Observing the show of Patriotism in the U.S. following the 9/11 attack and support for the troops in Irak and Afganistan.

I am not a citizen of the United States, I am a Canadian Citizen born in Ireland more years ago than I care to think about, but I visit the U.S very often.  I enjoy my visits and have many friends in various parts of the country.  Growing up in Ireland, where many families including my own had one or more relatives who had emigrated to the U.S. there was always a great admiration for the United States and its people.  Like everyone in the Western World, I was shocked by the events of 9/11, and on subsequent visits I admired the numerous cars driving around with flags fastened to the windows of their cars and the nurerous banners with the slogan 'God Bless America'.

It was heart warming to see how the people of the U.S. came together in a time of tragedy, which had not been seen since Dec. 7, 1941 and even felt that I should get one of those flags for my car as well.  I was surprised however to find that those flags were higher in price than they had been on visits prior to 9/11.  I rationalized on this that the true patriot who felt strongly enough about the recent events and wished to show his feelings, would not consider the cost.  The increase in price was quite normal in a free market system and was brought about by the increase in demand.  However I could not help wondering about the patriotism of the vendors or manufacturers of the flags.

Likewise when the U.S. troops went into Irak many cars had a small sticker in the form of a ribbon with the words 'Support Our Troops'.  Every time I saw one I would get up close to the car and I got a nice warm feeling as I read the message on the sticker.  Many people may not have agreed with the fact that the army was sent into Irak, but the stickers indicated to me that regardless of how they felt about the war in Irak, they still supported the troops.  The little ribbon sticker became sacred to me and I looked for them each time I was out driving.

Unfortunately one day when I saw the ribbon sticker on a car I kept looking at it as I got closer, until I was able to read what it said.  When I was able to read it, the words were 'Support Lap Dancing'.  I have to admit that a tear came to my eye and I had a sinking feeling in my stomach.  That little ribbon sticker had become sacred to me and I am sure it was also sacred to many other people as well, but to someone it was a joke and they were trying to drag it down.

I do not wish you to think I am a prude.  Lap dancing is not something which I would seek or enjoy, but I have no objection to others doing it.  I do not however, think that Lap Dancing is on the same level as the activity and sacrifice of the troops in Irak and Afganistan and I wish they had not used the little ribbon sticker to promote it.