Support the Troops? Not Bloody Likely

Michael Redding, Recruitment Poster

I shout it out to the night
"Give me what I deserve, 'cause it's my right"
Shouldn't I have this (shouldn't I)?

--Passionate Kisses, Lucinda Williams

__________

Everybody has a pet peeve, and here is Ranger's.

All patriotic Americans claim that they support the troops and appreciate the service rendered by our fellow citizens (suckers?). But why then do so few businesses then not offer some token of appreciation, like a military discount?

Many of my local businesses and restaurants give discounts to police and firefighters, but nada to soldiers.

In fact, my home state of Florida makes combat wounded vets pay for their license plates, and they are charged the vanity rate price for noting such achievements as winning the Purple Heart in combat.

Only former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor (MOH) winners and 100% service-connected disabled vets get one free license plate. Such largesse from a grateful nation of yellow ribbon-wearers! And since there are only about 100 MOH winners still alive, this is naught more than a token gesture.

Why don't all Service-connected Disabled Vets get a free plate? Is this too much to expect?

If you out there in business value military service, then put a dollar on that valuation that helps veterans with their daily lives. Put it on the line, like they do. An honest gesture would go nice with the otherwise fallow words on the ubiquitous banners, "We Support Our Troops."

Put your money where your mouth is. The troops deserve their breaks more than the rich need another tax cut.