Encourage Democracy was inspired by and is a tribute to all of those who have shown the courage and fortitude to strive for self-determination.  That struggle has most recently been exhibited by the people of Iraq, who have braved threats of violence and death in order to express their desire for representative and responsive government.

Encourage Democracy enshrines the most visible symbol of that spirit, the purple inked finger that is proudly displayed by those who have risked their lives and safety to give voice to that most basic of human desires; the desire to live in freedom.

This site is established for the purpose of giving all people the chance to express solidarity with those struggling for the freedoms, that we who have long enjoyed them, all too often take for granted.

Whether you interpret the hand to be a sign of peace or a sign of victory, both are appropriate for the goals of people overcoming totalitarian rule to participate in democracy.

While some people choose to display their support by inking their own fingers, we hope to offer a more lasting means of displaying your support for the march of freedom.  The products offered here can serve as reminders to all who now enjoy or strive to obtain the right to participate in their destiny through representative government.

We hope that sales of these products will be sufficient to allow us to contribute a portion of the profits to charities that benefit those who have advanced democracy throughout the world. Close to our home, the members of the 3rd Infantry Division have spent the last year in Iraq and many will not be returning home. There are several organizations which seek to provide for the wives and children of those soldiers. Additionally, there are many organizations which are serving the people in Iraq and helping to build schools which will, in the future, educate the children of Iraq in making the most of themselves and their country through the democracy that is established there. As time progresses, we will be highlighting those causes which your purchases support.