http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21138728/
EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE:
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, D-Ill., said he will no longer wear an American flag lapel pin because it has become a substitute for “true patriotism” since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
He commented on the pin in a television interview Wednesday and then again on Thursday at a campaign appearance in Independence, Iowa.
“My attitude is that I’m less concerned about what you’re wearing on your lapel than what’s in your heart," he told the campaign crowd Thursday. "You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That’s what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals.”
2007-10-05 01:58:13 · 37 answers · asked by Still Beautifully Conservative 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
“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.”
**Was he saying that he didn't want to display a flag because of the Iraq war?**
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
2007-10-05 01:59:42 · update #1
Yes, his way of dissent. It's subtle as not to offend people that actually support the war, so very political in nature. I think America knows his stance on the war, so why bring the flag, and those that wear it, or fly it, into the picture, because he wants separation from Hillary in some form or another, because of the debate where they both said they would "try" to be out of Iraq by 2013.
2007-10-05 02:04:26 · answer #1 · answered by libsticker 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I agree with him; it's not patriotism if you wear a flag, then ignore the will of the majority of the American people, and kill off your military in an unjust and illegal war while your own citizens are stranded on rooftops.
I also read this great reader comment on the New York Times website yesterday: "Just like Kramer not wearing the AIDS ribbon… You shouldn’t have to if you’re supporting the cause. Obama shouldn’t have to wear the flag. We know his patriotism is deeper than that."
I hope that Obama is our next president, just because he has the stones to stand up and say what he believes. He isn't diminishing the intelligence of the American people by perpetuating the stereotype that a lapel pin, which is likely made in a Chinese sweatshop, is what makes you a patriot or proves that you love America.
2007-10-05 05:42:10 · answer #2 · answered by Hillary 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do I agree with him. No, I don't, not entirely, but he has the right to his own opinion. Wearing the pin was an expression of patriotism that many Americans can identify with. While it's true, our actions speak for us, I think where he made a mistake is taking it off and making a statement about it. He's called too much attention to it.
Actions like that are personal and better left unsaid, unless asked. The more effective way to have gone about this would have been to have waited until a he was asked and simply said, "My patriotism shouldn't be wrapped around a symbol."
This statement tells me that he feels the need to prove his patriotism and doesn't feel comfortable about how he's veiwed or with his own feelings. It's like giving to a charity and announcing it, or praying on the corner. If he felt the need to announce this, then he's worried that his actions and deeds do not reflect his patriotism.
Bad move in my opinion.
2007-10-05 05:56:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure I do. I am a conscientious non-flag waver and wearer also. I believe that too often, people use the flag as a substitute for action. What good is patriotism if it amounts to nothing more than show?
However, I think he is foolish for doing this. While I agree with him, he clearly doesn't understand what it means to be a politician. Granted, that is partly what I admire about him, but then again, I think he has lost a great many conservative, and possibly a few liberal votes for taking this stand.
2007-10-05 16:27:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He is saying that if you are wearing a pin, a sweater, a hat, Tommy Hilfiger clothing that resembles a flag or anything red white blue to be patriotic (Soooo much of that after 9/11) and if you do not really feel patriotic then why wear it.
The important thing is to actually be patriotic.
My take on what he said anyway.
2007-10-05 02:22:43 · answer #5 · answered by lilygateau 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with him whole heartedly. I feel the same. He wasn't saying he wouldn't wear one because of the war. What he was trying to say is just because you wear or display a flag does not make you any more, or less, patriotic.
He's also saying that the lapel pins etc have become so prevelant more so because it's become popular to do so more then these people being patriotic that the true meaning has been lost.
True patriotism can better be "displayed" by actions then by a 29 cent pin on your lapel.
2007-10-05 02:06:37 · answer #6 · answered by tamarack58 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
You can show your patriotism through action, AND still wear a pin on your lapel. To wish to "not display" an American flag on your person in protest of the war is like saying, I protest America, not I protest the current administrations foriegn policy
2007-10-05 05:16:15 · answer #7 · answered by SteveA8 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Obama is not a true American ~ he's a liberal and therefore our American flag means nothing to him.
Democratic presidential candidate Barack HUSSEIN Obama, D-Ill., said he will no longer wear an American flag lapel pin ~~~ there is no good excuse for this.
2007-10-05 05:41:42 · answer #8 · answered by DON'T BURN ME 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. I do agree with him. At some point you stop wearing a black armband. At some point your remove the black stripe from your NYC Fireman's badge and Policeman's badge. You have acknowledged the loss, mourned and honored it and it's time to get back to living.
When folks wear a symbol like a piece of jewelry with the intent to broadcast to you that they are a certain type of person...well then maybe they aren't really.
A true patriot never has to wear a US Flag on his or her lapel to prove their love of this nation.
So again, yes I believe he is right. Display the flag when you really mean it.
2007-10-05 02:23:08 · answer #9 · answered by KERMIT M 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
**Was he saying that he didn't want to display a flag because of the Iraq war?**
No. This is what he's saying:
“My attitude is that I’m less concerned about what you’re wearing on your lapel than what’s in your heart," he told the campaign crowd Thursday. "You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That’s what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals.”
The strange thing is, you quoted what he said. And then tried to contort it. Strange. I agree with him that patriotism is more than a pin on your blazer.
2007-10-05 02:28:45 · answer #10 · answered by Incognito 5 · 5⤊ 3⤋
Wearing a lapel pin doesn't make you a good or a poor candidate. I don't support him based on his positions. He is probably a decent person but like the majority of politicians you never know how they really stand because they are working to get votes.
2007-10-05 02:12:02 · answer #11 · answered by The Voice of Reason 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋