This is from a local coffeeshop:
I’m still not entirely sure what I think about this, but it seems to be the closest thing to treason that I’ve seen with my own eyes. I’m quite aware of the significance of the “T-word,” and I’m not using it lightly. Indeed, this is the first occassion where I’d even consider using it.
Why would I use it? First, it seems reasonable to me that the poster is calling for people to bolster the ranks of our enemy, which is actively, violently working against us. An enemy that seeks to kill our soldiers and allies. This seems to be treasonous speech to me. Of course, one could respond that this is propaganda, and propaganda typically employs hyperbole to make a point. Agreed, but this is hyperbole that crosses the line. This is hyperbole about which there should be no hyperbole. There’s no tongue-in-cheek, there’s no humor, there’s no joking with this. At the very least, this is an extremely inappropriate piece of propaganda.
Second, I’m not sure what the point of the child is, but it might be that American soldiers are killing children. Regrettably, children have died in this war. War is never pretty, and as long as enemies take refuge in civilian population centers, children will continue to die in war. However, it seems to me that this poster might also be making a more subtle point: American soldiers are intentionally killing Iraqi children. The child is dressed (presumably) as an enemy soldier. Our soldiers intentionally kill enemy soldiers. It’s pretty subtle, but that’s what I read from it.
The coffeeshop where this is posted is extremely anti-Bush and anti-war. Democratic campaign posters are all over the windows, and there’s a Democratic drop box for ballots right at the cash register. On the door is the sign, “Now hiring (eco-friendly people only).” I fear that if they discover my political persuasion, I’ll be kicked out. Despite all this, I still go there. It has a mean cup of herbal chai and free wifi. In the end, capitalism still wins.
