Look at me, I'm a liberal

Finally, liberals who are no longer content to merely plaster their vehicles with leftist bumper stickers are presented with a new way to cram their political beliefs even further down the throats of die-hard conservatives! \nStaunch Kerry supporter Berns Rothchild, who is clearly very secure in her sense of self, wants everybody to know that she didn't vote for Bush. So concerned is she with spreading her message that she took a tip from the success of the yellow Lance Armstrong "LIVESTRONG" bracelets and created her own blue version.\nThe "Count Me Blue" bracelets, according to the official Web site, serve the purpose of expressing the wearer's "dissent from the misguided policies of the Bush administration" and "show your solidarity. We need to keep working together for a saner government." A portion of the proceeds, seemingly as an afterthought, are going to UNICEF. \nPerhaps a blue halo might be more appropriate?\nThis kind of passive-aggressive antagonism seems peaceful on the surface, but, upon further reflection, like a somewhat subtle method of riling up conservatives -- which has been proven time and time again to accomplish nothing but fruitless debate and infantile mudslinging from both groups. \nWhat's next -- partisan doo-rags? The rivalry between the Democrats and the Republicans is like a Bloods versus Crips gang war. \nAs a matter of fact, there has already been retaliation: Rothchild's Republican dad has countered with his own red version of the bracelet. It's a friendly protest, but one that is almost guaranteed to turn ugly when purchasers of each bracelet come across one another out there in the real world.\nWhat is with this burning urge that so many people feel to perpetually advertise their political affiliation? Anyone who truly believes in his cause should have no need for a security blanket -- or bracelet -- to announce it to the world at all times. Laura Adams, who created her own blue bracelet independently of Rothchild's idea, told The Associated Press: "It's kind of like saying, 'This is my tribe.'"\nWhat a relief! Now I have an even quicker way of judging anyone I might see on the street. This will save me the trauma of -- shudder -- initiating a conversation with someone whose views differ from mine, who might actually -- perish the thought -- show me a perspective I hadn't considered. Phew!\nAnd it's great that Rothchild has eliminated the futility of this project by giving some of its profits to UNICEF. But this organization comes across as a random choice, haphazardly selected in an attempt to make simple Bush-bashing look noble. \nRather than putting all their energy toward the manufacture and sale of what is basically a removable form of branding, people like Rothchild and Adams might want to consider concentrating on supporting the movements that they feel will be neglected under Bush's continuing reign. Volunteering and fundraising work are not only more constructive, but just as effective at generating media exposure. \nThe Bush administration makes a convenient scapegoat for the tattered state of our nation today, but the Republican party can't be held solely responsible. What people need to realize is that the welfare of our country is dependent upon much more complex issues than blue versus red, or Democrat versus Republican. And while wearing your political affiliation on your sleeve is a good way to alert the world to your dissatisfaction with who's currently residing in the White House, it cannot change the outcome of the election. It's going to take a lot more than a rubber bracelet to reform our government.\nBesides, what will we lowly middle-of-the-roaders do? Yellow's already taken.