Man calls yellow ribbons 'offensive'

WorldNet Daily ^ | April 2, 2003 | WorldNet Daily

[Kickiraqibutt]

ON THE HOME FRONT Man calls yellow ribbons 'offensive' Tells city he might file suit if items not removed from public property

Posted: April 2, 2003 1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com

A disgruntled California man has demanded the mayor of Burlingame remove the many yellow ribbons displayed on a major retail thoroughfare and to apologize to "any person who may have been offended by his illegal actions," reports the San Mateo Daily Journal.

Mayor Mike Coffey had decided the city would not enforce an ordinance against private displays on public property when a woman asked if she could put ribbons on Burlingame Avenue. Now that nearly every tree and lamppost has a yellow ribbon, Seth Yatovitz, a resident of Palo Alto, wants the city to take them down, calling them "offensive ribbons."

According to the paper, Coffey couldn't imagine anyone complaining about the town's residents showing support for U.S. troops in Iraq.

"Clearly there are many laws on our books that are enforced when called to our attention, but we don't have the resources to enforce all the laws we have until somebody brings it up," City Manager Jim Nantell told the Daily Journal.

Even though Yatovitz is not a resident of Burlingame, he has the right to object, said Nantell.

In his complaint to the city, Yatovitz mentioned his belief that the soldiers involved in the Iraq theater are actually criminals.

"I find the yellow ribbons on city property offensive to my senses, as they are posted in support of violators of international law. I do support our troops that are not involved in illegal activity," Yatovitz wrote to the council.

If his demand is not heeded, according to the report, Yatovitz will begin a boycott of Burlingame businesses and possibly file a lawsuit.

"I'm trying to put pressure on the city targeting their tax base. It's not aimed at the businesses and I have no animosity towards the businesses," Yatovitz said.

Some businesspeople will not tolerate the city removing the ribbons.

"We are at war and somebody wants to remove the ribbon? I think it's over my dead body if he wants to remove it," said Ashok Patel, owner of the Burlingame Smoke Shop, according to the report.

[clamper1797]

Thanks IB .... (takes a bow)

[VOA]

"We are at war and somebody wants to remove the ribbon?
I think it's over my dead body if he wants to remove it," said Ashok Patel,
owner of the Burlingame Smoke Shop, according to the report.

Ashok, you are A Real American.
And don't let anyone tell you different!

[ZGuy]

I have always hated the yellow ribbons, but for the opposite reason. When the song "Tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree" came out, the message behind the yellow ribbon in the song was clearly "I forgive you even though you did something morally wrong, broke the law and did prison time."

Since I don't "forgive" our troops for doing anything wrong I find the use of yellow ribbons inappropriate unless you are a peace marcher welcoming back your "ring-wing, pro-military, whacko" brother or sister.

If I came back from Iraq and saw a yellow ribbon waiting for me, it would say to me "What you did was evil and bad, but we'll accept you back" -- so I'd just keep on driving.

Apparently yellow ribbons don't mean what they use to mean, but they still rub me the wrong way.

[Salvation]

A reminder for this Burlingame gentleman:

"Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."
~~George W. Bush

[ppaul]

Somebody should "toiletpaper" this guy's house. The jerk!

[Salvation]

BTTT!

[kjam22]

I think every freeper should mail him a yellow ribbon and a new testament.

[Admin Moderator]

Please do not post personal information of private citizens.

[kjam22]

Please do not post personal information of private citizens

I agree with your wishes. But, when information is readily available with two clicks of a mouse through a number of search engines, one has to wonder how personal and how private the information really is.

Agreed there is no real reason to post it here though.

[alloysteel]

The least of victories may not be granted to the causes which the America under the leadership of George Bush espouses. This is backbiting and a cheap shot, in a scenario that cannot be changed. The reality is that the US has been highly successful, and has carried the fight back to the bully of the Middle East. And in doing so, the whole gang of terrorists has been put on notice that we will take no more Barbra Streisand.

Sure, free speech and all. But in doing so, the person who raises the objections must also realize that others have equally the right to free speech, and that extends to the placement of yellow ribbons.

[AUsome Joy]

This post tells the history of yellow ribbons and states that the convict story is an urban legend:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/880531/posts

[kjam22]

I'm going to mail him a yellow ribbon and a new testament at lunch today.

[TomServo]

Already posted here and here. Please search before posting.

[ArGee]

Question from my children:

Does a yellow ribbon mean you yourself have someone for whom you are waiting or is it a general statement of support for the troops.

i.e. if I put one outside my home am I implying that I have a friend or loved one over there?

Thanks, and

Shalom

[clamper1797]

I agree with your wishes. But, when information is readily available with two clicks of a mouse through a number of search engines, one has to wonder how personal and how private the information really is.

It's the principle of the thing ... (and may also help avoid a lawsuit)

[ZGuy]

30 years of my life ruined by Tony Orlando and Dawn. :^O
Thank you for passing the link on to me.