This whole Obama/american flag lapel thing.

[clevername]

I had heard rumblings of this, but haven't paid attention because I figured it was just stupid political stuff mixed with mindless "you gotta support the flag" stuff (see Michael's thread on that). I finally broke down and looked up the news stories today and that was confirmed. People drive me absolutely insane.

WEARING A LAPEL PIN AMOUNTS TO JACK SQUAT!

Why is this even talked about? Why is his patriotism being called into question?

Then I read his reasoning for not wearing the lapel:

"The truth is that right after 9/11 I had a pin," Obama said. "Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security.

"I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest," he said in the interview. "Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism."

On Thursday, his campaign issued a statement: "We all revere the flag, but Senator Obama believes that being a patriot is about more than a symbol. It's about fighting for our veterans when they get home and speaking honestly with the American people about this disastrous war."

I couldn't agree with him more. He might have just won my vote.

Meanwhile talking heads will continue to fan the flames. Soon we'll all be forced to wear lapel pins and colored bracelets lest we be regarded as unpatriotic or folks who hate people with cancer or some other horrible disease.

[jim]

It's ridiculous and stupid.

But maybe I'm just unpatriotic, because I think that horse and pony show in the bottom of the 7th at Yankee Stadium does nothing but slow the game up.

[JL21]

But maybe I'm just unpatriotic, because I think that horse and pony show in the bottom of the 7th at Yankee Stadium does nothing but slow the game up.

I could not agree more. And from here on out, I'm also going to refer to it as "that horse and pony show".

As for the Obama thing, he's spot-on. It's a shame more Americans don't feel this way, or at least act upon that sentiment.

Let's face it.... Your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore.

[Simbagal23]

I'm neutral...could care less. Some people have very good reasons for wearing the flag, others have good reasons for not wearing it. Doesn't mean anyone is more/less patriotic than anyone else. Now, the important question for the candidates is: Boxers, briefs, thongs or free and easy.

[Popeye_Card]

Actions > Words > Flag Lapel Pins > Owning and using an American flag handkerchief.

--P--

[clevername]

I agree the 7th inning stretch thing has gone on for too long.

The thing that infuriates me the most about all this, I think, is that I think Obama should be praised for this. It's exactly the kind of thing I hear people wanting from their politicians these days. He's not doing what his focus groups tell him, he believes in this enough to alienate a segment of the voting public who just pays attention to who says the right things/wears the right pins.

The guy is actually speaking his mind and standing by what he says and is being lambasted for it. I'm going to have to read more about his views on other issues because he actually has me interested in what he as a candidate stands for, which I have never felt in my voting life. I assume he'll lose the election, though.

[Popeye_Card]

I agree the 7th inning stretch thing has gone on for too long.

The thing that infuriates me the most about all this, I think, is that I think Obama should be praised for this. It's exactly the kind of thing I hear people wanting from their politicians these days. He's not doing what his focus groups tell him, he believes in this enough to alienate a segment of the voting public who just pays attention to who says the right things/wears the right pins.

The guy is actually speaking his mind and standing by what he says and is being lambasted for it. I'm going to have to read more about his views on other issues because he actually has me interested in what he as a candidate stands for, which I have never felt in my voting life. I assume he'll lose the election, though.

But Rush told me the other day that Obama is a phoney, because he surely had that question planted in the interview. As with everything, I'm with Rush on this.

--P--

[clevername]

you can never go wrong siding with Mr. Limbaugh.

Or any political radio talk show host, really.

[Sutter'sBeard]

God this is so stupid! I don't wear one and I'm betting Rush doesn't either.

[Jocephus]

its another way to divert attention from the real issue(s).