I was checking out CNN's election returns this evening when I came across an interesting article by Roland Martin, one of CNN's resident excuse makers for Barack Obama.
The article, Commentary: Make wearing a flag pin the 28th Amendment, is listed as one of the site's most read articles. I already knew what I would be getting into by reading the article. It turned out exactly as I had expected, a typical liberal defense of Barack Obama's patriotism as done by diminishing others; especially those that dared question the anointed one on the issue by classifying them as zealots.
See, if it is so important, then take it all the way. Don't make it optional. Don't leave it up to someone to choose to wear a flag lapel pin. Let's really show those politicians that nothing is more important to us than seeing them with the U.S. flag on our chest.
That's what zealots do. They take something so simple, so personal, so voluntary, and absolutely lose their mind, trying to force someone else to do as them, and everyone else be damned.
Martin began the screed that led to the above conclusion with a typical lowering the bar defense. This tactic is designed to make questions regarding Barack Obama's patriotism much less relevant by making others seem less patriotic in comparison.
I've watched this debate reach the levels of absurdity this year because journalists and commentators have raised the question to Sen. Barack Obama, "Why don't you wear a flag lapel pin?"
I really got a kick out of that one during the ABC debate last month because not one person on stage -- Sens. Hillary Clinton and Obama, along with moderators Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos -- bothered to accessorize their attire with a flag lapel pin.
Sen. John McCain has been traveling the globe as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and this former Navy pilot often doesn't wear a flag lapel pin.
Of course we all know that the issue isn't singularly one of Barack Obama's lack of lapel pin. And the issue certainly is not answered by questioning the patriotism of John McCain the war hero. I think that Senator McCain proved his allegiance to this country just fine.
However, questions surrounding Barack Obama's patriotism are a different story. They stem from a whole host of issues and events that everyday Americans need answers to. The kind of questions that people typically don't have to ask of leading candidates for President of the United States.
I'm not talking about the kind of pointless questions that Martin is asking:
So, after listening to radio callers and the folks that e-mail various TV shows, maybe we ought to expand this need to express our Americanism even further. Shouldn't we insist that our politicians all begin to sport red, white and blue socks in order to feel good knowing that they are walking as Americans? How about asking officeholders to sport the American colors as undergarments to show that their undying love for the country is so important, they want the flag pressed against their skin?
Ha, ... funny. Get it? American flag underwear. Real laugher. Not.
Sorry bud, those are all the wrong questions. Let's put aside the fact that a President's undying love for his country is so important so as not to lose sight of the questions that Martin should be asking.
For instance, Americans should be asking why Barack Obama is repeatedly having to distance himself from people that are patently America loathing or minimally associated with those who are. Pick any one of them, from Pentagon bombing fugitive and Weather Underground radical Bill Ayers to Robert Malley, one of Obama's Middle East policy advisers that secretly held meetings with Hamas, the Jew-hating America loathing terrorist group.
Unfortunately for Barack Obama, and apparently for Roland Martin, the questions don't stop there. The issue was exacerbated when Barack Obama's photo appeared in Time Magazine while standing in front of the American flag with hands clasped below his waist during the pledge of allegiance.
And then there is the issue of Michelle Obama's mean America tour. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Michelle Obama's carefully orchestrated "America is downright mean" message is something that wasn't considered offensive until people outside of the Obama campaign actually started listening to it. Now we simply aren't supposed to talk about it. It's not in America where Americans aren't allowed to debate and yes, question the patriotism of their future leaders. That honor is left for countries like Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea; places where wearing the American flag on your lapel is probably not such a wise choice.
And finally, but I'm sure not least, there is the question about Jeremiah Wright. When your spiritual leader talks like Ward Churchill in daily sermons the questions about American patriotism eventually will come home to roost. Sure, it is in some sense guilt by association. But more so it is guilt by accommodation or guilt by lack of judgment. It leaves people wondering about Barack Obama's acceptance of such hateful messages.
If anything the lack of lapel pin probably seems to some as the exclamatory poke in the eye when considered in conjunction with these other alarming facts. So yes Mr. Martin, it is a big deal to many people who care more about the issue than you do.
As you can read by my commentary, I see the issue of wearing the American flag on your lapel quite a bit differently than Roland Martin. It is important. Not because someone is making you wear it. No. It is important because in America you can wear it by choice, without fear of persecution and in honor of those who made the United States the greatest country in the world. That is after all what the Presidency of the United States is all about. Others who don't see it that way will simply have to reap what they sow.
Terry Trippany is the editor and publisher of Webloggin.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The Photo
May 20, 2008 - 20:45 ET by allanfThat photo will hurt Obama with all Americans but the MSM
Wrong flag
May 21, 2008 - 04:56 ET by ThisnThatIf I was Obama, I wouldn't be honoring that flag either. Like him, I only honor flags with 57 stars on them.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
...
May 21, 2008 - 06:27 ET by Jack Bauer....
I'm a zealot
May 20, 2008 - 20:57 ET by dmntd1I'd much rather be considered a zealot because I want my President (and his finally-proud wife) to be proud enough of their Country that they would adorn their lapel with a simple token of the country, a US Flag, than to not be considered a zealot because of a sermon in which I screamed out "God DAMN America" and "U.S. of KKK A".
Fascism is a religious conception in which man is seen in his imminent relationship with a superior law and with an objective will that transcends the particular individual - Mussolini
My only question is does
May 20, 2008 - 20:58 ET by ckc1227My only question is does Martin choose to be this ignorant, or can't he help himself?
Urine test
May 20, 2008 - 21:29 ET by Jerry MackMartin must be the person that asked his doctor for study materials for his urine test.
Terry, the Cornered News Network is correct, at least in one way
May 20, 2008 - 20:58 ET by R D HelmAs we do most zealously love this country.
Clearly, Barry-O does not.
We are being smothered by government in this country. - Neal Boortz
"They take something so
May 20, 2008 - 21:00 ET by Jerry"They take something so simple, so personal, so voluntary, and absolutely lose their mind, trying to force someone else to do as them, and everyone else be damned."
Describes CNN's promotion of liberalism to a Tee.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Going bonkers over the lapel
May 20, 2008 - 21:05 ET by balboaGoing bonkers over the lapel pin was silly. SOME zealots have done what Roland is saying, but others have pieced together the lapel pin with other instances to paint a broader picture, kinda like Fareed's "world's largest mall" tidbit.
Bal, We didn't go bonkers
May 21, 2008 - 05:11 ET by ThisnThatBal,
We didn't go bonkers over the lapel pin -- Obama did. He gave a big speech on it, told us what his definition of patriotism was (and we didn't even ask), and basically let us know that he wanted to set certain conditions before would stoop to wearing such a thing.
He set up the confrontation -- we didn't. We simply haven't backed down, or accepted his definition. And we have rejected his conditions.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Actually, I've not seen anyone going "bonkers"
May 21, 2008 - 05:42 ET by WhoIsJohnGaltover the lapel pin issue.
That is, except for BO and Roland Martin and all the others who stamp their feet that it shouldn't matter. After all, it's one's personal business, not anyone else's. Like whether you like skinny women or...not so skinny women. That seems to be the position of those of his political persuasion.
It's just part of the larger issue of how he views this country, and where he'd like to take it. Deeper questions than they would like us to ponder.
Hee hee...I just had an image of a Yankees coach wearing a BoSox jersey on his day off. "What?! I like the colors! It's a nice shirt! Doesn't mean I'm not a dyed-in-the-wool Yank! How DARE you question my allegiance!!?"
Are these similar to the ...
May 21, 2008 - 09:32 ET by ontheright..."conditions" we can expect from BHO as he follows up on his promise to "talk" with our known enemies without "preconditions"?
Or the conditions under
May 21, 2008 - 10:13 ET by ThisnThatOr the conditions under which we can drive our SUVs and set the temperatures on our thermostats? Or perhaps say his middle name? Or mention his preacher? Or what his wife says? Obama has been laying down a lotta law here lately. I'll be singing the tune, soon: "We met the law, and the law lost".
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Obama has been checking
May 20, 2008 - 21:10 ET by Clear thinkerObama has been checking these off as he goes....
http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
"Abstain from McCain"
The flag pin is easy to wear
May 20, 2008 - 21:15 ET by JayTeeIt's not very Heavy......I don't wear one because I am not a duly Elected Official of the U.S.A.
I don't work in Washington....but I also didn't make a speech about why I don't wear a flag pin...but Hussein Did.....So American lovers QUESTION HIS EXCUSE and suspect anyone who is in the US Govt. who has an Issue being a flag waving American....needs to get some Patriotism from somewhere and Show it.
Hussein sure as hell can't get it from his Church....and his Wife is Seldom happy with America.
Well, he shouldn't have even
May 20, 2008 - 21:19 ET by balboaWell, he shouldn't have even addressed the issue in any speech. He fell for that one, hook, line and sinker.
I don't see you questioning when a Republican politician doesn't wear the lapel pin, though.
To some extent I agree with
May 20, 2008 - 21:34 ET by FoolicanTo some extent I agree with you. It's just a flag pin.
But drawing attention to the fact that you don't wear a flag pin is not necessarily recommended. "Don't ask, don't tell."
In any case when your credibility is already being damaged by some particularly worrisome gaffs (57 states, Kent-Arkansas, "first time I've been proud of my country") the lack of a flag pin can become a very hot talking point! The reason a Republican politician has not been brought into question about a lack of a lapel pin is because their love of America has not been questioned up to that point.
Not wearing a pin is ok.
May 20, 2008 - 21:43 ET by JerryNot wearing a pin is ok. Saying you won't wear one based on "principle" is not ok.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
"I don't see you
May 20, 2008 - 21:54 ET by ckc1227"I don't see you questioning when a Republican politician doesn't wear the lapel pin, though."
It's not about not wearing it, it's about intentionally and deliberately taking the time to come up with a (ridiculous) reason not to wear it. I don't know of any Republican who has done that. I don't know of any democrat who has done that, other than Obama.
I don't know of any
May 21, 2008 - 05:18 ET by ThisnThatI don't know of any democrat who has done that, other than Obama.
Don't forget the MSM -- they're all democrats, and they have intentionally chosen not to wear it, and they have told us why. "We cannot signal through outward symbols how we feel, even if the cause is justified," said ABC spokesman Jeffrey Schneider. "Overseas, it could be preceived that we're just mouthpieces for the U.S. government, and that can place our journalists in danger."
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Republicans wearing flag pins
May 20, 2008 - 22:33 ET by jefflebowskiWe don't questions Republicans not wearing flag pins because we know that they don't have contempt for his country. Don't even try to say that the left doesn't. Toooo many instances of flag burnings, standing on the flag, US of KKA, Code Pink, not letting military on college campuses.
It's not the Republicans doing this crap..but the America hating left.
I agree. He is the one who
May 20, 2008 - 21:33 ET by motherbeltI agree. He is the one who made a big deal out of why he didn't wear one: as a matter of principle.
Now he wears one. Sure, he explained it as having been given it and asked to wear it by some vets, in order to take the issue off the table.
So he makes it look like he's wearing it as a favor.
Thanks for nothing, Barack.
That's what zealots do. They
May 20, 2008 - 21:57 ET by mister josephThat's what zealots do. They take something so simple, so personal, so voluntary, and absolutely lose their mind, trying to force someone else to do as them, and everyone else be damned.
Like recycling? Donating at a time of crisis? Animal rights? Religion of Peace?
You forgot a few,
May 20, 2008 - 22:42 ET by RESTLESS 1...gay marriage? Hybrids? Abortion?...
Never never watch.
May 20, 2008 - 22:22 ET by ScrapironI would never allow CNN on in my home and if I walk in your home and it's on I'll ask you why you are watching the Communist News Network (CNN). I don't care who gets PO'd about it, I ask them and embarass them in front of whoever is there.
Old, Retired and glad of it.
You must be loads of fun at
May 20, 2008 - 22:24 ET by balboaYou must be loads of fun at parties...
lmao Bal
May 20, 2008 - 22:27 ET by shawn228That was great. He probably tells them to turn off the Disney channel as well, because Hannah Montana represents filth, with her naked back and all.
bal
May 20, 2008 - 22:37 ET byif you're watching CNN at your parties, i've been to more lively wakes
“i am the quixotic botg and i approved this message”
If someone is watching CNN
May 20, 2008 - 22:43 ET by RESTLESS 1If someone is watching CNN at a party, the guy in the casket has more of a life. :)
exactly, so why would bal
May 20, 2008 - 22:47 ET byexactly, so why would bal object to turning CNN off at parties?
“i am the quixotic botg and i approved this message”
My guess is, he is envious
May 20, 2008 - 22:53 ET by RESTLESS 1My guess is, he is envious of the guy in the casket.
(btw, you do know I am agreeing with you, don't you?)
yes indeedie “i am
May 20, 2008 - 22:56 ET byyes indeedie
“i am the quixotic botg and i approved this message”
We have a "special" media room for Fox
May 20, 2008 - 23:20 ET by JerWe have a "special" media room for Fox viewers at our house--equipped with a spring-release trap door over a shark-infested moat.
[Kidding, of course...I'm generally the one in the room watching Fox.]
Jer
Jer
May 20, 2008 - 23:44 ET by RESTLESS 1"I'm generally the one in the room watching Fox."
Only watching half of Hannity and Colmes doesn't count. :)
Restless...do you have any
May 20, 2008 - 23:59 ET by JerRestless...do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to anticipate Hannity's liberal-bashing interjections in time to shut my eyes, put a finger in each ear, and start humming the "Internationale"? :)
Jer
RESTLESS 1
May 20, 2008 - 23:22 ET by shawn228So if someone watching FOX news at a party, who would you associate that guy with. The one in the Urn? :-)
Actually, Shawn
May 20, 2008 - 23:26 ET by RESTLESS 1when I'm at a party, I'm usually watching my ace high flush get shot down by full boat. :(
Lol. I just love the whole
May 21, 2008 - 15:28 ET by balboaLol. I just love the whole "tough guy" routine by Scrapiron.
You mean Going Green?
May 20, 2008 - 22:59 ET by CobraMan"They take something so simple, so personal, so voluntary, and
absolutely lose their mind, trying to force someone else to do as them,
and everyone else be damned."
You mean like Going Green? Or Gay Marriage? Affirmative Action? Homosexuality? Separation of Church and State? Abortion? etc? etc? etc? You know, all the things that the liberal zealots try to force on everyone?
I'd be careful calling the kettle black, if you know what I mean.
Cobra,
May 20, 2008 - 23:27 ET by RESTLESS 1GMTA. See above.
Show of respect for the flag unnecessary
May 20, 2008 - 23:17 ET by chazskiIf Obama feels that showing respect for the flag is unnecessary, even when on a stage and in a position of leadership, I have to wonder, should he be elected President, if he will feel it's necessary for people to stand when he enters a room, and if we have to address him as Mr. President, or can we just say, "Hey, man."
They don't get it becaust they don't listen
May 21, 2008 - 00:11 ET by JWFIt is not about whether you wear a flag pin or not. It is the reason you gave when you took it off.
Obama said there are better ways to show your patriotism.
I contend that honoring the flag is the highest form of patriotism and there can be NO better way.
Also, the flag on my American Legion uniform, Obama and Martin, you listening? IT'S SEWN ON!
Just like many military, police, fireman, and other life protecting professions.
Oh Gawd, please yes, please keep making this an issue, because all you are doing is getting yourself mired even deeper in the mud.
Remember Ronald Reagan, when it became
May 21, 2008 - 06:02 ET by WhoIsJohnGaltknown that he never even took off his suit jacket in the oval office? He didn't do that to get attention and show off his patriotism...he behaved that way for years before anyone noticed. THAT speaks to his true motives. When you see something like that, that no one even thought of, you can see the true character of an individual.
And then...Bubba. Going for a jog, then all sweaty in his nasty shorts and t-shirt, plopping down behind the desk in the oval office.
What a contrast.
I make new enemies everyday
May 21, 2008 - 01:28 ET by mostlymoderateI make new enemies everyday because I am always bringing up Obama's unwillingness to put his hand on his chest during the pledge of allegiance. The liberals that I tell this to call me much worse names than "zealot".
Where is McCain's Flag pin
May 21, 2008 - 02:33 ET by goldwaterfanThis is so idiotic. John McCain doesn't wear a flag lapel pin either. Is he unpatriotic? No. End of Story. John McCain is a great patriot. He served his country, he was brutalized by the Vietnamese and he is probably a better man because of it. Rush, Sean, Laura, O'Reilly, Levin etc. have all called him a traitor to this country. Look in the mirror you guys, McCain and Obama are both patriots. Vote on the issues facing this country.
Please read the article.
May 21, 2008 - 03:21 ET by JWFIt is not about whether or not he will or will not wear a flag pin.
It is what he said when asked about it. Please read the article
And no, Obama is not a patriot.
Get with the msm program--
May 21, 2008 - 06:05 ET by lumpyonly conservatives are 'zealots.' Lefties are not--they are moderate and mainstream and in sync with the msm.
Obama marches to his own
May 21, 2008 - 06:28 ET by Jack BauerObama marches to his own drummer and salutes his own flag...
Obama is a patriot huh?
May 21, 2008 - 06:28 ET by theduck6He may well be but you forgot to enumerate your reasons for thinking so. You stated why you think McCain is but you just assumed Obama was. Other than associate himself with racist pastors (yes plural), unrepentant domestic terrorists, indicted felons and decrie racism of whitey whilest getting the best education you can get and being elected to a group with an unbelievable retirement program and perks most would kill for, what makes you say he's a patriot? I can't tell why. Since he hasn't shown me with deeds, I'm forced to rely on his words. Read his books and listen to his speeches. NOOOO the ones before he was running on "CHANGE" ...when he was pandereing to his South Chicago electrorate where victimhood is currency.
Tell me why he's a patriot. I am perfectly williing to have my mind changed. Tell me WHY.
The reality is
May 21, 2008 - 07:52 ET by BodiniThe reality is BO is no more proud of his country than his bribe MO. He chose to associate with America haters and now wants to give credibility to the Islamofascists that seek to destroy us and our children.
I must admit that I too have lost some pride in this country, but it centers around how stupid and naive my fellow countrymen are to actually vote for such a blatant militant leftist.
Yes, they are zealots!
May 21, 2008 - 07:06 ET by RolandSMartinI don't care what you nut cases think, wearing a flag pin is not an important issue.
NOT AN IMPORTANT ISSUE.
And the folks who actually care about silly stuff like that need to get a life.
Now maybe you guys are all good financially, but if I'm broke as hell, my kids go to a lousy school, and I have no healthcare, your lapel pin won't make me feel better about my condition.
This is the kind of stuff that makes people stuck on stupid.
And McCain doesn't wear one, and it doesn't phase me. Clinton doesn't wear one, and I don't care. My dentist doesn't wear one, and I don't care. I want the former to fix the problems of the country. The latter? Fix my teeth!
Did your Dentist ridicule
May 21, 2008 - 07:56 ET by general companyDid your Dentist ridicule those that do, also?
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Your true colors
May 21, 2008 - 08:16 ET by jpatchYou start your post off with an insult, followed by your opinion, followed by another insult while you attempt to frame what issues should be deemed important. You steal Rev. Wrong's line of being "stuck on stupid", and then admit that you want the President to "fix the problems of the country." And therein lies the fundamental difference between you and many of us: we don't think the President needs to "fix our country", we feel like the President needs to "Preside over our country", and be the "Commander in Chief" when called upon.
Barack Obama doesn't have the background that John McCain does to fall back on, so comparing the two in this light is wrong.
Lastly, we are all not "stuck on stupid" here...we have plenty of substantive problems with Baraka Hussein Obama Jr., this is just "another one of those things" that sheds a little more light on who the man really is. He's running for President, remember, this is not "The Bachelor: Washington D.C. - Love at the White House."
We understand that there are serious issues facing our country that need to be addressed, but that doesn't mean that every time Barack faces a question he doesn't want to answer, that he's allowed to change the subject. He's not the President yet. The "problems" that face our country are not yet his to "fix." We want to know who this man is...and so far, I think that most people are at least skeptical about his allegiances to our country...that is, most people that actually form opinions in real-time based upon reality. We do have those in this country that follow Mr. Hussein Obama as if he is Ra reincarnated.
Good luck finding someone to "fix" our country...that last man that promised to "fix" his country ended up...well, I think we all know how that turned out. Do we really need to let it happen all over again?
Dear CNN
May 21, 2008 - 08:33 ET by sarcasmoIs this truly the best you can do? Why not hire someone else? I'm not especially overwhelmed by the flag pin issue because most candidates this time would use the Bill of Rights as a doormat IMO (see McCain Feingold, and that's just for starters, for why I'd say that...) but the people around here who do care aren't "nut cases."
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
If you say so...
May 21, 2008 - 09:54 ET by ontheright...it must be true, right? What a pathetic lack of decorum and respect. It's highly unlikely that you personally know anyone who posts here and yet you generalized and categorized everyone here.
Good Job CNN! Keep up your high standards of jounalisim. It's no wonder you get beaten to death in the ratings...
Roland, I learned something
May 21, 2008 - 09:59 ET by bassndudeRoland, I learned something while a youngster in the Army. Attention to detail. It is the small things that really matter and tell you what is going on. Its the little things that make up the big things. The devil is in the details. Ever hear that?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Your anger issues aren't doing you any good.
May 21, 2008 - 10:25 ET by SGriffisI was born into a low-income working class family but my parents divorced before I was 5. At first, my mother raised me, my sister and my two brothers while working variously as a waitress or an assembly line worker. She spent most of her adult life as a sewing maching operator until she retired at 72.
My father started out inspecting film until his company went out of business. He then spent the rest of his working life as a janitor at a state hospital.
When I turned 18, I was on my own. I finally had to quit working at the age of 53 because of a long term illness. But, just before I quit, my total income was just shy of $100,000 a year. I didn't get any handouts; I didn't get to finish college (because of my health); I just worked hard and became the best at what I did.
BTW, my wife and I celebrated our 30th anniversary last year and we raised four kids along the way.
Anger and self-pity isn't going to get you anywhere.
Uh, guys...that's not
May 21, 2008 - 10:34 ET by Ruths husband BenUh, guys...that's not really Roland Martin. Troll alert. 'nuff said.
Yeah, I think you might be right...
May 21, 2008 - 10:35 ET by sarcasmoThere's no way even CNN would hire this. I think I've been taken on this one. Good job.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Yep, Stuck on Stupid
May 21, 2008 - 10:52 ET by HumblepieThat about sums it up. May I suggest some light reading, the President's Oath of Office! Obama is running for the highest office of this wonderful country. He expects us to elect him to this office so he can make changes. What changes! He does not show any type of patriotism to this great country, but yet, the oath charges him with upholding and protecting the Constitution of the United States.
You state you're "broke as hell." May I ask if you live within your means? Do you use your credit cards and such with caution? "My kids go to a lousy school." Do you belong to the PTA? Do you attent school board meetings and question their thinking? "I have no healthcare." Who's problem is that, the government? Just where is it written that the federal government must provide you with health care? Affordable health care insurance is available, just watch the TV commercials. Our forefathers provided for Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
During this time with political correctness at its zenith, I reserve the right to let you know you're an idiot.
That's what zealots do.
May 21, 2008 - 07:53 ET by PeskyDaneThat's what zealots do. They take something so simple, so personal, so voluntary, and absolutely lose their mind, trying to force someone else to do as them, and everyone else be damned.
Hmm... sort of like that whole red ribbon thing, eh?
Ok, I confess, I'm a zealot.
May 21, 2008 - 09:59 ET by SGriffisThis is the country I was born in, there's no other country that can even compare to the U.S., and, yes, I am proud of my country. That doesn't mean that I don't sometimes disagree with whichever administration is in office or that I don't feel disgust with some of the fools in Congress. Obama and his supporters don't have the right to tell me I'm wrong to be a zealot.
BTW, the first line of the CNN Commentary on a 28th Amendment is:
Al Gore's travesty "An Inconvenient Truth" comes to mind.
US Constitution, Article
May 21, 2008 - 10:08 ET by HumblepieUS Constitution, Article II, Section 1
Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the
following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I
will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution of the United States."
Gee, lets see, can not show respect for the flag or country. Can not say the Pledge of Allegiance... Sooooo, how will he preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States?
During this time with political correctness at its zenith, I reserve the right to let you know you're an idiot.
Now you want the president to defend the Constitution
May 21, 2008 - 12:56 ET by PTWAfter these many years of "tweaking" the Bill of Rights you finally get it. I thought this was the place I go to hear how National Security takes precedent over the Constitution and its freedoms.
I can't speak for all the nut cases Roland S. Martin
May 21, 2008 - 10:12 ET by JWFI will just speak for myself, a 20 Navy vet. It is important, here is why:
I saluted the U.S Flag every day for 20 years at 0800 every morning and held that salute while the national anthem was played. I saluted the flag every day at sundown when the flag was lowered. Sometimes it was me, putting up the flag.
The U.S Flag was displayed on the quarterdeck of every command I was stationed. It flew over every installation I was stationed or visited. It flew off the back of every ship in port and at the top of the mast underway. I saluted the U.S. Flag when I boarded the ship and I saluted the flag when I left.
There was a flag at every ceremony I attended. Displayed indoors, held outdoors. That flag was saluted by all.
The day I retired, I received a U.S. Flag that was flown over the USS Arizona on December 7 2000. 900 men are still intombed on that ship Mr. Roland.
I am a member of the American Legion now. I proudly hold the U.S Flag while there is a 21 gun salute when a veteran is buried. The surviving members of the veterans family is presented with the flag covering his coffin. It is the last thing they receive. I expect my family members to get my last flag someday.
So, yes, honoring the American Flag is the very least I can expect from our next Commander In Chief.
And yes, I care about this silly stuff. Hundreds of thousands of men have died for this flag, and honoring it is important to me.
Patriotism, silly stuff of
May 21, 2008 - 11:07 ET by Clear thinkerPatriotism, silly stuff of course.
Thank you for your service for the best damn country on Earth!
"Abstain from McCain"
I guess I didn't realize
May 21, 2008 - 12:21 ET by celatorI guess I didn't realize Hillary was that short, as shown in the photo. What is she, 3' , maybe 3'4"? That surprised me.
Quick Question
May 21, 2008 - 12:34 ET by PTWYou say that "He made the flag pin the issue."
Did he make Reverend Wright the issue? No. The "liberal" media did by following talking points hook line and sinker...don't tell me the snowball didn't get bigger by right wing bloviators.
Give me a break. Before you go off on how evil Wright is and Obama should have known better...did all those parishoners know the activities of those pedofile priests? Should we all disassociate from our churches in retaliation?
If you think Obama wanted to talk about a flag pin and Wright ad naseum you're sadly mistaken. He wants to win the election after all.
What happened with the
May 21, 2008 - 14:23 ET by Ruths husband BenWhat happened with the pedofile priests was a major sin and the Vatican has repeatedly apologized for it. There is a big difference between something that occured at a church in secret and something that is preached from the pulpit. If any of the parishoners knew about the priest's activity, they were culpable also. If any one knew about what Wright was preaching and did nothing about it (i.e., left the church, protested his message, ANYTHING!) they are culpable too. Ergo, Wright was evil and Obama should have known better.
Satisfied?
»→ Wright issue again?
May 21, 2008 - 14:33 ET by Cool ArrowObama donated $27,500 to an admittedly racist organization last year.
His money speaks pretty loudly. Of course Obama's ties to Wright are a legitimate issue.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Picture is worth...
May 21, 2008 - 13:31 ET by LionKingFrom the picture, everyone is saying the Pledge of Allegiance with hand-over-heart, except Obama. He is staring off into space, obviously disinterested.
He questions are OUR right to question his patriotism when he is so blatant about NOT being patriotic. Why would anyone want this guy to be POTUS when he hates OUR GREAT country.
LionKing...Contrary to what
May 21, 2008 - 14:02 ET by JerLionKing...Contrary to what many apparently believe, this was not during the Pledge of Allegiance, but, rather, the National Anthem...which Obama was singing.
Jer
Really???
May 21, 2008 - 15:56 ET by LionKingI am sorry. I guess you are right and I am wrong. What you said PROVES that he is patriotic. </sarc
Doesn't necessarily prove
May 21, 2008 - 16:39 ET by JerDoesn't necessarily prove anything. But, if Obama's patriotism is to be questioned, you might as well get your facts straight.
Jer
Mr. Trippany: Please correct
May 21, 2008 - 13:58 ET by JerMr. Trippany: Please correct the misinformation in your blog. The photo depicting Obama and the other candidates was taken during the playing of the National Anthem...not during a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Thanks.
Jer
And the differance would
May 21, 2008 - 14:04 ET by bassndudeAnd the differance would be....? Oh I get it...you dont put you hand over your heart to say the pledge either.
Either/Or. It is the little things that make up the big things. With out the little things, there is no big things.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
No, you don't "get it",
May 21, 2008 - 14:17 ET by JerNo, you don't "get it", bass. As a matter of fact, I have consistently placed my hand over my heart when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. However, I confess to not always doing likewise during the playing of the National Anthem, e.g. at the beginning of sporting events. By the number I see behaving similarly, I am certainly not alone in that regard. And, where I live, I would bet the overwhelming majority of those are conservatives.
Jer
Jer you dont get it pal and
May 21, 2008 - 16:53 ET by Dan The Man 2Jer you dont get it pal and likely you never will, there are certain conventions and traditions a President must understand. One of them is honoring the country and the men and women who made it great. One honors the symbols that represent this country like the flag, the pledge and the anthem. They are all important and deserve to be honored.
It is a piece of the puzzle that is Obama, one taht says "I don't give a flying #### about the USA", the irreverence and attitude and the gaffes he makes show this. It is not one peice but the 1000s of pices that make teh puzzle.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Dan... I understand the
May 21, 2008 - 17:37 ET by JerDan...
I understand the implications pretty well, I think...as well as traditions, Presidential obligations, imagery, etc.
My point is this: Just from my personal, every-day experience and observations, the Pledge of Allegiance is a ritual that one would be more expected to adhere to strict protocol regarding the placement of the hand over the heart.
I have seen the video which includes the still shot of Obama referenced in the blog. He is standing reverentially and singing the words to the National Anthem. If he had been down the line--behind Richards--instead of in front, he would in all probability have followed suit and raised his hand.
Jer
Face it Jer. If he wants to
May 21, 2008 - 17:03 ET by bassndudeFace it Jer. If he wants to be the "leader" of this nation, he should at least have the respect to follow the traditions of this nation. If he sees himself above them, or is embarassed by them, he has no business in goverment...anywhere in goverment!
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
become a leader
May 21, 2008 - 17:07 ET by Jerry MackJer may I suggest that you take these opportunities to become a leader by placing your hand over your heart at the sporting events. What other people do or not do should not affect what you believe in.
Good point, Jerry.
May 21, 2008 - 17:38 ET by JerGood point, Jerry.
Jer