Idea: Bracelets for the Democratic Underground (feedback pls?)

[Tesibria]

I'm sure you've all seen the yellow "Live Strong" bracelets from the Lance Armstrong foundation -


I think that we should have a bracelet made (and that we all should wear them) for all those who oppose this administration -- there are several ways we could go.

1. BLACK - not sure of the tagline - but a symbolic black arm band that we wear in protest to the current regime.

2. BLUE - again - not sure of the tagline - but a symbol that we are "blue" -- whether or not we live in a blue state.

Response? Comments? Suggested taglines?

[soothsayer]

1. And a secret handshake!

[NoSheep]

42. I had this idea yesterday. Color black with Sharpie. Letters glow!

I'm IN!:kick:

[trotsky]

2. I like the idea!

Colors, too. I wonder how much it costs to get those made?

The tagline should be something that separates us from Me-publicans. Hard to think of a single word or two, but something about caring for people other than ourselves.

[Tesibria]

18. They're CHEAP - could sell for less than $5 each

If we can agree on a color/tagline -- and order 1000, we could sell in DU Store for - say $4 - and support DU.

(Of course -- all this assumes that Skinner et al would want to do this.)

[NoSheep]

43. They Cost $1each...All money to Cancer Research!

[Tesibria]

125. well -- that's because Nike underwrote them --

-- and they could order 100,000 at a time ...

don't think we're there ..

[legally blonde]

3. I like it

Black or blue would work. I'll have to think about a tagline (it's too early to think right now).

[wildeyed]

4. black

I am in mourning. And I think it is an excellent idea. We can raise money for grassroots organizing or something.

[madaboutharry]

5. I think it is a good idea

Maybe it could work out as a good fundraiser.

[alevensalor]

6. I think a black bracelet or armband

Is in order for the first 100 days of the new administration or so. The blue one would do after that. Taglines:

"In Democracy We Trust"
"ONLY four more years"

That's all I have, the depression is getting to me.

~A!

[graywarrior]

7. you stole my idea. i will sue you ha ha

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=2588648&mesg_id=2591647

[Tesibria]

22. this is FABULOUS - that so many people are thinking the same thing ...

... now we just have to DO something about it !!!

The idea only works with real power if there is ONE single color (at least) -- otherwise, the message is diffused.

We have to come up with the single best color. The taglines, actually could change. But -- it has to be like the yellow band -- everyone who sees that and knows what it means thinks of Lance Armstrong's Cancer Foundation.

It has to be like that -- instant recognition of a fellow "warrior" - of a fellow believer -- of a fellow "blue" from across the street.

[KittyWampus]

63. Y Pluribus Unim- Our REAL Motto Which Points To Unity Not Division

and Hatred.

[treehuggnlibrul]

67. Y Pluribus Unim was what came to mind first -- I like it.

And it will make people ASK about it.

[NoBorders]

73. I like that - also takes back patriotism in a positive way n/t

[phylny]

119. I like this, but is it E Pluribus Unim, not Y?

I suppose I could look on some money ;)

[KittyWampus]

124. I'm Sorry, Mea Culpa... You're Right

[phylny]

130. No prob. I *did* read it properly, because in Spanish,

y IS pronounced as "e" :) But I wasn't sure either!

[NorthernSpy]

136. E pluribus unum, actually, and a French-Swiss artist suggested it

And yes, it is our real national motto.

I've even heard of people crossing out "In God we trust" on dollar bills and stamping the correct phrase in its place.

[L84TEA]

8. I think it should be BLACK

because we are in mourning.
and how about like 'Democracy' on it... or something
I think we should wear them for 4 years too..
I am in, what company made the yellow ones?

[Democrat 4 Ever]

11. I like blue - just because it symbolizes democracy

How about it saying - "Peace ~ Justice ~ Democracy for all people."

[MoJoWorkin]

16. How subversive, I love it!

After all, WE ARE THE UNDERGROUND!

It is a good idea on several fronts--fundraising; we can identify a kindred spirit when out in public; it starts up conversations, etc.

I know several who would buy them.

:thumbsup:

[unfrigginreal]

9. I'd go with red or black

Blue would give the idiots a reason to not pay attention to the message as they'd see it as Blue staters(yankee liberals) trying to shove their ideas on them.

[American Tragedy]

38. red is not a good choice for historical reasons

[unfrigginreal]

50. Good point

[Bronco69]

10. I think it's a great idea.

The bracelet could be black and then maybe add a color to represent shame, another color to represent embarrassment, another color to represent our apology to the rest of the world, etc.

[meti57b]

I would like a simple Democratic Underground pin "button"....

cafepress makes and sells these. I would wear it on my hat when I go running. Preferably with the DU standard logo.

I would also like one of those patches you sew onto a jacket or sweater.

[liberalmuse]

12. Black, with a red 'DU'.

Okay, maybe all black.

Or we can just brand 'DU' into each other's flesh with a hot iron. It would be ironic, since we're so NOT cattle...

Okay, the bracelet is fine. :)

[BlackVelvetElvis]

13. Blue.

Seems hopeful and we sure need some hope.
I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[Locrian]

17. barbed wire..

how about just something like an intertwined / laced bracelet that "sorta" looks like barbed wire. Kind like we are living in an occupied prison state. Maybe black?

[L84TEA]

20. Oh.. How about Numbers on them.....

Just like the Jews were branded with.
I think they should be black because we are showing supression!
But if we numbered the braclets... we could set up a website for people to type in their name, their braclet number, and where they voted, heck we could probably get a more accurate count then voting machines!!!
just an idea....

[desi]

14. I would volunter.."Be Safe..Be Strong ! " Kristen Breitweiser wrote

that when I asked her to autograph an extra ticket from the "Fresh Start Rally" in Cleveland on Monday. Maybe DU can have them made and sell them to us and use the proceeds to finance DU. The Progressive Movement may benefit from your idea.

(edit: spelling error, need sleep)

[wovenpaint]

15. I like it!

Great idea!
I'd wear both a pin and bracelet-I'd probably lose the pin quick tho, lol. Black would go along with the current logos used, but blue is good also.
A suggestion for a tagline: No Concessions

[melv]

21. I'm in

where do we begin?

[Tesibria]

24. "great minds think alike"

ok -- i'm not sure how to organize -- but there's already another thread of like-minded people. (See link at post 7 above.)

Before I saw the above, I went and got pricing for bulk orders -- but -- as I said above -- I think that we have to settle on, at a minimum, a color -- so that the bracelet is instantly recognizable around the US (and world)

[flvegan]

19. How about just DemocraticUnderground.com

Cuz I'll know what it's for, you'll know what it's for but nobody else will...until they type it in. Might help bring new folks in of like mind, eh? Then they'll tell two people, and they'll tell two people, and so on, and so on.

Personally, I think the proceeds should go to DU. Pay for bandwidth, equipment, what have you.

That reminds me, I need a DU bumpersticker to replace my Kerry ones...

[Mend]

23. Yes

Blue with black lettering or vice versa....no red please. I would buy a lot of them. I want to know who "we" are....a blue country within this red vomit.

[montana_hazeleyes]

131. I agree NO red

One thing bothers me,I hate that black is always associated with something bad.

I'd like deep purple with yellow or green lettering. That would really stand out.

[Shoeempress]

25. I love it, and I vote for black, cuz it will go with everything. Sorry

fashion is still important to me even in mourning.

[L84TEA]

26. ROTF... I am with ya sista!!!

GOTTA BE BLACK!! Then i wont take it off for 4 years..
I would buy a box load.. I know tons of people that would buy them. I think funding DU with profits is a great idea.

[Tesibria]

54. i personally like black too

[truth2power]

101. It should definitely be a black BRACELET.

I want something I can wear all the time for the next four years.

I had been thinking of some kind of bracelet I could wear before I found this thread.

Oh, the barbed wire type thing is a good idea.

[L84TEA]

27. Here is an amazing post...

YOu all should check it out, ad your name, shed a tear and I bet all these people would buy braclets too!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2587059

[graywarrior]

28. The color needs to stand out.

You can clearly see the yellow when people wear them. I think dayglo blue. It can start as a blatant Kerry color and then just become adopted as our own.

[MsUSA]

29. Awesome idea.

I'll buy any thing that's suggested. I'd only like to ask if we could get a couple of sizes, I can't wear the yellow one, it's to big. The smaller size could be bought for children too. :-)

[melv]

31. it needs to be bigger than just DU

we need it for everyone in this country, even those that cannot access DU

[gardenista]

78. Agreed. It must be able to go "viral" like the yellow ones did.

Make it a simple, universal message.

"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"- Thomas Jefferson

[PotatoBoy]

30. Nice! I like it n/t

[Dem Agog]

32. Can we do Black with a Blue Stripe in the middle?

Black with a blue stripe in the middle, and a tagline of:

1. Return to Democracy
2. United States Democracy

something like that...

[noamnety]

33. black please

I know it's like picking a painting to match your couch, but matching with everything would be nice. With DU or democraticunderground stamped in it, because if people ask about it, it's a good opening to talking about mobilization.

And I'd like the profits to go to the DNC, or moveon, or something similar.

[in_cog_ni_to]

34. I LOVE the idea! I vote for Black. Black. Black. Black.

I'll think about a Tagline.

[xultar]

35. THOUGHT CRIMINAL!!! n/t

[Carni]

36. I would prefer black

It's more subtle and goes with everything.

Plus it expresses my mood!

[demokatgurrl]

37. I like Black and I think it SHOULD be "DU"-

Maybe with another tag line but it was thought of here, and we could sell them for cheap, say $5 or $10, to support DU.

Maybe something like
"DU- committed to a strong Democratic Party"
or "Keeping Democracy real"

or something better....

[goclark]

132. I like the words saying just DU

Because it is a code that we know and will let anyone else in on it if they choose.

But "DU" also is pronounced "DO" and that is the real secret code.
Code for: We will do what ever is necessary to seek justice for our country. We are the Democratic Underground!

We are doer's!
We are prepared to let the world know that GWB is a fraud and this election was stolen.

[Dem Agog]

39. How About a CHOICE Of Black And Blue?

Message:

"DU - Democracy for the People"

[Tesibria]

55. we HAVE to go with one color - or the message is diluted ....

.. there are tons of people already doing this for a variety of reasons - and with a variety of messages.

.. i think to make the message strongest -- we HAVE to go with one color.

[American Tragedy]

40. I vote black as well

I am dressed totally in black right now and it has clearly sent a message. Nobody has said a word about the election to me.

[athena]

41. It should be BLUE!

Black is too generic, and too negative. Will we still be wearing black bracelets or armbands when we succeed?

[NoSheep]

47. Coler Livestrong Bracelet w/sharpie. Yello Letters Glow! LIVESTRONG!

[mbee]

44. Blue - RESTORE ETHICS TO SOCIETY!

[Javaman]

45. When can I get one????

I think just Democrat would say enough. I vote blue

[qanda]

46. I love the idea but please make it something other than DU

or Democratic Underground. It should hold a wider appeal than just us and I'm sure there are some who don't know anything about DU that would love to have one.

[dmr]

59. I agree

While I would love to wear a DU bracelet, I'd like to see all Americans who are grieving right along with DU be able to come together as one.

One of the worse things is to feel alone and lost in this country. Bush* and his gang have made it very clear the last four years that we are excluded. Dems are inclusive, so let's embrace all Liberals.

I propose:

1.) The bracelet be open to all Liberals.
2.) The proceeds go to DU, as our membership will increase. Skinner deserves our help.
3.) The color be black.
4.) The inscription be inspiring - maybe something right out of the Constitution or from our founding fathers.

[InvisibleTouch]

48. I like BLUE

Several reasons. Symbolizes the blue states. Stands out better/is more eyecatching. If these are supposed to be identifiers for our own kind, we need something we can easily spot. Blue is a soothing and hopeful color. Goes with just about everything, too, for the fashion-conscious. And dammit, I just like color. ;) None of these neutral tones for me....

As for an inscription ... how about "Kerry/Edwards '04" ? Or plain old "Democracy."

[athena]

51. I like the DEMOCRACY idea

for the inscription.

[farren]

52. I agree...

One thing I've noticed about the yellow bracelets is how visible they are. I think a bright blue bracelet would be really visible.
As for the message how about "The people have the power." (Why yes I have been listening to Patti Smith. Why do you ask? <g>)

[Rockholm]

57. Blue with "American" inscription

[alcuno]

49. Red, White, and Blue.

I'm sorry, but it's time to co-opt the "patriotism" factor."

[melv]

53. I vote for blue, too.

we need something that portrays hope.

[txindy]

56. Excellent idea.

[movie_girl99]

58. great idea

i would proudly wear one!!!

[archineas]

60. count me in

i like the blue idea, or the red, white and blue idea...

i think any word or statement needs to be inclusive, for absolutely everyone...even the creepublicans...

j

[Coyote_Bandit]

61. Black n/t

[americanwomanone]

62. I Want Two!!! n/t

[recoveringrepublican]

64. Great Idea! I will take 2 in any color. nt

[Dem Agog]

65. Okay 3rd Decision from me - BLUE IS MORE IMPORANT THAN BLACK!

I see a lot of people saying "but black will go with everything"... Doesn't matter. BLUE is the color of the Democratic party. BLUE = DEMOCRACY! BLACK = MOURNING!

We're not mourning our democracy. John Kerry did not care that his yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet did not match his pink tie. It's not about what your statement "goes with", it's about making your statement recognizable.

And after some thought I agree it's important not to dilute the statement with various colors, therefore put me in the BLUE camp! Thanks!

[atommom]

66. Love the idea. I second the suggestion to make more than one size, too.

[JLJ]

69. Me too!!! Blue as well.

I could probably get my local democratic party involved and sell them. I vote for blue.

[blue america]

68. Blue

absolutely, blue

[JLJ]

70. Okay, I want these NOW!!! (n/t)

no text

[tnlefty]

71. Black with We the People in blue lettering?

with "are currently fucked" on the inside in red letters.

Leave the inside stuff off.

[Kadie]

72. I love this idea.

I think blue is perfect.

[LibInternationalist]

74. I like it

Blue with something simple like "Democracy" or "Underground"

[flordehinojos]

75. HOW DOES, "1/20/05 DARK DAY IN U.S.A. HISTORY" SOUND?

or, "11/02/04 DARK DAY IN AMERICA'S HISTORY"?

[Dem Agog]

76. No this isn't about mourning is it?

It's about identifying ourselves, not mourning.

My vote is still blue with "RESTORE DEMOCRACY". No DU-specific message, I want to be able to give these to my friends who don't even know about DU (yet).

[flordehinojos]

81. maybe there could be different tag lines on the braceletes like there are

different logos on coffee mugs etc so that people could choose which tagline they'd like to have ... for me, i would like one which read,
"1/20/05 DARK DAY IN AMERICA." I need to mourn before I can go forward.

[xultar]

77. FIGHT THE POWER!!!

[athena]

79. When will we get these? Is anyone working on this?

I want one -- a BLUE one -- now! :)

[Tesibria]

88. working on it - but trying to reach a consensus re: color/tagline

again - i repeat myself - it will only have maximum impact if, like the Lance ones - they are all the same color.

there's a real split between blue and black ... and still don't know what to use as the tagline

[Dem Agog]

91. Blue - "Democracy" or "Restore Democracy"

I can only see wearing a blue one - black is for mourning, blue is our identifiable color. And a positive, time-honored message that conveys the Democratic party is needed, so I'd think something with "Democracy" on it.

[demokatgurrl]

92. I picked black but would be fine with blue- thought about it

if you're looking for a consensus. I agree, all the same color.
I just read through all the threads and now think blue for "blue states" is good, and it's a flag color too. Maybe "Democracy" or "Democrat" would be good because it's one simple word.

[choicevoice]

80. I will buy them for my entire family and all my friends

I vote for just one color and one simple statement. When can we order?

[hippiechick]

82. Blue... with "RESIST" in black letters n/t

:hippie:

[RetroLounge]

83. I vote for Black with an American Flag on it.

Then I can turn the bracelet around on bad days to fly the flag upside down...

RL

[feminazi]

84. guys, check out this from last night

http://www.cafepress.com/selfx

this was designed and posted by DUer potatoboy. check out the 'blue at heart'.

i'm all for the bracelet, too.

[athena]

85. Yes!

This is such a good design, it could be the design.

[gitchel]

86. True Blue!

Blue. Blue for blue states, blue for loyalty, blue for when we're blue, blue for the clear skies we picture in our future. And blue because it bugs them.

The inscription should be simply "truth"

Truth is simply what the other side hates most. It's what we love most. It's what's missing in our country now.

This is a word appropriate to EVERY battle to come, and EVERYthing we have to say.

It's a word I will wear long AFTER we win.

It's what I'm about.



Jeff Gitchel
http://trainorphans.org

[Kira]

87. Rage against the dying of the light

how about that on it? I love the idea!

[idiosyncratic]

89. Blue -- that says"If you aren't completely appalled, you haven't

been paying attention."

Or just "Appalled."

[LiberalAndProud]

106. Blue: FREEDOM FIGHTER

[manic expression]

90. Great idea

I think black armbands would be good. But I like a lot of other people's ideas, too.

[Senator Lamb]

93. blue,

this way it doesnt look like im an anarchist or revolutionary

[Senator Lamb]

94. blue,

this way it doesnt look like im an anarchist or revolutionary

[Senator Lamb]

95. blue,

this way it doesnt look like im an anarchist or revolutionary

[Threedifferentones]

96. I would DEFINITELY buy one and I have a feeling several of my

family and friends would as well. This is an awesome idea!


3DO

[FeelinGarfunkelly]

97. Blue-- Believe It, Achieve It

Someone mentioned that slogan on another thread...

[lonewolf0507]

98. Sign Me Up for This

[chefgirl]

99. Blue

Definitely blue so that it gets noticed.
And I like the idea of it simply saying, 'Democracy'

BTW, this is an excellent idea! :thumbsup:
I would buy many.

-chef-

[Liberal Mommy]

100. Great idea!

Here are a couple of links where you can have them made.

http://customsiliconebracelets.com/

http://www.companycatalog.com/ProdDetail3.asp?url=printablepromotions&pid=56561

http://www.imagefirst.cc/content/index1.html?Wristbands.html&1

[yorkiemommie1]

102. blue

w/ a distinctive graphic so that we can recognize kindred spirits!

[troubleinwinter]

103. BLUE

For our party (and it will go with jeans!).

Truth - Democracy

[Tesibria]

104. what about "Taking it back" for the tagline?

... what i'm thinking is the critics will say that this IS "democracy" -- the majority have spoken.

... if we can come up with an "action" type tagline ...

[MoJoWorkin]

107. Yes, I like that

taking it back

black lettering on blue, or reverse

[MoJoWorkin]

105. BLack AND Blue

People are torn between the two colors, so make it both.

We certainly have been beaten up ( black and blue) but we can come back swinging!

[Tesibria]

116. i don't think it can be two colors -- it's made of silicone - and t

the message is "embossed"

... however, it appears that "blue" has the majority. I still think that two colors dilute -- but it is possible to have a "blue" hopeful one -- and a black - grieving one (could symbolize support for the troops, the dying Iraqis, the dying of the "enlightement" -- all of that.)

[Princess Buttercup]

108. Definitely blue

and it should say DEMOCRACY

[rocktop15]

109. Great idea!!!

I think they should be blue with some type of rebellious word or phrase clearly shown and not to be confused with the LIVESRONG bracelets.

[kittycat1164]

110. Blue--love it!

democracy for tagline. Thank you!

[InvisibleTouch]

111. Tesibria, start a poll....

...at least to settle on the color (black vs blue), maybe do a separate poll about the tagline. Maybe Skinner will even put it on the homepage. Then give everyone a couple of days to vote, with a clear cut-off time. (I have no doubt our votes will be counted here, if no where else...) The sooner we settle on what our identifier will look like, the sooner we can get it out there and start promoting it.

I'll once again call for blue for the color, for the reasons I and others have already given: stands for hope, stands for loyalty, stands for the blue states, draws the eye ... and, we don't want to promote mourning, we want to promote action. It's gotta be a single color, though, or the message will get diluted; none of this "let's make some blue, some black." It also probably shouldn't be multicolored because of the prohibitive start-up costs. Or so I'm guessing; I can only assume it costs a lot more to make a multicolored bracelet than to keep it one solid color. Direct, simple, and eye-catching. The inscription, in the end, should also be something simple and all-inclusive, but that's less important than the identifying element of the color. Just my thoughts....

[DURHAM D]

112. I like the idea but not for DU. This should be a movement.

This should be a movement about getting the votes counted.

It should be non-partisan and will need to be grassroots. In other words, it needs to be way bigger than the 55,000 people here.

I have no doubt that John Kerry won the popular and electoral vote - the votes were just not counted. It was a widespread, well executed plan to keep the votes of minorities and low-income precints from being counted correctly. It was the result of spoilage, bbv and corruption.

It is clear that is does not matter how many people register and vote. The only thing that matters now is starting over and finding the means to get the votes counted. This will take money and time.

Each state will need a movement director. It must be determined who makes decisions about equipment purchases and placement of equipment in the precints. Some election officials are elected and some are appointed. We have to take control of the process.

I know that Niki gave a million dollars to pay for the Armstrong bracelets so all proceeds could go to cancer. We need someone like Soros or Moore to give the seed money for the bracelets. All proceeds from sales should go to the movement to count the votes.

[City Lights]

113. I love this idea.

Blue or black, I don't care. I want a truckload. Not sure on a tagline. I'll think about it and post again.

Tagline: No Surrender

[Tesibria]

117. WOO -- that one is GREAT !!

[InvisibleTouch]

121. "No Surrender." Yes!!! n/t

[DainBramaged]

114. Blue, count me in for a bunch for my friends (who will be joining now)

I've talked to friends the last couple of days who are ready to get going and get on board here. And I think tying the bracelet into a contribution drive would be fabulous, if not cool!

I think 'Librul' would work.

[Justpat]

115. I'd go for a white bracelet.

Symbols matter. I don't like the idea of a black one indicating
our grief and resistance. I prefer to hold to a symbol of truth.

But thats just me.

[phylny]

118. I like it, I would buy several, and

although I liked the idea about money going for cancer research, what if we donated some of the money to a food bank or hunger association?

Put our money toward a Democratic cause :)

[meti57b]

120. BLUE with words to the effect, "the fight has just begun!!"

In the clearing stands a boxer,
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of ev'ry glove that laid him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame,
"I am leaving, I am leaving."
But the fighter still remains.

"The Boxer"
Paul Simon

[kittykitty]

122. "MOURNING BRACELETS" Thought of this months ago, but

didn't want to bum people out with negative thoughts. Also didn't know how to make or distribute them. Black. Until bush is gone.

[Tesibria]

123. POLL HAS BEEN CREATED

see
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2598684

[LuLu550]

126. As one who broke two LiveStrong bracelets

might I suggest one made of metal, like the old POW bracelets of the Viet Nam War. The words I am thinking of are "forgotten" or "without representation" or PORR Prisoner of the Religious Right"

I like your idea, though...would show there are many of us who feel the same way and would be a great way to start raising funds for 2008 or mid-term elections.

[Catchawave]

134. I wore the POW bracelet

I definitely agree about metal, I'm very hard on jewelery.

[Piperay]

135. I wore one to and I loved it

the only thing I would recommend is that the metal not be nickel. The one I had was nickel and my arm kept breaking out, lots of people are allergic to nickel. Copper would be good cause it wears well and it won't cause your skin to break out.

[AgadorSparticus]

127. i like black too. and no other colors needed. just engrave like

the armstrong bands. i'd like to see the message with something about unity. my suggestion: "together we stand, divided we fall" would be my choice.

[pnorman]

128. Some of us (myself included)

don't generaly wear bracelets. A few days ago on another thread, I had proposed that a distinctive DU lapel button/badge be designed and sold, as a DU contribution 'gift'. I already have 3 DU bumperstickers. but I don't own a single bumper to stick them onto. But I'm never outside, without something that could serve as a lapel.

Both items should be made available. It's absolutely necessary that we recognize each other as DU brothers & sisters, whenever we get outside our own little circles.

pnorman

[Eurobabe]

129. like, i'd buy one

but BLUE of course

[queenjane]

133. Too long, and perhaps too negative . . .

"You can have my country when you pry it out of my cold, dead hands"