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Going Too Far…

Maybe it’s just me, but I really think that this is taking things a bit too far. Tonight I went to the Hallmark website to check out their free e-card selection. I notice up in the “Upcoming Holidays” column the usual ones – Rosh Hashanah, Grandparent’s Day, National Boss Day. But the one that caught my eye? “Patriot Day – September 11”. I was confused for a brief moment. Patriot Day happens in Massachusetts, and it was back in the spring? Then it hits me – September 11th. Yes, I do think it’s a day when we should all take a moment to stop and remember the ones we love and care about and the lives that were lost. Is it really a day that should have Hallmark free e-cards though? Is it just me, or is that just hitting a new level of wrong?

By Christine

Christine is an Avenger of Sexiness. Her Superpower is helping Hot Mamas grow their Confidence by rediscovering their Beauty. She lives in the Heights in Houston, Texas, works as a boudoir photographer, and writes about running a Business of Awesome. In her spare time, she loves to knit, especially when she travels. She & her husband Mike have a food blog at Spoon & Knife.

22 replies on “Going Too Far…”

I agree. It bothers me whenever I see people trying to make money off of this horrible tragedy. We must never forget it, but there are other ways to honor it.

And yes, the real *Patriots Day* is a Massachusetts holiday, but I believe they have it in Maine as well. It’s in April, and it is the day they hold the Boston Marathon. I have never seen a Hallmark card for it, though.

That is just…disgusting…that it’s in stores now, too. I think I’ll be going to the Carlton cards shop at the other end of the mall, assuming they haven’t joined in the madness. No need for it. Not at all.

Now I know what the “Pink” in “Big Pink Cookie” is for—you’re nothin’ but a no-good, commie pinko. I don’t think we should stop with free e-cards, I think we should have commemorative t-shirts, commemorative 0% interest financing deals on cars, and commemorative 1-year anniversary compilation cd’s. What could be more patriotic than crass commercialization of a national tragedy!?

Ok, if they are actually selling stuff … that’s even more wrong. Ugh. When will the corporate meanies ever learn???

Mike, you crack me up. DAMN! You found me out. Crass commercialization … yes, that is just what the world needs more of! (Please mouse over Mike’s comment before you send him hate mail, ‘k?)

Sigh. The thing that bothers me about this is not taking the time to remember, or acknowledging the loss, it’s that I don’t want anyone else telling me what being a patriot is or is not. Just like I don’t want anyone telling me what to read or who’s entitled to call themselves married, or whether or not you should spend my tax dollars on weapons instead of textbooks. I am a patriot. I love the United States of America, precisely because the next person who comments here may call me a flaming liberal. So let them. But don’t tell me how to celebrate my country, or mourn this loss.

If ever there was a time to write a personal, handwritten, non-electronic, non-mass produced letter to a loved one, the anniversary of that horrible event would be it.

Please, if you love someone and want to tell them that on this day, that will forever remind us of how fragile life is, that they are one of the people that *most* makes your life worthwhile, PLEASE, do it with a personal phone call or letter, not something from Hallmark or your computer.

Big Corp. embarassed by left and right hands:

Portion of an August 2002 Press Release concerning Patriot Day cards stated:

* * * * * * “POST 9-11-01 CARDS At the time of the attack on America, * * * * writers and artists were compelled to create new cards that alluded to September 11, and seven new deseigns were rushed to market. These cards that feature the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, the American eagle and other patriotic icons will remain available through Veterans Day. The events of September 11 unleashed strong feelings and attitudes that * * * * had seen developing for the past several years. While there was no way to have imagined the attack, * * * * had appropriate products at market because * * * * had a deep understanding of what lay below the cultural surface. Sales of * * * * patriotic cards since September 11 total nearly 6.5 million. The American flag card that is blank inside is the most popular.”

Had concerns about artwork depicted on Big Corp.’s Christmas season 1999 stein or mug with internal company number for the item of ZMG3542 and UPC number below bar codes of 1501254345 which depicted red-tinted jet airplane (utilizing several numeral 9s for passenger windows in airplane, and a face in tail of airplane looking skyward) heading directly toward taller of twinned towers in city-scene, among other odd choices of art elements to be combined on this item by generally “caring” Big Corp. Called and e-mailed Big Corp. several times [long after reporting odd choice of depictions for main part of artwork to public authorities]. Sent photos of item by way of e-mail JPEG graphic-file-format attachments to Consumer Care representative of Big Corp. mhitch@********.com [think BIG Corp. which got to market Patriot Day cards]. In part, received e-mail responses from Big Corp. Consumer Care representative as follows: 1/31/03, “* * * * * * From what I can see so far, it looks like the designer of this stein was trying to abstractly depict history moving toward modern day. Considering recent world history, it is unfortunate that the symbols used for modern times (the jet and a tall building in a modern city) are layed out in this format. * * * * * *” 2/6/03, “* * * * * * I want to set you mind at ease regarding a mug produced under the Shoebox brand in 1999. * * * * * * The mug was one of a number of products developed to help the consumer mark the once-in-a-thousand-year occasion of the millenium, and has absolutely no symbolism or meaning beyond that. Some of these images can, in hindsight, leave a sobering impression as the unimaginable unfolded before our eyes on Sept. 11, but in no way is the design of any product prior to 2001 connected to any events that occurred after that time. The mug was produced only for New Year 2000; by September 2001 it was no longer available to retailers, although some individual stores could still have old inventory, as must be the case with the mug you found on a retailer’s close-out table. I reiterate in the clearest terms possible that there is no connection between the design of this mug to any actual events, and that the product is no longer available for sale to ******** retailers.” When I asked a follow-up question regarding the other millenium products produced by Big Corp., received this curt reply: 2/7/03, “As a privately held corporation, we do not release any company information other than that available on www.********.com. The connection you seek to establish does not exist, and we can be of no further assistance. Please consider this matter closed, as we do.” Went to www.********.com and read press releases concerning Patriot Day cards and Veterans Day cards, with press release of Patriot Day cards final paragraph reading as quoted first-above to my astonishment and disgust. Also searched web and have noted another product dealing with “crash theme” for celebrating the Millenium 2000 by same Big Corp. (and same division of Big Corp.) was an item called, “The Y2K bug”, with attached tag proclaiming, “The Y2K bug. I’m “Crash”. Drop Me! Hear me Crash! Let this famous trouble maker help you celebrate and commemorate the new Millenium!” When the bug (stuffed toy) is dropped it makes a loud sound like breaking glass. Have Chrismas season 1999 “Here’s to the NEXT 2000!” dated stein product in hand with artwork making either press representative in August 2002 press release or Consumer Care representative correspondence to me of early 2003 quite the accomplished misrepresentor. Wonder whose culture Big Corp. is going to support in future ? Willing to provide photographic proof to you regarding this matter. Yours sincerely, R.A.

Like anyone who is a caring human being is ever going to forget that day without having someone send them a card-Guess what day this is!!

Regarding my extended comment on April 10, 2003, to this site regarding Patriot Day cards purveyed by Hallmark Cards, Inc., the artwork I described on the beer stein I purchased from Hallmark Cards, Inc., and its Shoebox Division from a local Indiana-based franchise store is an accurate description of the artwork which clearly details the New York City World Trade Center attack-intent a full two years before the actual event took place. Hallmark Cards, Inc., own August 2002 Press Release touting the sales of its then-new “Patriot Day Cards” for sale on or before September 11, 2002, stated in part: “The events of September 11 unleasehed strong feelings and attitudes that Hallmark had seen developing for the past several years. While there was no way to have imagined the attack, Hallmark had appropriate products at market because Hallmark had a deep understanding of what lay below the cultrual surface. Sales of Hallmark patriotic cards since September 11 (2001, added by R.A. for emphasis)total nearly 6.5 million.” Not a bad chunk of business for Hallmark/Shoebox artist being an accessory before the fact of mass murder. Yours sincerely, Richard A. Alford, Esq.

Patriot Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania — with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. We will always remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was founded endure.

Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity, focus, and strength. We found healing in the national outpouring of compassion for those lost, as tens of millions of Americans participated in moments of silence, candlelight vigils, and religious services. From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a true love of country.

We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and democracy over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of the first responders who gave their all to save others strengthened our resolve. And our Armed Forces have pursued the war against terrorism in Afghanistan and else-where with valor and skill. Together with our coalition partners, they have achieved success.

Americans also have fought back against terror by choosing to overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors as they would like to be loved, countless citizens have answered the call to help others. They have contributed to relief efforts, improved homeland security in their communities, and volunteered their time to aid those in need. This spirit of service continues to grow as thousands have joined the newly established USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves to changing America one heart at a time through the momentum of millions of acts of decency and kindness.

Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home. By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has authorized and requested the President to designate September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2002, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, I encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or another appropriate commemorative time, to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH

—-
This was NOT something Hallmark dreamed up to make money.

And to Mr. Richard Esq., a piece of art with a plane near the twin towers. Ever heard of perspective?! The plane was probably NOT meant to be flying into anything, it was probably meant to be very far off. You should be ashamed of yourself accusing an artist of being an accessory to such a thing. SHAME ON YOU!

One more thing Mr. Richard Esq. What does it say about YOU that you chose to purchase a beer stein THINKING it represented a plane crashing into a building?

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