Editor:

    One has to wonder about the motivation of our
citizens who are opposing the placement of the yellow ribbons in our
city. If the ribbons were some other color, say perhaps orange and
green to show appreciation for public works and recreation or if they
were red and blue for our first responders and public safety personnel,
would there be such an outcry? Would anyone be as vocal in their
opposition? I’m sure that definitely would not be the case.

    However, some misguided citizens have chosen to
create a controversy over yellow ribbons that are only being displayed
to show heartfelt appreciation for our long term first responders: the
military and their families.

    Many of these same citizens are the ones who
proclaim support for the troops but not the war. Where is the support
for the troops. By opposing the placement of yellow ribbons in our
city, they are making a political statement with the end result of
turning our long-term responders, the troops, into political pawns.

    Unfortunately, this then becomes a moral versus
immoral issue because the mere thought of using some of our citizens
who are in harms way to further a political agenda of opposing the war
is just downright immoral.

    Please support our troops and support yellow ribbons. It’s the very least you can do.

Dan Fortin

South Portland