There's nothing wrong for Pennsylvania to begin issuing "patriot" license plates. In fact, it's a commendable idea.

But issuance of the plates shouldn't carry with it embarrassment for the commonwealth. Yet, that could be the fallout from the proposal as initially conceived.

State Rep. John Payne, R-Dauphin, envisions selling of the special plates as a way to raise money for body armor and other equipment for the Pennsylvania National Guard. But the state shouldn't have to sell license plates to properly equip the citizen-soldiers who are not only available for state service but also for federal duty, as the nation's mission in Iraq has required.

The state should be committed to fully equipping its troops, regardless of the cost and regardless of what other budget belt-tightening that obligation entails.

But amid the proposal is the question of whether Payne has done all of his homework in connection with the idea. The National Guard says it already supplies mobilized troops with the same body armor used by active-duty soldiers in Iraq.

However, what Payne says is troubling — that Guardsmen returning from Iraq have told him soldiers there have been upgrading equipment on their own.

"No offense to the generals, but I'd rather hear from the men and women on the front lines about what they would need, and then talk to the commanding generals about that," Payne said.

According to Payne's proposal, the license plates in question would cost an additional $35, of which $20 would go into a special fund for Guard training and equipment, including Humvee armor and body armor. The plates would feature a yellow ribbon, the phrase "Support our troops," and the word "patriot" in uppercase letters.

There has to be a better use for the money derived from the plate — such as providing some kind of important, additional service to wounded servicemen and women who have returned from Iraq. The state's politicians should beef up military equipment with other money available, some of which the politicians find a way to spend in wasteful ways.

A "patriot" license plate would be a show of support to those who have committed themselves to protecting this state and nation. The plate shouldn't be a way for politicians to get off the hook from their duty to keep the Guard's equipment as up to date as possible.

— J.R.K.