Rey Barry comments on reports that the Republican Party is taking the opportunity during the past week of "rally around the troops" in Iraq to call potential donors and is using this time of "war" and "rally behind George Bush" as a positive fundraising niche.

George,

It's pretty hard to get agitated over the GOP raising funds from patriotism. It's the American Way.

For example, Media General wasted no time cashing in on patriotism with a largely bogus Salute The Troops supplement in the Daily Progress on Friday. It comprised (a) three-quarters of a page supporting the troops, (b) a paper flag image, and (c) eight pages of advertising, with (d) the thoughtful placement of a full-page funeral home ad on the outside back page.

They're Americans. That's just us being us.

Rey Barry (electronic mail, March 23, 2003)

Editor's Note: The Salute The Troops supplement in the Daily Progress also included ads by the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle. In the meantime, Clear Channel Communications has been instrumental in helping to organize pro-war rallies. See Thousands Gather to Back U.S. Troops and Policy and Channels of Influence.