We're all familiar with vehicular patriotism: the ubiquitous ribbon magnets in classic yellow or the snazzier stars and stripes motif slapped on fenders, American flags taped to antennas and bumper stickers telling us that the colors on those flags won't run. If Rep. Donald Pilon, D-Saco, is successful, Maine license plates will join the mix.

Pilon started the process to create a new "We Support Our Troops" specialty plate, collecting signatures and raising the $40,000 to cover start-up costs. Like the loon plate and other specialty plates, the troops plate will generate fees for a special cause: in this case, a fund to help National Guard and Reserve families with emergency costs. While the sentiment behind the plate is good, it's sure to cause a stir in the Legislature, which has the final say on new plates. People sounding off on the proposal at MaineToday.com provided a sneak peek at what the debate might look like.

A number of you backed the idea of the plates on pure patriotism. Opposing such a gesture, you thought, was a slap in the face to the men and women who are serving in Iraq and elsewhere.

One user, Carrie, was one person the plates might benefit, and she was quick to throw her support their way:

"I think it is a great idea!! My husband served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005. He will probably be going over again. I think anything that can be made to help our families is well worth it!!!"

Who can argue with supporting the struggling families of those fighting? No one – and no one who responded to the story did. Many, however, were quick to say they don't support the war that our troops are fighting in Iraq. And that made it tough for them to get behind anything that could be seen as an endorsement of it, no matter how much they support the troops. Even more troubling to some of you was the state's involvement.

Tim was one such user, saying, ". . . I think that a state-issued license plate with the state of Maine superimposed with a yellow ribbon makes a clear statement of statewide endorsement of the war in Iraq. The entire state of Maine does not endorse this war."

A user named Chris thought people should put politics aside and get behind the troops:

"One really needs to think about the situation these families are left in when a breadwinner is taken out of the picture and deployed somewhere around the world. Let's not let our disdain for a war keep us from helping a fellow Mainer in a time of need."

A lot of you thought that if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the cars traveling that road might be sporting "We Support Our Troops" license plates.

Rob was one of a few people who opposed the plates on skepticism alone:

"It sounds like a good idea in theory but that's where I think it stops – in theory. Pardon my cynicism but when was the last time anyone ever heard of a state program delivering as promised?"

And besides, as a few of you pointed out, it's not as if there aren't already mechanisms in place to lend support – financial or otherwise – to the troops.

Bev, a member of a military family, thought stamping out yet another piece of patriotic vehicle bling was as empty a gesture as can be made:

"I think this whole idea is as totally foolish as the yellow ribbon thing. The only people who gained from those were the owners of the company who sold them. It is not like the troops are riding behind us in traffic. If you want to support the troops go and offer friendship and help to the nearest military family in your town and when a new one moves in go welcome them and make them feel like the sacrifices they have made in income, time, and sometimes loss of life or limbs were not in vain."

Sure, befriending a military family is a nice gesture. But do you get some sort of patriotic tchotchke in return? I mean, shouldn't people be decorated for such acts?

Veteran Ed had yet another suggestion for supporting the troops:

"We already have a plate for those who really support our troops. It's called a Veterans Plate. For those of you who think you serve our country by sporting a yellow magnet on your SUV, or by wearing a vanity tag, I'm sorry, that just doesn't cut it. If you REALLY support the troops, I'm sure your local recruiter would love to hear from you."

Question: Do you get one of those nifty ribbon magnets when you sign up?