Lots of readers responded the idea of an Honor the Earth ribbon. If you make them, people said, I want one.
I looked into it, and discovered that the ribbons were originally produced by the owner of a chain of Christian bookstores in North Carolina. That company, Magnet America, now mails out thousands of magnets a month.
On their site, there is a page where you can order custom magnets, using whatever slogan you choose.
Being more of an anti-preneur, I went to the webpage of Northern Sun, whose progressive bumperstickers, pins and T-shirts, are sold nationally in the backpages of Mother Jones and other hip zines. They have a "submit ideas" button.
Here's what I wrote them, and their response.
"In response to the proliferating 'Support Our Troops' ribbons that bedeck the back ends of gas guzzling SUV's, that those of us frustrated with the current administrations priorities, entanglements, rejection of science, and lack of foresight, want to counter with ribbons on our cars that say 'Support the Planet'.
Among my friends, the disappointment with the election has lead to deep frustration. People are looking for a voice.
We need a way to say, I don't agree.
A simple symbol for the things we care about is the earth. Our children, our future, our hopes.
What difference does a magnetic ribbon on someone's car make? It takes one person's sense of urgency and makes it visible. It a gives a feeling of solidarity, a sense that you are joined by many many others.
As people contemplate the damage of the tsunami, wonder at the terrible power of nature, and our own vulnerability in the face of it, this is the time to send a message.
Those of us who want clean air and water, who care about our planet and the threats we've created to it ARE the majority. There are millions of us.
I hope you take this idea to your board. It's a simple thing to do, let's do it together."
Here's the response.
"Thanks Deb, We have gotten several requests for essentially the same thing
as you suggest, and we are working on it."
www.northernsun.com