How to support the US and her allies

[cyphen]

I'd like to put the great minds here at TechIMO to the task of generating ideas and spreading the word on how to best support the US and allied nations for those interested in doing so.

For instance, buy american, buy UK, conserve energy, let politicians (congressmen, representatives, mayors, etc) know of our support for the administrations decisions ... that kind of thing.

So what do you all think? What are the most effective ways for us as citizens to be active in our support in addition to being vocal of it and writing about it here?

[cyphen]

RADAR? pickel?

okay okay - just thought of a couple... I'll get the ball rolling here.

1) Give blood.
2) draft a petition to the media requesting them to give coverage regarding support of the war effort. It seems like they have reported mostly on war protestors even when polls show a strong support for the war. That may just be a coincidence, though. maybe i haven't seen the pro stories...

Good ideas for things to do to show our support. It does seem like the media is focusing an inordinate amount of coverage on the anti-war stuff.

Yes, let our reps and leaders, including the President, know we support him and our military efforts and our men and women in the Services.

Support Our Troops <-- links to send letters, cards, relief and volunteer efforts.

DOD

http://www.supportpresidentbush.net/

New Billboard Shows Support For U.S. Troops

Giving blood is something most of us can do...

[pickel]

Unless ABSOLUTELY a necessity, I strive to purchase items made in the Good Ole USA. It's hard to find alot of stuff that isn't made in China, esspecially tools. Harbor Freight which has tools at a fair price sells mucho tools from China so you have to watch it. To me I'd rather spend a few more dollars for the homemade ones knowing it will keep someone HERE working and the business he might be working for paying taxes to keep that town or county going. Same for the food mart. Lots of fancy things made in other countries to tempt your palate. I gave up buying these items and go for the plain old southern made treats made here in MS. This will help our own and send message to importer and the countries that import from. Take that extra minute to check where your purchase will do the most good....here in the U.S.A.

[RADAR1797]

Sorry Cyphen, had to work today. Your suggestions are quite good. I would add on that maybe people could put aside their skepticisms of our leaders for a bit. President Bush may be detested by some, but he is not the liar they portray him as.

-RADAR

[Theophylact]

Even if you wanted to, it's really hard to buy American. Try to buy a shirt made here. Often you don't find out until you open the box that it was made in China. And stuff that's supposedly "Made in USA" often contains parts made abroad. Where do you think AMD CPUs come from? Are you willing to pay the extra money that you're now saving by buying shoes made with cheap labor in Indonesia or Vietnam?

I give blood; I'm signed up to donate my 75th pint on the 19th. I save energy by driving an efficient compact and owning only one car -- do you know how much fossil fuel is consumed in manufacturing a car?

I support our troops by trying to keep them out of unnecessary combat, and by not hassling them when it is necessary.

I'd write to my Congressman and Senators if I had any, but I live in Our Nation's Capital, so I don't. I don't think that biting my tongue when our President says or does foolish, insulting or harmful things is patriotic or supportive of our troops.

[Epidemic]

Theophylact - One who is sharp of witt and sharp of tongue.

[cyphen]

Thanks for the ideas everyone - i especially like the one about the billboards, Socalgal. It really is all about a vocal minority giving a skewed perception that their view has a larger support base than it truly does.

And rather than flooding our nations elected officials with mail, perhaps we could draft a common letter, get the word out, and set up a database to add signatures from all those who wish to participate. I think it would be a good message of support for what America stands for: that we have renewed our enthusiasm for freedom, and the desire to protect it both here and abroad; that we wish to see a world where all people can enjoy freedom; that the declaration of independence was more a declaration about humanity than about the 13 colonies; and most of all, when a bloodthirsty tyrant threatens the security of peace, that we stand united behind the actions necessary to eliminate that threat. For the common good of the citizens of the free world, and the freedom of the citizens of the opressed world, it is necessary to levy action to remove the blockade of human achievement. Freedom is the result of action against opression, and the moment that freedom is taken for granted is the moment freedom is lost.

I'd like to draft a similar deposition to send to major networks and newspapers, that they might report on the broad support base that exists for the current actions being taken to protect freedom, and also include a copy of the letter sent to our elected officials.

I'd be more than willing to draft these letters - would someone be interested in helping with a website/database to collect signatures? And maybe we could link from some websites - including supportpresidentbush.net.