like roses for helen, can we send flags to the 6 ret. generals?

[Lerkfish]

I think of those guys as patriots, and I didn't think roses would work. Apologies to helderheid (sp?), who came up with the tremendous idea for the roses, I wondered if we could organize a similar thank-you to the generals calling for Rumsfeld to step down.

I"d be happy to pay for one of the flags.
I have no idea where is the best place to buy one, though. a google search comes up with this, for example.
http://www.united-states-flag.com/amflag5ftx8f.html

but it seems we could get a really good quality one.

does anyone else like this idea? It won't hurt my feelings if it doesn't go anywhere, but I thought these guys are probably getting swiftboated and dumped on by neocon loyalists and some sort of pick me up and appreciative effort would be in order.

we would need to find a really quality flag seller that would be willing to ship it with a gift message and:

1. where to send these to them (if its flags)
2. some sort of statement of thanks that DU could stand behind to go with the flags
3. people willing to buy a flag. (like I said, I'm personally willing to purchase one of the six flags).

what do you guys think?

(btw, this is not to cheapen or compete with helderheid's wonderful idea...)

[bluerum]

1. I like the sentiment.

My guess is that retired generals have more flags than they know what to do with.

These guys are standing up for what they feel is right. They need to be recognized and shown that they are appreciated.

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. They do have a lot of flags. How about replicas of the Constitution?

[Genki]

12. Great idea. How about this?

www.pinsforpatriots.com

[havocmom]

2. Commendable to want to show them support, but how about this:

Support DEM candidates who don't wanna have to rely on $$ from lobbyists for huge corporations.

Find a worthy DEM running for Congress and give what you can. Work as much as you can for their campaign and/or honest elections. Honor the retired generals and the troops they support by electing leaders worthy of their service, loyalty and lives.

[MadisonProgressive]

8. Great idea. I don't look at it as an either/or though...

[Toucano]

3. Can't we just send a letter?

Wouldn't a note thanking them for their courage and service be just as meaningful and far less costly?

I think this sending of symbols is getting out of hand.

[acmavm]

5. Yeah, ask in that letter why, if they care so damn much about this

poor country they didn't say anything pre-Shock and Awe.

[Drum]

11. I share some of that sentiment, acmavm....

I've heard it raised on other boards, given that so many of the brass have not stood up for fear of ther careers. It begs the question of why so many of these offcers (both quoted and anonymous) have been so timid when this botched war has done such damage to their employer---the miltary---and to tens of thousands of klled and wounded troops.
I think that the honor of their service and the many under their command, stacked up against fear of reprisals and demotions during a finite reign of some polticians, casts a light on some shamefully meek "leaders."

[Toucano]

13. Yeah. People love it when you throw their mistakes in their face.

You've never done anything you regret?

Let me know so I can send you a letter berating you for it. It will be more effective if you can think of a mistake that you've tried to correct.

If you're free of errors in judgement or mistakes of any kind, I know where there's a giant cross we can nail you too. We'll make a party of it, okay?

[acmavm]

14. I'm sitting here laughing my ass off at you response. When you can

point out anything that I (or anyone like myself) might have ever done that's been so criminal, caused so much death and destruction, so much harm, then I'll think you might have made a valid point. Until then, I'll just sit here giggling everytime I think of your response.

[Toucano]

16. I never said it had to be an equal transgression.

It isn't a matter of degrees of wrong doing. The valid point you're choosing to ignore is that no possible good could come of your suggestion.

Just pick the worst thing you think you've ever done. I can create the same effect your suggestion would create in the proposed letter of thanks.

While you eagerly await my letter, you might get a chuckle or two if you pick up this little item:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0671027034.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[MadisonProgressive]

6. I think it would be nice to recognize these 'true' patriots.

I'm not sure if flags is the way to go though. I'd like to hear some more ideas. My pocketbook would be open for this though, no matter what is decided.

[Jigarotta]

10. how about an email with an attachment of

a pic of your choice, whether it be a flag, flowers, the constitution, etc.
Lots of great artists/p-shoppers here.

[El Fuego]

7. It doesn't seem appropriate

Because the military is supposed to be apolitical. They're not supposed to make decisions based on public popularity.

[bluerum]

9. They are private citizens now - they can think what they want to. nt

[El Fuego]

15. Yes but it seems like

It would be implying that what is presented as an objective, expert assessment of rumsfeld is politically motivated. I think that lessens the impact, just IMO.

[bluerum]

35. Yes - in reference to showering them with gifts.

Active and retired generals do what they do out of loyalty to their organization and presumably their country. They need no gifts or rewards for their professional service.

However as human beings, it is nice to be appreciated. Clearly Rummy is not going to appreciate the generals that have have spoken against him.

[MrMonk]

17. Not justified.

Heiderheld's idea for the roses may have been triggered by Helen's question to Bush, but I feel the display was really justified by Helen's career of trying to keep the White House accountable and its operation transparent. The generals are making important statements now, but it's not as if they've laid their careers on the line to do what's right. Send them a letter of appreciation. Send a bunch, if you want to.

[Lerkfish]

18. many others have made similar thoughtful replies in opposition

to the point that I have reconsidered my suggestion.
Thanks everyone. It was just a thought, but you all raise valid objections.

[BigBearJohn]

19. People are always asking what to send MEN to thank them. THIS is it!!!

Flags are a GREAT idea for a gift. Wish I thought of it.

[helderheid]

20. excellent idea - K & R

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

21. Send them a cookie bouquet! n/t

[Coexist]

22. Here is a link to Union made flags, if that matters to you.

http://unionshop.aflcio.org/shop/product1.cfm?SID=1&Product_ID=456

[Lerkfish]

23. cool!

thanks.

[lostexpectation]

24. No way, they're still arch butchers, not grunts,send the geneva convention

!

[hedgehog]

25. Whatever they may or may not have done in the past,

I think these guys are standing up for the Geneva Convention now trying to keep the US out of an illegal war.

[lostexpectation]

27. They worried about losing, not illegalities.

they don't actually care that its illegal. WAR IS ILLEGAL.
It bothers them that troops are dying because of lack of numbers of more troops.

[goclark]

31. I agree ~

More will step up to the plate when they realize that the water of TRUTH feels real good.

[babsbunny]

26. COUNT ME IN!

Love it!

[bleever]

28. Count me in.

I'm open to a better idea if it jumps out, but flags is great, and they'd have places they might like to donate them.

Or would they appreciate something else even more? One thought: $1000.00 to the non-profit veterans support groups of their choice.

[goclark]

30. Now I love that suggestion, I really do

That way we are supporting our Vets and letting the Generals know that we are proud of the stance that they have taken .


The older I get the more I can forgive those who "didn't see the forest for the trees."

One question ~ Is there a way that we could word the letter/note to say that though we are the DEMOCRATIC Underground, we see ourselves as AMERICANS first!

[Justice]

36. I like the idea of donating to a non profit veterans support group

in their collective honor.

[BrightKnight]

29. They don't need my approval or support.

What they did was not about politics. They have my deepest respect. I do not think that the need or want flags from me.

[omega minimo]

32. "Greet them with flowers and chocolates"

:evilgrin:

[eppur_se_muova]

34. Chocolate STARS ? nt

[grasswire]

33. why not make a donation to the ACLU in their honor?

Really. There isn't much better donation than the protection of our freedoms. Or perhaps a donation to benefit the wounded GIs.

[Lerkfish]

37. These and other good suggestions re: charity are great also!

like I said, flags was just something off the top of my head.
I happen to like almost ALL of the suggestions made by people in this thread, thanks!

[alcibiades_mystery]

38. Military TEDDY BEARS!!!!

Also, is anyone available to bake them some heart-shaped cookies? I can make the camo-icing!

:rofl: