posted on October 5, 2001 06:16:59 PM new
...before the sleazemeisters started capitalizing on the events of September 11th. I just saw two TV commercials. The first was for a special "commemorative" coin put out by the American Historical Society. Basically, it's a standard US silver dollar with a scene painted on it depicting 2 fireman and a policman erecting a flag amidst the rubble. The second was for a special "freedom" flag collection [including a special "God Bless America" flag] that you could stick on your car, your mailbox, etc.
I don't think I would have minded so much if it weren't for the fact that both of these commercials had the same upbeat announcers, cheerful music, cheesy production values as the ads for every cheap product you see on late-night TV.
posted on October 5, 2001 06:41:26 PM new
...And the timing! Darned! The ashes are still warm!.... Could they not wait AT LEAST a few months out of decency? Gosh Shosh
posted on October 5, 2001 06:46:45 PM new
People of America are not being forced to buy these items. Although some may profit on the sale, others may treasure the memories of the courageous firemen and rescuers shown on the coins and the flags will always have a special significance for them.
I understand what you mean by the sales tatics with music and persuavive announcers. Today, Everybody gets on the bandwagon to sell but we have to remember that there are buyers who are happy to have the opportunity to own these products.
There will be books and works of art based on this tragedy also...some very good and some very bad. Life is reflected in art and also in the items that you call sleeze. Your sleeze may just be another persons treasure.
posted on October 5, 2001 06:47:59 PM new
An even more disturbing thought is that they will likely find a receptive market. And some purchasers will believe that their acquisitions will automatically make them more patriotic.
posted on October 6, 2001 08:57:43 AM new
I was taken aback to see a motorist flying a small American flag from his car antenna. The antenna was at "half-mast." Now there's a fitting tribute. D'oh!
posted on October 6, 2001 09:37:53 AM newTwin... I wonder if that motorist was also receiving 1/2, or warped news, with antena at half mast...
There recently was a discussion on NPR about this new show of Patriotism...The majority of the panelists comments, which included a Psychiatrist, was that this is turning into some type of Soap Opera, which allows people to develop an un-healthy, morbid fixation...
I am as patriotic as the next person, since I CHOSE to come to this country...However, how patriotic are those who are stealing their neighbour's flags???
I believe that some things should come from within, and from performing good deeds, and lend a helpful hand where needed...No amount of flags can replace a check sent to the right organization, if one can afford it, or a helping the Red Cross package all the donations for prompt shipping...
posted on October 6, 2001 09:51:53 AM new
Hi Shosh...
OTOH, the implication by some that flying our flag is somehow wrong, or distasteful in some way, is absurd. Patriotism is just fine with me. It doesn't mean criticism and rational disagreement is abandoned...just that you love your country. Which I do...
posted on October 6, 2001 09:58:38 AM new
Hi Toke...You are absolutely right....There is nothing wrong with flying a flag.
Still, I believe there is a time for mourning, and a time to let go and move on, and do other helpful deeds. I did not get the impression that the panelists on that NPR show, were implying that flying a flag was wrong. That would be very wrong and inappropriate. Gosh Shosh
posted on October 6, 2001 10:19:43 AM new
No, I wasn't talking about the NPR program...I didn't hear it. I've heard a lot on the news lately, about folks who feel display of the flag (in the U.S.A.) is divisive and/or disruptive. This seriously bugs me.
I agree constructive deeds will do more good, and accomplish more healing, than obsessive mourning. Still...it hasn't even been a month. Many people may not be ready yet...
posted on October 8, 2001 03:07:36 AM new
I got this e-mail yesterday. I suppose there are people who will use the Sept 11 tragedy to make money or to advance their pet cause. Pretty sickening, either way.
"Come on guys--let's get prayer back in schools!!!!! Sign your names.
God Bless America!!!!!! Glad
Subject: Petition to Supreme Court]
When you forward this to who ever you want, go to the bottom of the
list and add a number and your name. you can't do this until you forward.
On September 11, 2001, all of our lives changed as we watched the
airplanes crash into the twin towers in New York City, the Pentagon
Building and the crash in Pennsylvania. As we are all having a heavy
this week, we as a Nation have reflected on our own lives. As I
was watching the news coverage of the horrible disaster sites, the
Nation was crying, grieving, and praying. I watched the Senate and the
Congress be led by their Chaplains in prayer over this terrible tragedy
on the television. The only thing that saddened me more is that my
children were not allowed to take a few moments out of their day to reflect and pray for the
families involved because they go to a Public School System. Most adults prayed for
everyone involved and we as a Nation do not allow our children (our future) to pray in the
same way. Scary as it may be, we may all need to make some changes in our own lives.
In 1963 Madalyn Murray O'hair (an Atheist) filed a lawsuit that
resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to ban school prayer in our Public School
Systems. That was 1 person that made this change in our lives. In 1995 this woman
disappeared and was never seen again, but this law still stands.
I am requesting your help!! If you wish to help get the U.S.
Supreme Court to reverse their decision in this matter, please sign your
Name, City & State on this petition. They will be able to see where we
are from across the Nation. When you are the 100th person please
email this back to me at [email protected] and I will print, collect
and send the list to Congressman, Senators and Representatives to try to repeal the 1963
decision. Then make your name the 1st name on the list an continue to send on to everyone
you have on your email list.
Also if you know someone who does not have email ask them if they
would like their name put on the list and add it if they do. PLEASE, lets see how fast this
will travel the nation and see if we are truly ready to make a change and allow our children
to pray as all the adults were able to do this past week.
THANK YOU for your time, and may God Bless your family to keep them safe.
In conclusion PLEASE say a prayer for all the families that have
lost their loved ones in this National Disaster. They are all going to need tremendous
strength in the days, weeks, months and years to follow. Their lives will forever be changed."
posted on October 8, 2001 04:25:41 AM new
This using patriotism for business advantage is nothing new since the attack.
The auto dealers around here have added flags until some of them have a solid row of flags all the way across the front of their lot. On a really windy day it is surprising it doesn't push the whole lot over to the next street because it looks like a tall ship under full sail.
After a certain point it starts to get silly.
Will a veteran go to the dealer who has 60 flags instead of the one with 50?
Could they not wait AT LEAST a few months out of decency?
I wonder if that motorist was also receiving 1/2, or warped news, with antena at half mast...