"I stared at the screen for a long time trying to think of a non offensive comment or trying not to incite further debate. Maybe the difference is that when we (USA) look at our bikes, we don't look at them as a way to identify with the paid professionals that race, but rather the bikes are extension of our personality and the things that are important to us. We all try to personalize the bike in some way, most of us don't posses the skill to do the job that Patriot has done."
Why is my lack of understanding an invitation for you to take offence? If someone doesn't think like you or understand something that you've done, is your instant response to launch into an offensive tirade? You might need to rethink that or you may have trouble relating to people who aren't exactly like you.
I have to vehermantly disagree with your point about Americans not identifying with pros that race. How many guys with Treks and full USPS kits do I see here? NONE. Online in the US? H-E-A-P-S.
A paralell for you. If you ride in an Aussie jersey here and you're not a member of the Australian team or an Australian National Champ, you get laughed at.
As a the son of career navy (Chief Petty Officer) enlisted man who served a total of 30 years, the Navy or any branch of the military is not a choice of last resort....
I never said it was the only and last resort, but there's numerous documentaries and programs that document the way the US millitary specifically targets the underclass. If that wasn't the case, it would be all chiefs and no indians.
"Thylacine, my question respectfully submitted to you is what makes your heart swell with pride for your country? What puts a lump in your throat? When I looked at Patriot's bike....I thought of my cousin that I visited in the VA hospital in Tampa Florida where he was fighting for his life after being wounded in Iraq. I thought of the sign that is just outside of the main entrance of the hospital that reads, "The price of Freedom is visible here." I hope this helps clear some of the confusion up. God Bless."
I don't want to turn this into a politics thread, so I'll just say that I respect whatever people want to spray onto their bike. As a creative person though - a qualified Industrial and Graphic Designer since 1990 - and a completely non millitaristic and anti-establishment one at that, millitary logos and slogans don't even make the list. In fact, if someone wanted a stars-and-stripes Thylacine - or an Aussie flag one for that matter - I'd probably not do it. But that's just me.
I did however get inspired by the colours of the Emperor Penguin recently!
Does that make me a Hippy?
Actually, I lied, there was a DeSalvo in the Spectrum gallery that was painted to look like a WW2 figther that I thought that was pretty cool in a schoolboy "Check out my Model P51" kinda way.
