No Support

A follow-up to “No Thanks”


The highway sign at the off ramp

“This Community Supports Its Troops”

Sponsored by local social clubs

Does nothing to “support” troops

It supports the local social clubs

Plus the sign maker

Hint hint… Follow the money

As to who put the sign up

And where the money goes



Besides, in my best perception if

A community supported its troops

There would be no more troops

If all individuals who might go off

To be a troop felt love and “support”

From the community that their worth

Was being, in just being, an individual

They might not feel compelled to

Join a military group of troops

To find and feel a sense of belonging

That they could have, if supported

By the allegedly “supportive” community



You would also see no homelessness

As many veterans (former troops) are

Homeless seeking society’s support


“Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.”

– greendoors.org

In addition to the complex set of factors that affect most homeless individuals lack of affordable housing, poverty, job or income loss, mental illness, substance abuse, health problems, etc. many veterans live with the lingering effect of PTSD, often compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.

– pinestreetinn.org


I guess all that flag waving and beer drinking patriotism money at the onset of whichever war, could have been saved in the community chest to support the troops, when they need it the most.

Certainly, instead of some faded highway sign, lost in the freeway foliage.

“Just an observation,
Maybe I need
Different glasses.”

– Angelo Devlin