Let's Say Thanks

Sometimes I think about the Vietnam war, and the parallels to the Iraq war.

The Vietnam war became increasingly unpopular as it was evident we were not going to "win," in particular against the geurilla style warfare of a people determined to keep fighting. Eventually the soldiers became unpopular as well, characterized as "baby killers," etc.

The Iraq was is increasingly unpopular as it becomes more evident that we are not reaching our goals, and as the American people become jaded with regard to the goals and purpose of the conflict to begin with. Knowing what happened to the soldiers who served in Vietnam (it seems like a higher percentage struggle with PTSD, and they are certainly more bitter and angry than those who served in previous conflagrations), and grieving over it, I fear the same may happen to our soldiers who are in Iraq.

Let's try to agressively avoid that result. These men and women are dads, moms, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and friends. They are boyfriends and girlfriends, teachers, managers, baristas and students.

Let's say thanks for the sacrifice we are making. I know I am particularly grateful - I have never felt called to military service (having wanted to be a fashion designer most of my life). I appreciate that someone is taking my place in a Humvee in Bagdad, basically.

Here is one way you can do it, and it takes about 90 seconds.

1) Go to this webpage: http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html (its a page sponsored by Xerox)
2) Pick out a drawing from a child
3) Select a prewritten message of gratitude, or select "other" and write your own
4) Click "send"
* your drawing and message will be printed by Xerox and sent overseas into the hands of a serviceman or woman.

Hooray! Lets say thanks this holiday season!