"Support Yer Troops" Ribbons No Longer In Demand
For three years after the invasion of Iraq, it was difficult to drive more than a few miles through middle America without seeing a car displaying a magnetic yellow ribbon.The magnets, bearing the slogan “Support Our Troops�, became a symbol of patriotism for millions of US motorists.
But as support for the war fades, demand for yellow ribbons has collapsed.
Magnet America, the largest manufacturer of the product, has seen sales fall from a peak of 1.2m in August 2004 to about 4,000 a month and now has an unsold stockpile of about 1m magnets.
“We have enough supplies to meet demand for years to come,� said Micah Pattisall, director of operations. “Every product has a lifespan and this one has run its course.�
. . .At its peak, the North Carolina-based company employed 180 people to handle sales, marketing and distribution. Today, it employs 11 people.
If it was really about supporting our troops and not using them to support Bush's policy, they'd still be selling faster than war bonds.