In yet another example of crass commercialism that claims to be "patriotic," Major League Baseball is now offering officially licensed team caps that incorporate the American flag.
The good work over at Uni Watch has more commentary on this.A portion of all sales will go to "Welcome Back Veterans," an organization that supports "programs that treat and cure these issues, allowing our veterans to lead successful lives upon their return."
Hey, here's a thought. Don't send them to kill and die in the first place. This is not an indictment against the purpose of Welcome Back Veterans as much as it is an expression of frustration that Americans seem so willing to "support the troops" by sending them care packages and giving them better care when they return to the U.S. while far too few give any attention to how we can prevent members of the Armed Forces from being maimed, killed, or psychologically damaged in the first place--i.e., no stupid war.
It turns out, by the way, that Welcome Back Veterans is the joint creation of the McCormick Foundation and...Major League Baseball. MLB, the very league that has brought you endless nights of "God Bless America" and affirmations of war. How convenient, then, Commissioner Bud Selig and others can "welcome back" the thousands to whom they enthusiastically waved goodbye while cheering on the American war machine.
Meanwhile, for those who just want their jingoism without the hassle of having any of their money go to charity, MLB.com also offers the "True Patriot" cap. I'm sure it won't be long before Barack Obama has to explain why he refuses to wear the patriot cap.
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