Operation Minnesota Nice
A very close friend of mine is starting the Delano Chapater of Operation Minnesota Nice. It's a good thing, especially given the fact that Minnesota is deploying 2,600 national guardsmen in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is the largest deployment of Minnesota's citizen soldiers since WWII.
I opposed this war on strategic grounds. I believe George Bush should be impeached for the lies told to build the case for it and the corrupt bungling of the occupation. My views contrast very sharply with those who support the President at any cost, or who simply believe invading Iraq is the right thing to do to protect America. Civil dialog on this issue is rare.
Joining with each other to pack relief boxes for the troops is an opporutunity to get to know each other a little bit again. A soldier working in the field to do the country's bidding is not inherently ideological. That's your neighbor, your family member, your kid's classmate, out there trying to stay alive. For anybody who has ever said, "I oppose the war, but support the troops," this is an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is. For those of you who think supporting the troops means plastering you SUV with patriotic bumper stickers and yellow ribbons you bought at Wal Mart, this is an opportunity to put up or shut up.
So go to a packing party. Leave the cliches at home. Bring an open mind and lots of goodies. Talk. Pack. Look each other in the eye. It's at neighbor to neighbor gatherings like these where policy is really made.
posted by Chris Dykstra @ 1:54 PM |
| 
3 Comments:
I think everyone knows there's no love lost between Chris and I, but I take my hat off to him for his intent. (But I will challenge him to look at the bumper stickers in the lot when he goes - you'll see many far from just talk.)
I think you'll find no one really gives a crap what you think. This is the "you don't have to like it, but you have to do it" crowd. Actions, not words matter. Most support the war, all support the troops and that's what this is about.
Any help is welcome, but its always nice to not show up empty handed.
DVDs are very popular, (used is fine) extra headsets come in handy, save batteries and seem to always get mangled.
If you are sending candy (hint) chocolate melts far too easily, M&Ms are a good way to go. Stay away from the Sam's Club or CostCo size bags. Once open, things go bad (or at least dusty) fast. Better to give single serving sizes than big bags. (Unless its a big bag of individually wrapped items.) Even then, crack it open and spread it around.
Sunflower seeds (or any kind of nuts) are much appreciated. Tasty meat snacks (slim jims or beef jerky)and any beverage powder. Gatorade especially, but also just kool-aid. Make sure its the sugar-free or sugar already in the evelope kind. I can't say why but I aways coveted lemonade and sharkleberry fin kool-aid, which they don't make anymore. (Again, not the big containers, single use size.)
And in all seriousness, thanks for the show of support Chris.
-Censored
censored - that's a good call. Operation MN Nice's website has a good list of things that the adopted soldiers like. When I said "bring goodies" I meant, consult the list, bring what's on it. There are pretty specific needs.
hmm, sounds like a great Minnesota story.
Post a Comment
<< Home