Brian M. (5/31):
But the U.S. Chamber won't do that, will it? It's too much of a political hack group now that wound't dream of going against the bidding of the handful of big donors and corporations that put up most of its cash.
[email protected] (5/31):
Of course, you're right Mr. Huey -- I've written on the phony patriotism at sporting events, highlighted by the Super Bowl, several times. But lately, I've noticed a new initiative: TV commercials by brand-identified commercials "thanking our servicemen" are starting to become a regularity. Better they can thank them by providing a job when they reenter civilian life, which has always been difficult for returning vets, or thank them with something substantial, like picking up the tuition for job training, instead of making them subjects of advertising creative directors.
Kevin Foley (6/01):
Well said, Mr. Huey! I wrote about this relentless flag waving, fighter jet flyovers and USA! USA! chest thumping at sports events some months back. Fox is by far and away the worst offender and now it appears CBS and ABC are trying to play one-up. The Marines with the flags was just plain wrong. It's all sunshine patriotism...melodramatic music and dads tearfully hugging kids before shipping out then it's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans (whose kids don't do the fighting and dying, BTW) and let the returning "heroes" go unemployed and uninsured. Disgraceful hypocrisy.
Wes Pedersen (6/01):
It's a sign of the times, I think, that my first thought, on reading the headline on this excellent piece, was ""Rake that bunker'? Oh, another story about Libya. They're still trying to get Gadaffi in his bunker."
Joe Honick, GMA International Ltd (6/03):
Bill, I must be among the few who did not write on the subject in the past, so I salute your doing so now. Of course the practice is nonsense and a travesty. Actually it is better and more tightly described by two letters, the first of which is a capital "B". The second f course is obvious.
Please let us know what response you get.
Brian M (6/10):
Corporate America ignores veterans except when it's convenient for marketing. Those Budweiser commercials with troops coming home make me sick. They should be ashamed of trying to wave the flag and get people to pop open a beer at the same time.
Kathy Lewton (6/13):
Thank you, Bill. Your thoughts are 100% right and your letter is perfect. We should all be ashamed, including the PR people who take part in these pseudo "thank the troops" tactics.
Bill Huey (6/13):
Update: I haven't heard anything from Tim Finchem, but the last two tournaments I watched used caddies as flag tenders. The next big event will be the U.S. Open at the Congressional Country Club outside D.C. If they don't do it there, we might conclude that the PGA has thought better of using uniformed military personnel as props.
After this piece was published, I noticed a Miller High Life promotion that donates 10 cents for each High Life beer cap to buy sports tickets for the troops. If you want to send a service member to a game and the ticket is 45 bucks, you need to drink 450 beers. So get busy out there!
[email protected] (6/27):
You ain't seen anything yet, as Al Jolson was alleged to say, Mr. Huey. Wait a few days until the July 4th sports events take place and until 9/11 when the NFL telecasts its games.
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