Some Americans just don’t get it. They don’t understand why some persons choose to wear certain clothing items which have meaning. Others claim that they understand why they choose to wear similar fashion yet appear to be utterly confused. And many fail to understand it’s not necessarily what you wear rather how you actually act that truly matters.
In 2005, while operating in Iraq with a very small and unique joint unit, a good friend of mine, a Marine Force Recon Captain spotted an American wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt. Needless to say, the young soldier was out of uniform regardless considering he was not wearing his “proper” uniform. My young, short yet stout, die hard, South Philly Captain decided to find a bit about the lover of Che.
Captain: “Hey troop! Let me ask you something. Do you know who that guy is on your shirt?”
Troop: “Yes sir, it’s one of the greatest revolutionaries in history named Che Guevara.”
Captain: “You do realize that Che was a mass murderer trained by one of our nation’s greatest enemies, correct?”
Troop: “Man, you drank too much Kool-Aid.”
Oops, the young troop forgot to end his statement with “Sir.”
Needless to say, what occurred from that point on shall not be written but know that my good friend, the Marine Captain, showed a very young soldier a thing or two about discipline in 120 degree Iraqi heat while simultaneously obtaining a PhD in terrorism studies.
The point here is that too few understand today why some wear certain clothing items; simultaneously, others have no clue as to the reality of what they actually wear either–case in point, the young soldier wearing the Che t-shirt.
For others, there is a true meaning behind what they wear and some pretty damn good reason behind their clothing items of choice. I recently encountered a group of individuals who own a company called “IKT.” IKT stands for “I Kill Terrorists.” IKT creates patches and t-shirts for the men and women serving abroad. They also have purchasable items that family members can proudly wear showing support of their loved ones.
I spoke to one of the owners who just so happens to be a combat veteran. In our conversation, I explained that having a non-profit organization isn’t always easy because many possible donors could feel uncomfortable donating and sponsoring to a group that is simultaneously supported by a group that proudly displays clothing items stating “My Daddy Kills Terrorists.” (Personally, I love what they are doing however; from a non-profit standpoint, I also understand the importance of being very cautious with accepting donations from certain groups.)
IKT created not just a company, they created a movement. They have like-minded individuals who risk their lives every day facing some of America’s most horrific opposition–terrorists. The movement they created does not just allow these brave warriors to display patches or wear t-shirts, they have a Facebook page as well that allows such individuals and their families a place to discuss their own concerns–something many of our warriors need today.
Now, what happens though when people don’t necessarily wear specific items on their chest yet act in a certain way that depicts their true sense of morals, values, and ethical behavior like George Soros? The man provides billions of dollars in donations to numerous non-profit organizations and I assure you that none of them support terrorist killers or those who are willing to accept donations from entities like IKT. Interestingly enough, America has become so politically correct with everything we say, do, and display, non-profit organizations that are supposed to be non-political in nature get royally tied between a tug of war match among the right and left.
There is no question that the majority of Americans, no matter their political differences, care about our national security operatives. They care so much that they are willing to provide financial donations to groups like the National Security Leadership Foundation. Sadly, many with deep pockets who could financially make a difference force non-profits to take a side.
Needless to say, many non-profits cower to a political spectrum. Those who cower to political correctness have a great support element already in place and can get away with what they do. Others who refuse the political correctness game take a blunt bat to their own skulls marginalizing monetary support. In turn, not only do these non-profits miss out on some deep money, those who they intend on assisting are the ones who suffer most.
Like the Tea Party, one of America’s fastest growing grass roots political elements, some of today’s non-profits must maintain a grass roots approach–something the NSLF intends on fulfilling to ensure we keep to what we believe in staying clear from politics and corruption so we can stay focused on truly assisting those like our first responders, intelligence operatives, defense contractors, military, and their families–our “terrorist killers.”
To find out more about the National Security Leadership Foundation, please go to our website. For those who would like to purchase items found at “I Kill Terrorists,” please go to their website and know that a good portion of their proceeds go to the National Security Leadership Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, and the Fisher House.
Kerry Patton is the Co-Founder of the National Security Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization pending 501c (3) status. He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, focusing on intelligence and security interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban. He is the author of “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies” and the children’s book “American Patriotism.” You can follow him on Facebook.