An Open Letter to Those With the “W” Stickers [View All]

[RareLubbockDem]

Isn’t it time?

There comes a point where things are all too clear. That time came and went long ago, but as I write this, the obviousness is even clearer. Nonetheless, you still have the yellowed, tattered “W” sticker on your back windshield. So now, be true to yourself. Be true to your children or the children of your friends and family. Be true to your country. Isn’t it time?

Scraping and peeling that sticker shouldn’t be too hard. A razor blade and perhaps some nail polish remover will remove all traces of it. There’s no shame in making a mistake, as long as you can take the steps to rectify it. Isn’t it time?

It’s somewhat understood why you left it on your vehicle so long. It’s no different from a diehard fan that unabashedly supports the team even after being repeatedly and continually disappointed and embarrassed. Admittedly, there is some level of respectability in that. There’s something to be said for standing by your team through thick and thin, but this is different. You’re not rooting for a hometown team. You’re not rooting for bragging rights. Considering what’s at stake, isn’t it time?

And again, using the sports analogy, it’s understandably hard to admit when you’re wrong. It’s hard to secede. In many contexts, you might be taunted or derided for supporting the obviously wrong choice as long as you did. Not here. Not now. It’s too important for pettiness. Although good sportsmanship may not be what you’re used to or what you’d expect, that’s what you’ll find. This is no sport.

There’s no need for a grand ceremony about it. Do it in your garage with door closed. Do it after dark at the car wash if you must. I’ll even help you, and not say a word as I do it. Isn’t it time?

And no, no one really cares if you want to leave your sticker on your vehicle. No one is threatened by it, nor is anyone convinced or influenced by it at this point. Leave it if you must, but at least be aware that it really says more about you than it does anything else. For your sake, if for nothing else, isn’t it time?

It would be too easy to list the reasons why it’s time. The reasons are obvious. If you’re not aware of the reasons by now, perhaps you never will be. Someday your vehicle will be in a scrapyard, the “W” barely visible. Those who see it will never understand how anyone would put such a thing on their car.

It’s time. Don’t cower any more. Don’t be weak. Don’t be ignorant to your situation and the situation of those around you. And when your pride consumes you, think of the future.

Obviously, this isn’t about a piece of sticky-sided vinyl. It’s about what’s right. It’s about what you stand for, what you believe in, and what you should not, cannot, and will not tolerate.

It is time.