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