Swamp, can you please post the youtube video of him explaining why "I don't wear that (flag lapel pin)" and put it up on this post next to his new comments. Then the reader can decide for him/herself if he's being disingenuous. It's widely available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTVDfqY1Oo

Here's another meaningless issue (flag pin) that has nothing whatsoever to do with electing a President...and come to think out it, I have yet to see Clinton or McCain wear their made in China flag pins during this entire race.

I didn't think this was much of an issue when it first broke that he didn't wear a flag pin. Maybe he forgot. Who knows. But then he comes out with loopy explanations about why he doesn't wear one, confirming that he is doing it intentionally. That was a mistake, and now he is just being stubborn about it. Afraid to reverse himself, he digs in his heels on the wrong side of an argument for why one should wear a flag pin. Even if it only rubs a small percentage of the population the wrong way, that is too many in what will likely be a close race between him and McCain in November.

It's great to get back to the issues that really concern Americans. Are the republicans "out of touch" ? this would seem like proof to me.

Oh he is good with words..I just watched a video with Obama standing there during the pledge of alligence. He was the only person in it that did not have his hand over his heart. Sad how anyone could fall for his rhetoric that he is patriotic..With today's statements from Rev. Wright Obama needs to pull out and let HRC win the Democratic nomination as he is done. No way he can ever beat McCain..We need to unite as Democrats and forget who we like but put on the emphasis on who can put a Democrat back in the White House...The Republican rule has killed us economically with no end in sight. BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME...NOW!!!..

Wright said: "I served six years in the military. Does that make me patriotic? How many years did (Vice President Dick) Cheney serve?"

BINGO

What more does Rev. Wright need to say? On April 7, 1775 the famous American Patriot, Samuel Johnson, said that the cries of patriotism are the last refuges of the scoundrel.

why "I don't wear that (flag lapel pin)" and put it up on this post next to his new comments. Then the reader can decide for him/herself if he's being disingenuous.
Posted by: Jeff | April 28 2008 4:41 PM

Nice try Jeff,

Why should anyone be required to wear a "made in China" flag-pin to prove their patriotism?

The Rethugs are trying to bring fascism to America. It started with BushCo and McCain want's to continue it.

Here's a video that everyone should watch, it's the story of what Bush and McCain have planned for America in the future:

http://www.bushflash.com/14.html

All this flap over Rev.Wright, terrorist friends and flag lapel pins has Obama off his message of uh...uh...oh yea, change....and that's all we'll have left in our pockets if he gets in.

Paulo

John, that's because neither Clinton or McCain tried to tell voters that they were so patriotic that they didn't need to wear them early in the race. You do realize that's what got Obama in trouble with flag-lovers in the first place, don't you? None of this would've been an issue if it weren't for his on-again, off-again relationship with the flag pin.

If we get distracted about something that does not matter, Wake Up what about the issues that concern us as a people of this United States, are we concerned about our children, Obama is the one who can truly bring about change,tell me can we examine Hillary's Pastor, who went to Jail for child molestation, and McCain Ron Parsley, Haggee, the family, as well as Hillary. Let tell the truth, Fox CNN, ABC please tell the truth, Wake up everybody dont get caught up in the drama. Gas economy, job, homes, social security,medicare, health insurance THE WAR come on people.
Obama08

put a Democrat back in the White House...The Republican rule has killed us economically with no end in sight. BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME...NOW!!!..

Posted by: kaye m. | April 28, 2008 4:58 PM

If you think you're going to put Billary in the White House by continually smearing a fellow Dem (Obama) then you are sadly mistaken....and by the way, I've yet to see Billary wearing her made in China flag-pin.

Posted by: kaye m. | April 28, 2008 4:58 PM

kaye m-

You are not a patriot. You are a partisan. There is a big difference.

race. You do realize that's what got Obama in trouble with flag-lovers in the first place, don't you? None of this would've been an issue if it weren't for his on-again, off-again relationship with the flag pin.

Posted by: Jefff | April 28, 2008 5:07 PM

This is flag pin stuff is BS and you know it Jeff, I've already answered you twice but my posts don't go thru just like what you're complaining about earlier.

I think it's real important for us to make sure the truth is being stated, regardless of whom we support. I am referring to Kaye M's posting above in which she claims to have seen Obama standing reciting the Pledge of Allegiance without his hand over his heart. Actually, if she does a bit of research, she will find that this picture/video was shot while the national anthem was being played. Some people formally salute, some cross their hearts, and some simply stand. Go to a ball park and you will see a variety of positions during the playing of the anthem. But the point I really want to make is that sometimes these mistruths that keep getting repeated may result in us electing someone like George W. Bush to the White House. That would be a huge shame, especially if a simple mistruth like this caused it.

flag pin=non issue

home foreclosures, job loss, healthcare, war, gas prices=real issues.

Stop being distracted.

kaye m. - It was NOT the pledge of allegiance. It was during the National Anthem SONG. The custom for the SONG is to stand and take off your hat! Next time you go to a ball game watch the thousands of people that stand and DO NOT put their hand on their heart - are you going to call half of America unpatriotic?

It was the National Anthem and NOT the pledge. Please everyone get your fact right before spreading rumors.

It's nice to see that my comments are being blocked again, this is getting ridiculous.

Since none of the Founding Fathers ever wore an American-flag lapel pin, should we start the country all over again so the Republicans can change the rules?

http://www.bushflash.com/14.html

For god's sake, wearing a flag pin doesn't make you any more a patriot than wearing a crown makes you royalty. You people are nitpicking a NON-issue. I know people who don't always wear their freaking WEDDING RINGS. Does that mean they don't love their spouses? A flag pin is not a barometer of patriotism, and that's precisely why Obama said "he wouldn't wear one" and in context, its obvious he means "in order to prove I'm a patriot." This is the saddest, sickest argument for choosing a president I've ever seen. Of course the man loves his country. Who are any of YOU to judge him about that? If you all love your country so much more, why are you not all in the military, fighting for our freedom? Is that any less a symbol of patriotism? If so, we have an awful lot of unpatriotic people in America, and in these blog comments.

I only wish McBush had some sort of stand on an issue so the republicans wouldn't feel the need to make themselves look like idiots trying to invent something...anything but silly stuff like this. Most Americans laugh at this type of garbage.

Somewhere deep in the fires of hell, Joe McCarthy is laughing. He just wishes he'd have thought of the flag pin as the litmus test of patriotism.

All of this flag pin nonsense is getting so old. When did it become a deciding factor in elections? Reagan rarely wore a pin...Martin Luther King Jr. didn't feel the need to wear one..the last few times I've seen pictures of Bill or Hillary..they weren't wearing one. I guess with everything that has happened here over the past 8 years for so much focus to be placed on a pin and a preacher is just baffling to me.

Yeah, Bill Hussein, chopping up footage of "McBush's" townhall meeting and lying about a decorated POW is such a noble calling. You and Howard Dean should be so proud of yourselves.

Debra, like I told John E the flag pin is only an issue because Obama made it one. He has no one to blame but himself for saying how he doesn't need one ... only to turn around and put one on when he was behind in the polls in Indiana.

He put the pin on for the same reason he wears the bracelet...mothers of soldiers gave them to him. He wasn't being hypocritical..he was being respectful. Like I said...NON-issue.

Debra, like I told John E the flag pin is only an issue because Obama made it one. He has no one to blame but himself for saying how he doesn't need one ... only to turn around and put one on when he was behind in the polls in Indiana.

Posted by: Jeff | April 28, 2008 6:19 PM

...and like I've told you Jeffy, the flag-pin is only an issue because the Wingnuts like you can't win an election unless you bring up stupid stuff like flag-pins and flag burning etc..

No one cares about that crap this time around, it won't work Jeffy

Yes Jeff we, get it. McCain is a superior form of being who must never ever be criticized in any way because he is a "decorated POW". We should all prostrate ourselves in his sacred presence, and follow his divine will always.

Frankly, I prefer to have a leader of conscience rather than bogus patriotism. Putting emphasis on a flag pin as a symbol of patriotism feeds into the mentality of Bush and Cheney who never served their country and who have sacrificed the lives of our young so that they could parade around wearing their bogus patriotism on their lapel. While Cheney is shooting at game and wearing his flag pin, true patriotism is being brought home in body bags and no flag pin is attached, just the real deal - the draped American flag.

It's just another example of how th junior senator just doesn't get it.
YOu're running for office.
YOu put yer danged hand over your heart.
He's just all about the 'style'--he's a jerk!

Yeah, Bill Hussein, chopping up footage of "McBush's" townhall meeting and lying about a decorated POW is such a noble calling. You and Howard Dean should be so proud of yourselves
Posted by: Jeff | April 28, 2008 6:19 PM

Maybe I would be proud if I only knew what the hell you were talking about. This had to deal with that all important issue that you like to talk about...the most important issue the American people want to hear about...Flag Pins. Tell me again why we should start to check everyones lapels? Please explain your obsession on jewelry? Is there a patriotic underwear we should start looking for also? Do you have a subsciption to GQ patriotic wear?

At this point I think people are stuck-on-stupid (flag pins, wisky shots, bowling, guilt by association) because they WANT TO BE. They don't WANT to talk about the real issues because that would require real thought and discourse. A lot of these blog trolls really don't have any way to communicate except thru insults, criticisim and foul discourse. Ask when was the last time they did something for someone other than themselves and they draw a blank. I am a Barack Obama supporter,,,but I would NEVER question Senator Clinton's or anyone else's patriotism....
How the hell would I (or YOU) know what has happen in their life? Grow up people and try to act like ADULTS.

No wonder we get idiot presidents like GW Bush! We have idiots voting on idiotic issues. Flag pins, who lives in your neighborhood and invites you to dinner. Just excuses not to vote for the Black Man. Nobody fusses at Hillary with no pin, Weathermen pardoned by Bill, etc etc.

I just want you all to know that I'm wearing two flag pins on my lapel today, so that means I'm twice as patriotic as each and every one of you reading this blog today. Those pins prove it. I also have a picture of my mother on my other lapel because I need to constantly prove to people that I love her. Sheesh...this whole flag issue is an absolute joke. I just saw McCain on TV...guess what? No lapel pin! McCain is unpatriotic! No, no really, he wasn't wearing a lapel pin....We are doomed as a country is this is the standard of political discourse or if this is a real issue for people.

I wonder if the American flag pin is made here or in China. Wouldn't it make the pin issue more of a non-issue?

Debra H, that veteran story has been shown to be a campaign-created lie. Got a name of this supposed veteran that gave it to him? If you haven't, you've got nothing. Plus, he made it an issue, himself, when he said he's worn it before and would again in the future during the Pa. debate. That's 100% the opposite of what he'd previously said. The story just keeps changing and goes back to credibility.

You guys can't say it's nonsense today and then say how heroic it is when veterans who nobody knows and have no names give it to him during photo ops.

You are right that this is a distraction, though. Hillary got the endorsement of North Carolina's governor, today, a huge blow to the Obama campaign: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/Easley_for_Clinton.html

As long as Obama keeps changing his story on the flag pin it'll keep in the news. If he can't stick to his story on stuff like this how do you expect him to be consistent on more important issues like how he doesn't understand the capital gains tax or whenever he finds out he "accidentally" accepted more Rezko money?

The smirking Chimp-in-Chief never goes anywhere without his flag pin. What has he brought us?

Peace and prosperity?
Unity and purpose?
Health and well-being?
worldwide respect and admiration?

Didn't think so. But I've got my guns and my religion, damn it!.

This is THE DUMBEST issue to arise out of this nomination debacle.

Do we criticize other candidates' jewelry, or lack therof?

WAKE UP! We are at war and in recession. This is not a tennis match, this is our future. The world is watching, and this is a campaign issue?

Very sad.

As long as Obama keeps changing his story on the flag pin it'll keep in the news. If he can't stick to his story on stuff like this how do you expect him to be consistent on more important issues like how he doesn't understand the capital gains tax or whenever he finds out he "accidentally" accepted more Rezko money?

Posted by: Jeff | April 28, 2008 7:44 PM

Yes Jeffy and everytime you bring it up (flag-pin) it will only remind us of how much of a college Republican chickenhawk you really are.

Make old man McCain proud, sign up for his 100 years of war on Iraq, Jeff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFGit_tZDqs

Jeff-

The Vet's name is Philip Fiumara, Jr. He served in Vietnam.

Are you questioning the honor of a american vet?

http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/04-16-Obama-rama

You just can't stop lying, can you? John McCain would be ashamed.

With or without an American flag, self serving people are dangerous when given power.
Bush was self serving and destroyed our enconomy in 6 years. He thought more about himself than the country as whole. I think Obama is in love with his own reflection. He hasnt even finished one term in the Senate or accomplished anything at the federal level and already feels he is more capable of being President than Dodd, Richardson or Clinton. Talk about Bush like ego. Yikes!

To Jeff: I've seen video of him leading the Pledge in the Senate, and he most definitely had his hand over his heart. Give it a rest.

I think instead of flag pins there should be flag arm bands and a new constitutional 'patriot' amendment that requires every American to wear one. Sound familiar? That's where we're headed, folks.

Jeff, thanks for the YouTube link in which the Senator talks about the flag pin. I'm relieved to know that he is patriotic and does not reduce patriotism to the flag pin. Thank you again. Seeing is believing.

After watching the Rev. Wright on the news with the National Press Club in Washington. I would say that where he does or doesn't wear a flag pin is the least of Obama's worries. I keeping hearing that if he is elected he will be the first African American or Black Man to be our president. I thought he was biracial. His mother being white his father being black. Now, I like going to church because it is peaceful and I like my guns because I grew up on a ranch. Now when do we get to the real issues. Yet I do understand the public really doesn't know much about this man.That's why Hillary is getting to look a lot better everyday. Must say even McCain is looking good.

It's called a set up job, Michael and it's the 100% opposite of what Karen and the video I posted like about the video where Obama says his patriotism is such that he doesn't need to wear one. You Obamabots simply cannot have it both ways. He either meant it when he said he didn't need to wear it or he meant it when he staged this show pinning in Washington county, Pa., because he was way behind Clinton in the polls. Thank you for making the point that it goes directly to his credibility. I know you Obamabots won't get it but this isn't the first time he's changed his story to fit whichever way the political winds blow.

November 4, 2004: Calling it as "a silly question," Sen.-elect Barack Obama (D-IL) pledged "he would resist any overtures to run for president or vice president before the end of his six-year term as a U.S. senator," the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Said Obama: "I was elected yesterday. I have never set foot in the U.S. Senate. I've never worked in Washington. And the notion that somehow I'm immediately going to start running for higher office just doesn't make sense."

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2004/11/04/obama_will_not_run_in_2008.html

How do you square that with what he's doing today? He was right in 2004.