FReepers and Americans is not defined by those few narrow-minded people.
Don't give these few FReepers a second thought. They are ignorant. Yeah, we have been FReeping the peaceniks every Friday night for over a year because we are working on our tans, right? Not! I don't enjoy having those little skin cancers that keep cropping up cut off.
I hold my sign asking those that drive by to honk to show their support for the military and President Bush because if we don't do that, Fresnans (and Americans everywhere) will forgive and forget the horrors of Sept 11th. We are trying to keep the feelings of patriotism alive so that President Bush will have the support of the American people behind him as he undertakes further strikes against terrorists and those countries who give them refuge.
Also, I hope that members of the military in other parts of the world might see our thread on the internet and realize that we support them and appreciate the sacrifice they are making for their country.