Senator Obama just can’t get patriotism right. He never will get it right until he learns what it is. He already knows what it isn’t, which he explained when asked why he had quit wearing his lapel flag. The proper explanation would have been something like this: "Why don’t your write down the rules for the proper display of patriotism and hand it up at the end of class. I’ll memorize it and try to adhere to the rules in the future." Instead, we got the usual drivel coming from a liberal whose patriotism has arguably been challenged - he challenged the patriotism of people who do wear a lapel flag. He said that wearing a lapel flag had, since 9-11, become a substitute for real patriotism. Now I am afraid to wear my own lapel flag, which is attached to a blue suit I wear about once a week. I think we can all agree that, contrary to our Senator’s remark about us, wearing a pin could never be a substitute for patriotism. There is nothing wrong and plenty right about wearing one, and there is nothing wrong with not wearing one.
This is one of the results of political correctness, which consists mostly of a series of code words and phrases which, while devoid of serious thought, serve as useful identifiers for the faithful. Sort of like sticking your foot under the stall divider. It is also telling that our Senator is so insecure in his own patriotism that when challenged by an obvious idiot, he resorts to attacking other people's patriotism.
Now Obama, whose tin ear for public discourse is becoming something of an embarassment, has been caught not holding his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem. I haven’t heard his explanation, but my guess is that he will not attack the patriotism of people who do hold their hands over their heart; if not because he is getting smarter, at least because all of his Democratic rivals had their hands over their hearts at the same event while senator Obama stood with his hands at his sides.
I know exactly why he didn’t hold his hand over his heart. He was understandably tired, unfocused from the rigors of the campaign, and he blanked out. I do that myself, as some of you may be able to tell. Is that the explanation he will give? Since it contains no platitudes, I doubt it. I suggest you watch this recording of the event. OK, now that you are familiar with the particular and peculiar circumstances, I am offering this explanation to the Obama campaign gratis. "I, Senator Barack Obama, winner of several elections and author of not one but two memoirs, was waiting for the national anthem to begin. As I patiently stood, I heard some kind of caterwauling in the background and I began to worry that the unpleasant sound would interfere with our patriotic moment. After several seconds of this, I discerned that the sound I was hearing was some kind of song, and I began to be concerned that I had missed the start of the anthem. I noted however, that where the anthem might have had five notes and perhaps four syllables in a familiar pattern, this song had ten or more notes and syllables in an unfamiliar pattern. By the time I had come to the realization that someone was horribly desecrating our national song, it was too late, and she got off the stage before I could get my hands around her throat."
And another piece of advice for the Senator. You may lack a common touch, but at least you could have a common name. John was Jack, Ronald was Ron, James was Jimmy, William was Bill. How about Barry?
And remember your base in Chicago. Add an apostrophe, Senator Barry O’Bama, and maybe you can be vice-president.
John
I learned three things:
John doesn't know what patriotism is. Of course wearing a pin can be either good or bad. Patriotic or unpatriotic. But that's fine. I don't have a problem--patriotism is tough to define, and we are all journeying on that. However, attacking another American who is feeling out the issue is unfortunate.
John has little patience for people who don't answer questions in the exact defined way that he would.
John doesn't know anything about Chicago and is not a very funny man.
Now I am afraid to wear my own lapel flag, which is attached to a blue suit I wear about once a week.
you are easily frightened
"I think we can all agree that, contrary to our Senator’s remark about us, wearing a pin could never be a substitute for patriotism."
While this statement is technically correct, it doesn't address the fact that plenty of pseudo-patriots appropriate symbols as a shortcut in claiming the upper hand with respect to patriotism. A lapel pin is just one example.
I have learned three things.
Xian thinks he right about everything.
He's not.
Not even if he says he is or his friends on this Blog agree.
At least Xian doesn't consider himself a comic genius
The controversy regarding Obama's lapel embarrasment revolves around the fact that he made a conscious decision to wear the pin. He has since made a conscious decision to not wear the pin. His judgment concerning the decision to not wear the pin rests because of what he claims to have observed about others. The controversy surrounding his decision centered on him and not what others were or were not doing that allegedly influenced that decision. His subsequent rationale for not wearing the pin leaves a lot to be desired. Wearing and then not wearing an item such as that is a reflection of that person and not some unidentified random individuals. It is becoming clear that Obama is not fit to occupy the White House.
At least Xian doesn't consider himself a comic genius
No, I'm a c-mic genius. Is that C-mic Boo-s shop still across from Jupiter?
Xian thinks he right about everything.
He's not.
Not even if he says he is or his friends on this Blog agree.
That's only two things. Try hard and I'm sure you can learn as much as me :P
Also, I'm right.
Attacking someone's patriotism based on the kind of jewelry they do or do not wear. Seriously?
If someone decides one day to take one of those silly yellow ribbon magnets off the back of their car, does that mean they want the terrorists to win and that they hate America?
I guess it's so much easier to worry about the trappings than the substance.
Let's see ... in order to be fit to occupy the White House, one must wear a flag lapel pin.
In order to be a true patriot, one must wear a flag lapel pin.
One must never think about WHY they are wearing the lapel pin or they cannot be a true patriot?
That about right?
also, if you ever change your mind, you're not fit for the White House
Don't forget Anon at 1:04, in order to be fit for the President, you can't have a funny-sounding name. He should change his name? Wow, just when you thought his comments couldn't get any more ignorant, he throws that little nugget in there.
"However, attacking another American who is feeling out the issue is unfortunate. John has little patience for people who don't answer questions in the exact defined way that he would."
- John was commenting on Obama who said that those who do wear the flag pin are substituting it for real patriotism, inferring that they are not patriotic or are not expressing their patriotism appropriately. A lot of folks would take offense to such an accusation, xian. Apparently, that's difficult for you to understand.
"John doesn't know anything about Chicago..."
- An Irish name is a well known advantage in Cook County elections. Now, who doesn't know Chicago?
it sounds like Osama! that's so funny! Those stupid Africans can't even find a good name!
Obama was the first to imply that those wearing the flag pins were using them as substitutes for true patriotism. Not a single person I know ever questioned him on this until he questioned others. Of course, no one thinks that wearing a pin is proof of patriotism or the opposite. I don't believe I've heard that claim made.
But nice to see all the folks scurrying to support Obama on this one. Kinda like the scurrying to support MoveOn's questioning of the patriotism of Petraeus.
Two rules. One, nNever ever question the patriotism of a liberal. Two, suffer silently when they question yours.
And yes, John, this post was funny. Thanks.
In my opinion Senator Obama was more implying that members of our government wear a flag pin as they have at the same time shred the backbone of our constitution or approved the shredding. Habes Corpus, wire tapping, torture; he wasn't insulting everyone who wears a pin rather those who wear the pin and act in the opposite way.
silent suffering in short supply here
Among Republican presidents we have had Ulysses, Rutherford, Warren, and Dwight. All nice names, and I am sure their mothers loved the names, but odd names none the less.
John, you need to change your name. It means toilet, or prostitute customer.
I have never peed in a Jimmy or a Bill, but I have peed in a John.
Anonymous 3:50PM,
Your kink is not our business. Save is for Kos. Thanks.
I have never peed in a Jimmy or a Bill, but I have peed in a John.
Gee, once the eighth graders get home from school and log on to IP, the level of discourse really drops here.
In my opinion Senator Obama was more implying that members of our government wear a flag pin as they have at the same time shred the backbone of our constitution or approved the shredding. Habes Corpus, wire tapping, torture;
I think I understand now. He wasn't questioning MY patriotism. He was criticizing George Bush's patriotism.
That's a defense? Let's face it. Unless Obama has in mind someone who was wearing a flag pin yet who told him directly that he was a traitor who hated America and wished for the worst for this country, Obama is questioning someone's patriotism. And we've been hearing ad nauseam from liberals how awful that is.
Quite frankly, I would be happy if no one questioned anyone else's patriotism at all, without good reason. One's choice of tie tack doesn't strike me as a particularly good reason. Then we could have a political debate about issues, and not let it get personal.
I'd also like a pony, but I don't think that's going to happen either.
Dear Anonymous,
I wasn't suggesting that Obama change his first name, I was suggesting he take a nickname. Dwight was Ike, Rutherford B. Hayes didn't need a nickname because of his much more common middle name "Birchard." Warren G. Harding was actually Hardings nickname. His full name, and to quote a great American " I am not making this up"was "Warren Gamaliel Bancroft Winnipeg Harding."
As to your allegations that "John" has some derogatory meanings, that is news to me. On the other hand, someone named "anonymous" is in serious need of a better nickname.
John
Narc, would that be an American pony?
- An Irish name is a well known advantage in Cook County elections. Now, who doesn't know Chicago
Yes, it is. But that's not what he said is it? Stereotyping Irish names is neither funny nor effective in Chicago.
Don't believe me? Try changing your name to a series of random clicks and running for office in Africa.
- John was commenting on Obama who said that those who do wear the flag pin are substituting it for real patriotism, inferring that they are not patriotic or are not expressing their patriotism appropriately. A lot of folks would take offense to such an accusation, xian. Apparently, that's difficult for you to understand
Wow, that's pretty nasty--I hope you aren't having a bad day. Let's get this straight. American flag pins do not demonstrate ANYTHING about patriotism. They might overseas or in an Anti-American part of the world, but here it doesn't demonstrate anything more than group mentality. That's not a dis--it communicates something neither positive nor negative. Wonderful, incredible patriotic Americans have used symbols to support the most noble of ideas, and others have used those same symbols to push hatred, unequal opportunity and murder.
I'm interested in the ideas in the mind of the one wielding the flag.
An Irish name is a well known advantage in Cook County elections. Now, who doesn't know Chicago?
I read the story and find it ironic that "Milorod" Rod Blagovich does not put the" formerly known as under His own name."
What a dumb post.
here it doesn't demonstrate anything more than group mentality.
The flag pins don't demonstrate anything except what Xian thinks. It's amazing Xian how you rail against stereotypes but than exercise them yourself.
"Wow, that's pretty nasty"
- Pointing out your inability to understand how someone would be offended is nasty? You're pretty thin skinned for someone who just claimed that someone else does not know what patriotism is and then claimed that person was ignorant.
"Let's get this straight. American flag pins do not demonstrate ANYTHING about patriotism."
- No kidding. That's just what John wrote in his post.
What a dumb post.--which one? That could be another T-Shirt
I'm not thin skinned, I just call people out when they are inappropriate. I mean, I talk the same way on this blog as I do in person, as some of the posters on this site can confirm. I certainly would be surprised if you would say some of the things you direct toward me, however.
Heaven forbid those of us with foreign names actually stand up and be individuals respecting the names our parents decided to give us. No, we should try to fit in and go with the peer pressure and make up a nickname so that people don't feel uncomfortable. What? That's not the America I remember.
As for the flag pin as a substitute for real patriotism - sure, that, and the similar laughing about those silly magnetic ribbons has been going around the internet now for years, far before this election cycle really got going. You can actually buy yellow ribbons that say "Support the magnetic ribbon industry." Personally, I find them hilarious and spot on.
Lest anyone think I only hate on American patriotic correctness, I assure you I snark just as much about the idiots trying to force people to sing the national anthem at graduations in Tokyo city. But either way, I don't care what kind of jewellery the candidates care to wear, or how their cleavage is - I want to know what they stand for, and concretely want sort of laws they want to impose.
The name? Who cares? In the US the names are printed there on the ballot you don't even need to spell them!
Bramfeld is a tongue in cheek provocateur.
His opinion is equal to everyone else's.
No more, no less.
"Heaven forbid those of us with foreign names actually stand up and be individuals respecting the names our parents decided to give us. No, we should try to fit in and go with the peer pressure and make up a nickname so that people don't feel uncomfortable. What? That's not the America I remember."
Indeed. You'd think we'd be past the days of having to hide our roots to be accepted in the "melting pot" of America. I come from a German family that went through hell during WWI and WWII due to the anti-German attitude. I can only imagine the greater hell the Italian and especially the Japanese familes went through (let alone those confused for them) at that time. They didn't just sound different, they looked different too. I think the stories I grew up with more than anything help me to empathize with Latin American immigrants, Middle-Eastern immigrants, and Muslims these days. Overall the U.S. is an extremely heterogeneous culture... but the racial/ethnic/nationalist puritans who persist in existing are really frightening. Even more frightening is the silent/lukewarm opposition to it. It's not like the fanatics will stop at the people they despise... they'll also go after the people they believe are in cahoots with them:
[13:37] <snax> you are a piece of s**t muslims apologist
[13:37] <snax> f**king liberal piece of shit
[13:38] <snax> i hope YOU or someone YOU know is destroyed due to ISLAMOFACISM
[13:38] <snax> then you're liberal tounge my change
[13:39] <snax> People like you is why we're losing the war..
[13:39] <snax> I seriously hope you and your type (Muslim/Muslim apologists) DIAF
[13:39] <snax> I'm enlisting to kill pieces of s**t like you
I'm sure he believes he's a "true patriot" to boot. Me personally, I think he is doomed to repeat history, if allowed by good men who do nothing.
--
Glock21 Op/Ed
"I'm not thin skinned, I just call people out when they are inappropriate."
- Yet based on your previous comments on IP, anyone that calls you out for the same is "attacking". How convenient.
"I certainly would be surprised if you would say some of the things you direct toward me, however."
- I would have no trouble telling you that you have a problem understanding why others are offended when their patriotism is questioned. Whether you would have trouble being told? Well, only you can answer that.