I have to say I am feeling divided on this one. While I agree that this sort of entry is entirely appropiate for a July 4th parade and applaud its creativity and vision in general, I do think the 'bloody baby' went too far for an event like this. I don't think it is fair to say that people are not patriots and should stay home and watch tv if they don't want their young children to be exposed to that kind of graphic depiction of the tragedies of war. This type of 'shock message' should be directed at adults and not used at a family event like this. The entry would have been just as powerful with the burka-clad woman holding a 'baby' (that was not bloody) trying unsuccessfully to get the Bush's attention.
If we wish to be taken seriously and to garner some sort of general support, we need to stop going out of our way to piss peole off in our efforts to inform them.