Politicians yield to grassroots pressure

Local citizens and families of the troops have scored a partial victory in the Yellow Ribbon crusade.

Today's Record carries the headline, "Yellow ribbons get green light". Well, at least the cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo have seen the light. Apparently, Chairman Ken and the Waterloo Regional Council are still waiting for a 'formal request'.

However, earlier this week Waterloo Regional Coun. Tom Galloway said the majority of councillors polled have already said they'd support such a move.

If the region does allow the ribbons it would require an exemption of a policy that prohibits public support for any group, he said.

He said it will be up to the police board to decide if the ribbons will be added to cruisers, which have remained decal free to be fair to all groups.

Good grief. This whole thing must have their politically-correct knickers in a huge knot! It really should be a no-brainer. But here in the land of wimpy Lemmingville, most politicians move slowly and cautiously; all the while testing the electoral wind.


Anyway, back to the good news:

Emphasizing that Canadian soldiers are deployed in 14 countries and involved in 16 missions, Kerry Townson told Waterloo council that endorsing the ribbons is not akin to supporting war.

"I know of no coloured ribbon that signifies support of a war, " said Townson, of Families of Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan, the group spearheading the local ribbon effort.

She said the ribbons "signify our wish that our Canadian troops will return home safely ... honouring them for their service to our country just as we have honoured our veterans in the past."

Townson's request was backed by the Waterloo Fire Department and firefighters association.

I have to admire Kerry Townson and the other local parents of Canadian soldiers, for really stepping up to the plate on this issue. They didn't accept the politicians' original statements. They didn't give up. They just kept on fighting.

Just like their brave children.

We can all learn from their example.

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Update: If you still have any doubts that public support resonates deeply with the families, please read today's Letter of the Day in the National Post. Here's a snippet:

...The events of Sunday night confirm that I belong to a special group. But what I didn't quite realize is how large this special group is, until I saw all of those flags, all of those flashing lights, all of those waving hands. This special group seems to have a name: "Canadian." And I am a very proud member.

Michelle Holmes, Aurora, Ont.

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Please sign Jeff's on-line petition. Details on how to purchase Yellow Ribbon car magnets are also listed.

Progress: Newstalk 570 just reported that members of the Waterloo Regional Police will soon have the option to honour Canadian soldiers and veterans by wearing a specially designed pin on their uniform.

Close, but no cigar. We want ribbons on the cruisers!

Regional ambulances, however, will now be allowed to use the Yellow Ribbons on their vehicles.

Related: Paul warns that we can now expect ribbon thieves.