7:53 PM
Unless you are a new reader of this page or have Memento-like memory problems, you probably remember my post of a few days ago establishing the Let's Roll America Store. Now I read that the family of Todd Beamer is going after anyone using the "Let's Roll" phrase.

First, allow me to clarify: Beamer is a hero, no doubt about it. And "Let's roll" were terrific last words, on par with "Avengers Assemble."

My problem, again, is the presentation of the words in the State of the Union address by President Bush and his speechwriters: Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: ``Let's roll.'' I'm sorry, but while "Let's roll" is a great battle cry, it's a shitty ethic and creed for an entire nation. There are plenty of better quotes out there--"We must all hang together or we shall surely hang seperately," for one. "Be excellent to each other," is another, if I might steal wisdom from Wyld Stallyns**.

But I want the Beamer family (who no doubt are clicking "Refresh" constantly for the latest posts on OD*) to know that I mean no insult to the memory or heroism of Todd Beamer. So in respect of them, all profits of the now cost-increased products of the Let's Roll America Store will go directly to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation.

There. Bullet dodged. I hope.

* But whose expensive lawyers' underpaid legal assistants might stumble across page this via Google--hence the clarification.
** While at that site, might I suggest reading the trippy script for the Bill & Ted-themed Halloween show at Universal Studios?