TGIF

First, the good news!  The extra yarn I needed to finish the Hardangervidda has arrived!!  I can't tell you how relieved I am. 

Annie over on Knitty Gritty gave a link yesterday to a great project that you can help out with.  The Red Scarf Project.  I contacted Lisa and she ok'd a button I made for her.  Steal it and put it on your blog, but please save it to your own server! Thanks.  I'll be knitting a scarf as soon as I finish Daniel's sweater.

I'd like to thank everyone who wrote such kind comments and emails.  I'm really taken aback by the kindness out there.  I think I've written everyone back.  If I haven't I apologize, I just missed it somehow and please accept my thanks here.

There were a couple of people that wrote anon emails.  I'd just like to say, you are cowards (actually, I think it's just one person, but I'll never know for sure) and I'd like to address them her him whatever.  I am not stupid or uninformed and I really can't understand how you can say that from my post yesterday.  That post had nothing to do with my views except to get info out there for the support of troops.  If you think that's wrong, then I can understand why you wouldn't identify yourself.  I am not "away from the reality" just because I am not residing in the US right now.   We just moved back to Germany a year and a half ago after three years at Ft. Campbell.  Even over here, we are surrounded by Americans, American culture on post, we have CNN and all the other news programs, TV shows and even American radio.  We even have Taco Bell, Burger King and Cinnabons!  Not to mention... there's this little thing called the internet that keeps me up-to-date.  To say that I am "not in reality" is really a laugh considering that I'm right in the thick of it in a military community that is about to welcome their heroes home within days and my last thought before I fall asleep every night is that God watch over my son, Jeremy, in Mosul.  I, in no way, was implying yesterday that if you don't like Bush you don't support the troops.  That'd be a pretty difficult soap box to stand on when I do have a few friends *in* the military and family members that I adore, that don't like Bush.  My knit blog friend and fellow Army wife, Erica, is one of those that I'm proud to call a friend.  We still like each other even though our political views are different.  And while I'm at it, here's my view of the image "War President"... on the artist's own blog he describes it as art and that people will take from it what they will.  He claims that it is not intended to be a statement of any kind, it's just simply an image. That's interesting because the first time I saw it I thought it was a Tribute to the Troops and their Commander-in-Chief.  I actually felt a sadness when I found out that it's true intention was to slam the President using the photos of service members who died.  That's how I feel.  I can't help that.  I've been military my entire life (born in a Navy hospital, grew up Navy, married a Marine, went into the Army myself and then married another soldier, had all four of my boys in military hospitals) so I would think one could understand my thought process.' Nuf said.  Next time you want to email a nasty gram, try doing it from your real address and maybe I'll actually take you seriously.

My goal was to find some common ground that we all agree on and work from. Something proactive.  Most people got that and I'm grateful.   I'm so tired of the separation.  It is not a black and white issue and there are so many factors that I'm sure we all agree on.  I know we all strive for a better America.

On another positive note, yesterday's post sure did prompt a lot of comments, so those of you trying to win the prize are a whole lot closer to being #500!  Yikes it was a busy day yesterday!  ;-)

Comments

[Roseanne]

9/11 could have happened on anyone's watch.

[Jacob]

Jean, the button is amazing, and I can't believe how fast it's spreading. Thanks so much for helping Lisa out with her project. I'm having a hard time keeping up with everyone who's helping out, but it's awesome!

[Wendy]

I just wanted to echo some of the thoughts here. Our troops are amazing for giving their time and effort to our country. There is nothing but respect in my heart for them and their families. That includes you! I'm going to kick anon's butt. Opps, that's not very peaceful of me ;)

[marlo]

I agree with you 100% on the picture of the President made out of the fallen service men and women. It makes me sad inside. I personally disagreed with most the Clinton years but still showed him the honor and respect that he deserved because he was the President. While watching the inaugural parade I saw a sign that someone was holding up that read "I will support the troop when the war is over" That just broke my heart. I am upset with the war too but FULLY suport the troops. Thanks for your post today and yesterday.

[storm]

excellent on both posts you ahve made. it is a shame people cant see various views. i too married a military man, my grandfather was military. and now my son in law is military.... the troops and thier families deserve all of our support! hope you have a great weekend storm

[Bren]

Thank you for your comments regarding the military. We have 2 kids (Navy and Marines) who served overseas in the last 5 years, and my husband was in the Navy during Viet Nam. I don't understand why people have to make antagonistic comments regarding your supposed beliefs when they know you have a military family. Anyway, your knitting is gorgeous...obviously you put so much love into it! Bren in Brighton, CO

[Ashley]

I was also a navy brat and am now an air force wife. I guess that some people who were never raised or never in the military can't really understand what being in the military is all about. They are the ones that are really out of touch. What I mean, they aren't the one's giving their lives on the frontlines like we are. We have to deal with ALOT of sacrifices and being overseas only MAGNIFIES the sacrifices that we have to make. It's one thing when your military husband leaves and you and your kids are still in the States with family. It's a completely different thing when your husband leaves for 12 to 18 months and you and your kids are left in a foreign country with no family to fend for yourself. That's a reality for all of us overseas and those are some of the sacrifices we have to make in order to get the mission accomplished. If anything, it makes us more in touch with what is really going on.

[Anita]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. When I saw that image yesterday, I too immediately saw it as something much more positive and much more poignant than a protest. Kudos for your courage in speaking your mind and your truth and for doing so with tons of class!

[Jean]

Nilda, You're just saying that in case we get stuck together in the boot of a car again! lol. Ahhh... the memories... on the road to Tobermory....

[Nilda]

Jean -- you rock. That's it girl. We occupy different spots on the political spectrum but you rock because you don't trash those who disagree with you but respect them. Maybe it'll spread. World's too nasty to trash each other these days. I've always loved that you sign off with "Peace." Now as for Bush ... ;-) And I can't wait to see that sweater.

[Teresa C]

Hi Jean, Here I am a day late as they say. Thanks for the list, there were some organizations on the list that I had not heard of and am checking into. Thanks for sticking to your ground and beliefs. Trying to bring everyone together to do something positive is just the style I wish we could all have. So many of the liberal speakers and the press keep asking when the president is going to do something to bring the country together, but then I get the feeling that they stand back, arms crossed and when he does anything they condemn it as grand standing or playing politics. It has to happen on both ends and here we are trying to do just that. Keep up the good work (and knit really really fast!)

[Sarah]

I liked what you wrote yesterday and I followed a few of your links. I don't support Bush & didn't vote for him, but I do support our troops. I think it's terrible that someone would hide behind anonymity to insult you. Anonymity really is a coward's protection. I love reading your blog and your political opinion isn't going to change that.

[Nathania]

Jean, it's sad when people can't see beyond political labels. While you and I stand on opposite sides of the political argument, I admire you speaking your piece. (I mistyped peace the first time... that's some Freudian slip, eh?) And you continue to do good. That button for Project Red Scarf is gorgeous!

[Kelly]

Political views can be hard when there are people who think that by expressing an opinion you are therefore attacking someone by default. Shame on the commenter for not even being able to own their own opinion - as such, you are completely correct to feel free to dismiss it. I applaud your search for common ground. My cousin and his family were stationed in Germany during the first Iraq war before and after his time in Iraq. I was able to get there a year ago to do some (political) theatre in Frankfurt and Mainz. Had no idea how much I would love it. Can't wait to go back.

[Benne]

Jean, Wonderful button for the Red Scarf Project. I'll be making a scarf to send. There are many more issues that can unite us than separate us as humans. Thank you for providing a place for respectful discourse. We can all learn from one another and people of integrity can disagree on many issues. I am sorry you received disrespectful emails from someone who must be ashamed of their words or they would have owned them and put their name to their emails. Your list is already having a positive effect, and our troops will be the beneficiaries of your efforts. As several have said, you are a class act! And one heckuva knitter!

[TAMARA]

I think you did a fine job in the first post, and an even finer job in this one, clarifying your position. It's your blog; write what you want! So did you finish the Lopi last night? ;-)

[Margene]

It is so sad that we can not have differing views without hate and distain. In the land of the free we should all be able (willing) to speak our minds and no that we can not be 100% right. The world is full of shades of gray. It is with a heavy heart that I read in your post and that you were attached for your belief. As you always say, Peace. (Hugs, too.) PS Love the button you created!

[Annie]

I don't get people. I'm sorry that you had to deal with "anonymous". Thanks again for creating that button.

[Kat]

I do not agree with Bush and his administration. I am appalled that he spent $40M on the inaugeration. I am against the war in Iraq. I am for the troops who are fighting that war. If only it was that simple. The current situation has so many gray areas and nuances that it is impossible to understand someone's position without engaging them in conversation. Unfortunately, it is easier to slap on the quick label (Red/Blue Stater, Liberal/Conservative)and dismiss someone as being out of touch and wacko rather then spending the time and energy engaging them in respectful discourse where you may actually learn something. Kudos to you for stating your position. Un-kudos (?) to the individual who choose to anonymously flame you for those beliefs. Kat in Boston

[Kerstin]

I know you didn't mean to suggest it was me, but I'm afraid that some of your readers would love to assume that the big ol' bad outspoken liberal knitblogger is after you. :) Your "fat ass" line reminds me of what Sam told me the other day. He's taking Hebrew classes for the first time this year and he's caught on quickly. The teacher held him up (not literally!) to the class as an example of what happens when you "study your toches {ass} off." Sam came home with the biggest grin. Of course, the skinny runt has no ass to begin with ...

[Jennifer]

Go Jean! Thank you for your two-day posting about this topic and for the all-inclusive side bar with all those wonderful links for ways to support our troops. Let's forget the red and blue states and remember the Red, White and Blue! God Bless America. Godspeed to our troops.

[Gerlinde]

Good for you to stick to your believes. That is what America is all about-the freedom of speech and everybody's believes.And your help buttons are a big help. I got two boxes ready -1 for male, 1 for female) and going to send them to a adress I picked from Any Soldier this morning. Now to find some red yarn (Elann here I come). Can't wait to see the finished Sweater for Dan.As I know you it will be on tomorrows blog,lol. Gerlinde

[Rebecca]

Way to go Girl! You have more guts than I do. On another subject, how close to # 500 are we?????

[Wendy]

I'd like to say that I'm shocked that someone would send you such emails -- sadly I'm all too familiar with this. Good for you for addressing it in the way you did. You are indeed a classy broad. :-)

[Lauren]

I can't believe someone had the chutzpah to call *you* out of touch! I can understand the objections to the image, especially for those in, or with spouses in, the military. What did you think about the money spent for the inauguration?