August 31, 2006
— Ace I'm not sure about this.
Maine National Guard members in Iraq and Afghanistan are never far from the thoughts of their loved ones.But now, thanks to a popular family-support program, they're even closer.
Welcome to the ``Flat Daddy" and ``Flat Mommy" phenomenon, in which life-size cutouts of deployed service members are given by the Maine National Guard to spouses, children, and relatives back home.
The Flat Daddies ride in cars, sit at the dinner table, visit the dentist, and even are brought to confession, according to their significant others on the home front.
What does Flat Daddy confess?
``I prop him up in a chair, or sometimes put him on the couch and cover him up with a blanket," said Kay Judkins of Caribou, whose husband, Jim, is a minesweeper mechanic in Afghanistan. ``The cat will curl up on the blanket, and it looks kind of weird. I've tricked several people by that. They think he's home again."
He's not home. His wife and kids need the prayers and support of their friends and family, not a piece of cardboard.
This just doesn't sound healthy to me.
Boston Globe - Guard Families Cope in Two Dimensions
Thanks to Unqualified Offerings
Posted by: Ace at
05:13 PM
| Comments (88)
Post contains 209 words, total size 2 kb.
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 05:17 PM (DHWob)
I dunno. If the families like 'em...
Posted by: dorkafork at August 31, 2006 05:19 PM (ksDNy)
Posted by: Andrea Harris at August 31, 2006 05:24 PM (3mOj2)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:26 PM (Rj0Is)
I was a kid during the Vietnam War. My father had already served in Korea during that war, but I think if he'd had to go to Vietnam and someone had approached my mother and us kids with this bizarro gimmick we'd have called the police.
Posted by: Andrea Harris at August 31, 2006 05:26 PM (3mOj2)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:27 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:28 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:29 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:31 PM (Rj0Is)
Stuff your snarky bullshit comments and line up behind these brave people.
A cardboard cutout is a heartbreaking symbol.
Why don't you go do the job?
Posted by: gorky at August 31, 2006 05:33 PM (Hsypr)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:34 PM (Rj0Is)
Honestly, we have nothing but respect and appreciation for the soldiers and their families. It's the concept of flat absent loved ones that we find rather . . . strange.
But speaking for myself, yeah, okay, fuck me.
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:36 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: anonymous at August 31, 2006 05:38 PM (3wTNM)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 05:43 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: Stephanie at August 31, 2006 05:48 PM (1C3dO)
And, gorky; go buy a sense of humor, because you really need one!
If I need to 'splain the humor in this, then you don't have one.
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 05:52 PM (DHWob)
Go buy yourself a concience, you really need one.
Posted by: gorky at August 31, 2006 05:59 PM (Hsypr)
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 06:02 PM (QTv8u)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 06:03 PM (Rj0Is)
I did, you chickenhawk-screaming piece of shit! I spent 10 years in the military, you were prolly pissing in cotton at the time, if you were even more than your father's wet dream. I was on the fucking front lines, while people of your ilk were whining about the gas prices (in the 70s) and I had friends that died to keep your whiny-ass safe. I have friends and loved ones that are doing that now!
And why aren't you doing the job? Huh? Come back and fucking talk to me about why don't I, when you've been there, you piece of shit!
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 06:04 PM (DHWob)
Nope, that's not funny.
I was actually trying to raise a serious question. Is it healthy to cope by using a cardboard cutout to create an illusion that the loved one is present? I doubt it, especially for little kids. And especially if it turns out that Daddy doesn't come home.
Posted by: Michael at August 31, 2006 06:07 PM (LPlsm)
Posted by: prolix at August 31, 2006 06:10 PM (LpXdr)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 06:10 PM (Rj0Is)
pain and humor are related, to get pissy, that pissy, because the ridiculously extravagent possibilities for pain in this concept is so apparent. Whoever came up with this idea really, really needs to be fired.
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 06:11 PM (QTv8u)
Sorry about the rant, but sometimes i just get my back up. I agree that this is a pretty silly thing to do in order to make kids feel better. My oldest son was very young when I was sent off at the government's whim, and he survived: this would have traumatised him, imho.
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 06:13 PM (DHWob)
FYI gorky,
Served my stint in the Air Force a couple of decades ago. So blow me, you little pussyfied peacenik piece of crap. I'm so tired of you and your ilk and your incessant whining while you live your soft, safe lives thanks to those who have served.
Posted by: at August 31, 2006 06:13 PM (Vsh3q)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 06:13 PM (Rj0Is)
We all bow down and respect you.
I'm a cotton-fucker.
Where's YOUR respect for the people doing the job you claim to have done for 10 years? Where's your respect for thier families?
Semper Fi?
Go back to Kos where you belong.
Posted by: gorky at August 31, 2006 06:14 PM (Hsypr)
Posted by: Michael at August 31, 2006 11:07 PM (LPlsm)
Well, its a stretch, but if the illustrations show a change - in rank (pride), in looks ("Daddy's getting beefier!"), and possibly in a different look on his face.
Please understand I'm trying to find something, here. the idea is really kind of creapy.
Posted by: Tom M at August 31, 2006 06:16 PM (TtaDz)
I was 7 when my Dad went to Vietnam for his 18 month tour. He sent letters and tapes (reel-to-reel) to keep in touch, but by the time he got back he was a stranger. 18 months is a lifetime to a kid. A cardboard cutout may seem like a ridiculously weak substitute, but I don't doubt that it provides kids comfort and a connection.
Posted by: geoff at August 31, 2006 06:16 PM (Id2DF)
And yah, especially if he doesn't come home. What do you do with it then? Throw it away? Keep it around? That would be eerie either way.
I completely empathize with these families.
Flat cut outs are crazy.
Dan is hillarious.
Who comes up with this? I want to meet them. Who says "Yah, send me one"? What where they thinking?
Is it just me, or does the smaller kid look terrified and creeped out by the cutout?
Why do they have the cutout of him in a military uniform anyway? I'm doubting he wears his camo around the home. I mean, if we discard all the other issues, and just accept this might be helpful and not unhealthy for the kids, at least we can make him 7 inches taller and put him in a regular shirt. Hell, if this was really going to help I'm not opposed to spending the cash and making him out of ballistic gel, like those dummies on MythBusters or fake chicks or something.
Posted by: Entropy at August 31, 2006 06:17 PM (Uh5fR)
But, of course, I've never served, so I'm just a chickenhawk...or something...
Posted by: prolix at August 31, 2006 06:17 PM (LpXdr)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 06:17 PM (Rj0Is)
Goddamnit! Rachel Corrie did it first - and she Did it better!
Fuckin Dolts!
Posted by: Mike at August 31, 2006 06:17 PM (OEbrS)
You are starting to sound a little. . ."on edge?"
You should chill, I bet that whoever the model for that flat daddy is, will find dan's comments quite humorous. See, when it's your job to lead a shitty life, you spend a lot of time finding humor in it. I think most servicemen would find it funny.
Or in the case of annonymous comment, ridiculous.
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 06:17 PM (QTv8u)
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 06:18 PM (DHWob)
Posted by: Tom M at August 31, 2006 06:18 PM (TtaDz)
You guys were blowing each other and fucking yourselves?
Why the hell didn't I get any action?
Posted by: Entropy at August 31, 2006 06:22 PM (Uh5fR)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 06:23 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: mesablue at August 31, 2006 06:26 PM (DzeyU)
So yes, it's creepy because Daddy is a soldier and not playing football, for instance, but given the above, it isn't likely to creep out the kiddies. Their little faces are prolly propped up all around the house after their parents bought the picture package.
Posted by: Lana at August 31, 2006 06:30 PM (KEpIO)
Goddammit, whatever gets these families through the day is fine with me, nobody, even you revered decorated veterens, are in a position to judge them or call them creepy.
I don't think Bush is doing enough, by the way.
But what do I know, I'm a chickenshit.
Posted by: gorky at August 31, 2006 06:36 PM (Hsypr)
Posted by: Bugler at August 31, 2006 06:38 PM (oKQob)
And by good authority, I mean, of course, Mrs. Brewfan.
Posted by: Jack M. at August 31, 2006 06:40 PM (Jb1EJ)
My problem with this is simple: I don't like lying to kids. Especially very young ones. A three year old child does not have the cognitive development necessary to separate fantasy from reality. Flat Daddy seems designed to create the illusion that a loved one is present, and that's a lie.
As parents, Mrs. Michael and I made a decision before our first child was born -- don't lie. Our kids never were led to believe that Santa Claus was real or that babies were delivered by storks. When they got curious enough to ask about where babies came from, we told them. (Which meant, our kids were the ones educating the other kids in their elementary school about sex.)
I looked at it this way: If I lie to them about Santa Claus, why should they believe anything I say about Jesus?
Posted by: Michael at August 31, 2006 06:42 PM (LPlsm)
Posted by: Dan Collins at August 31, 2006 06:43 PM (Rj0Is)
Posted by: Bugler at August 31, 2006 06:44 PM (oKQob)
Its really creepy this whole thing. A real cry for help. The community needs to rally around folks like this. I can understand joking about it to a degree, but it does show some conerning problems.
gorky, you're either a spaz or a troll, I'm not sure which. I think the latter. This is such a bizarre behavior, some people can't help but laugh. Whatever. If you do have a kid in the service, he has my best wishes.
Posted by: Sinistar at August 31, 2006 06:48 PM (FUWRQ)
And I'm here to tell you....that was the most awkward 29th birthday party ever.
Posted by: Jack M. at August 31, 2006 06:50 PM (Jb1EJ)
It's for thier own good.
Sides, why would you want to deprive them of 8 or 9 solid years of joy, and the wonder of beliving in things like the Easter Bunny and Santa?
Posted by: Entropy at August 31, 2006 06:57 PM (Uh5fR)
We all bow down and respect you.
I'm a cotton-fucker.
Where's YOUR respect for the people doing the job you claim to have done for 10 years? Where's your respect for thier families?
Semper Fi?
Go back to Kos where you belong.
Ummm excuse me for not being an idiot, but how could you ever equate my satatements with Kos? I am a very proud veteran, and have spent more time with the military in the past 4 years than you will prolly EVER spend. I have also been a proud conservative since I was 19 years old, before that I was just a dumb kid.
As for my military service, want to compare 214s? cause i know mine willl beat yours anytime! Want to talk about what I did while I was in? Lets go, you against me!
As for supporting the troops, name me some people you know that are in Iraq and Afganistan right now. I know quite a few, and I pray for their safety every day.
As for supporting the families, I work with them on a daily basis, I'm a nurse and I have shared tears with women and children who have lost their husbands and fathers. Dont you DARE lecture me on what they think! Overall, they support the WOT, and are supportive of what their loved ones fought for.
I think you need to take a hint from your Nic, and head to a park, maybe with Dr. Deb.
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 06:57 PM (YQfLp)
Posted by: Nice Deb at August 31, 2006 06:59 PM (woQK4)
You are WAY over analyzing this. Even a 3-year old is not under the misguided impression that "flat daddy" is real. They've met real live people, even daddy, and the cardboard ain't it. It's a grin and a giggle. It's a reminder to think of daddy.
It's completely consistent that you think children are so clueless they buy flat daddy and need to be filled in immediately on the Santa Claus myth lest they doubt Jesus. Small children are much more savvy than you give them credit.
Posted by: Lana at August 31, 2006 07:02 PM (KEpIO)
Sorry to be a buzz-kill, but Kanelin sucks Cindy Sheehan's ass.
Posted by: gorky at August 31, 2006 07:03 PM (Hsypr)
I am sorry to have attacked you so harshly, if I had known that you have a son in the service, I would not been so harsh, please accept my apology.
I will include your son in my prayers from this day forward.
And anyone who could possibly go into harms way deserves our prayers.
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 07:12 PM (YQfLp)
Posted by gorky
Thats just low, next thing you will be insulting billy idol.
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 07:14 PM (QTv8u)
Some of the behavior depicted or described is just plain not right.
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 07:15 PM (QTv8u)
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 07:15 PM (YQfLp)
One thing that really pisses me off about this whole "chickenhawk" B.S. is what about us handicapped folks who want to serve, but can't due to physical impairment? Am I a "chickenhawk"? I would like to serve, but I'm unable to due to a chronic neurological disorder. So a big hearty "Fuck You!" to anybody who gives me shit about not joining.
And yes, it's handicapped, not that P.C. "handicapable" crap. Condecending fuckwads.
Posted by: Don Carne at August 31, 2006 07:15 PM (RJDcF)
EWWWWWWW
Posted by Kanelin
But would you hit it? You would wouldn't you? you'd hit it, I can tell.
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 07:16 PM (QTv8u)
Only with your dick, and aces ass to push it
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 07:21 PM (YQfLp)
Posted by: Wickedpinto at August 31, 2006 07:26 PM (QTv8u)
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 07:32 PM (YQfLp)
Posted by: km at August 31, 2006 07:33 PM (2oREX)
Posted by Don Carne at September 1, 2006 12:15 AM
Come on, Don, you sound like a damned liberal.
You're a cripple. Don't let them make you accept
that "handicapped" nonsense.
Posted by: anonymous at August 31, 2006 07:34 PM (3wTNM)
This, in my opinion, is one of the few blind spots at this site in light of the commenters. Kids are wicked funny and they spot and relish absurdity faster than adults in the vast majority of cases. OF COURSE they took flat daddy to school. Remember 1st grade? Wouldn't you?
My kids would be draggin' him around, showing him to all their friends, pantomiming absurd things coming out of his mouth cause he ain' t there to smack 'em. They'd eat that up. And they'd not be creeped out about it in the least, because they aren't under the misguided impression that this cardboard 2-deminsional picture is actually their daddy.
I'm not saying it a good idea, budget-wise. I'm just saying the kiddies are not the least bit harmed by it and looking at the flat daddy would give them a reason to grin everyday. It isn't real and they KNOW it. Which is why after that picture was taken, the two boys had an imaginary, but hysterical dialogue with flat daddy and one of them told him to shut his mouth and threw him into the cargo area. And they both wet their pants laughing.
And then their mother yelled from the front of the mini-van, "Stop treating flat daddy like that!' which made them unable to stop snickering uncontrolablly for the rest of the decade. The parents that think this is a great idea are clearly sweet and seriously misguided. The kids harmed by it......zero.
Posted by: Lana at August 31, 2006 07:37 PM (KEpIO)
You're a cripple. Don't let them make you accept
that "handicapped" nonsense.
Posted by: anonymous on September 1, 2006 12:34 AM
WB Deb, how ya been?
Posted by: Kanelin at August 31, 2006 07:40 PM (YQfLp)
Michael, You are WAY over analyzing this.
Actually, you're right about that. I do that all the time. It creeps people out.
Come on, Don, you sound like a damned liberal. You're a cripple.
Aaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha!!!
Posted by: Michael at August 31, 2006 07:46 PM (LPlsm)
Come on, Don, you sound like a damned liberal.
You're a cripple. Don't let them make you accept
that "handicapped" nonsense.
Posted by: anonymous on September 1, 2006 12:34 AM
Well, I wouldn't use cripple cause my arms and legs work fine 95% of the time. It's those unexpected days when they don't work that cause problems. Like I said its chronic, not persistant. You know, it sorta comes and goes. Today was a good day; tomrrow? Who knows?
Posted by: Don Carne at August 31, 2006 07:51 PM (RJDcF)
Posted by: anonymous at August 31, 2006 07:54 PM (3wTNM)
Posted by: anonymous at September 01, 2006 12:54 AM (3wTNM)
It's OK, don't sweat it. Still nobody has answered my primary question; Are cripples exempt from the "chickenhawk" libel?
Posted by: Don Carne at August 31, 2006 08:09 PM (RJDcF)
Posted by: anonymous at August 31, 2006 08:12 PM (3wTNM)
Posted by: Don Carne at August 31, 2006 08:15 PM (RJDcF)
but I mention Cheney because when he was asked why he didn't fight in that not-quite-a-war called "Vietnam" he said he had
"other priorities." That answer has always rubbed me wrong.
Posted by: anonymous at August 31, 2006 08:19 PM (3wTNM)
Anyway, I returned from Iraq in June. Deployments are tough on family, no doubt. Gorky, I am sure will agree, knows that there is quite a bit of worry involved on the family side. But...who wants to maintain 12 months of pure worry? To minimize the impact of worry, families should try to put the worry aside, for God's sake, and have faith that thier loved one will come home. Lets face it folks, we have probably had a minimum of a million troops cycle through both Iraq and Afghanistan but I don't think we are even at 3000 deaths combined. Thats 3/10's of a percent. Even taking casualties into account, there is only 2.3% chance of something bad happening to your loved one.
My advice to my family was to stop dwelling on it. I wasn't worried, they shouldn't be either. This kind of thing will drive the kids crazy too.
Posted by: y7 at September 01, 2006 07:04 AM (yYph9)
Posted by: Nice Deb at September 01, 2006 07:18 AM (woQK4)
Posted by: Nice Deb at September 01, 2006 07:22 AM (woQK4)
Maybe next the US Military can trade those ''racist'' intolerant Ranger berets in for universal pale blue.
/ snippy and ashamed that I ever bought and sold the popular PC BS peddled by America's enemies - foreign and domestic. Selling out America and Israel, the strong, the decent - the biggest, dirtiest business in the world!
Posted by: child abuse for the common good of common tyrants at September 01, 2006 08:19 AM (E1wuJ)
Posted by: Bart at September 01, 2006 08:28 AM (RBo7v)
Posted by: MlR at September 01, 2006 08:29 AM (n9H2x)
Posted by: meekrob at September 01, 2006 08:36 AM (9HeGK)
Posted by: El Greco at September 01, 2006 08:39 AM (R6yie)
Posted by: at September 01, 2006 10:53 AM (m6c4H)
My daughter sent her "Flat Julia" to her grandmother in England, who had a fine old time taking "Flat Julia" around to visit all her little old English lady friends, all of whom offered "Flat Julia" tea and crumpets.
It was a very sweet project and gave my daughter and my mother in law some wonderful memories of doing this project "together."
It's a creepy or as sweet as you choose to make it.
Posted by: Teri at September 01, 2006 05:55 PM (CnTNl)
Posted by: Tom M at September 01, 2006 07:26 PM (TtaDz)
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