I don't care if you're white or black or pink polka dotted blue striped--if you don't put your hand over your heart during the national anthem, silly as it may SEEM--people are gonna get a load of steam up about it.
Is it right?
Probably not.
Silly?
Probably?
Reality?
Yeah.
Race-based?
C'mon

Obama will never be President..Rev. Wright will always be his legacy..

There's not a race issue.
There's a --do we want someone from Illinois politics issue:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass
_bd04may04,0,4921158.column

The recent "controversies" surrounding Senator Obama needed to be faced by Senator Obama and no one else. And he rose to the task with dignity. He did not have a bunch of surrogates, sleazy attackers like Bill Clinton, Carville, Davis, etc, to do his dirty work. Yes, okay, so he may have stayed with Rev. Wright for the "Black Chic" it represented, not to mention a political base in south Chicago. Rev. Wright does not represent Senator Obama, but he does represent a certain segment of the African-American community. It's not pretty and it is a bit loony, but there it is - the "other America" John Edwards talks about. I don't for a minute think Senator Obama subscribes to it. Let's make up our minds - first he was "not Black enough", now he's "too Black and radical?"

But more importantly, does it not trouble you that NO ONE is mentioning the Clinton's shady associates? Bill Clinton: impeached and disbarred. Sandy Berger: still working for the Clintons after stealing and destroying classified documents related to 9/11 and having his security clearances revoked (but only for 3 years?) The list goes on and on of Clinton associates indicted, convicted, or gone to jail. It is a criminal elite. Senator Obama will not bring this up, and he will not let his surrogates bring it up- but journalists should do their job - instead of doing Hillary and John McCain's job for them by ENDLESSLY bringing up Rev. Wright.

Does it not trouble you that this McCarthyism of not being patriotic enough was used against Dukakis, Kerry (most shamefully), and now Obama? Journalists, instead of doing their job and reporting the truth, just regurgitate the slanders. Edward R. Murrow would be ashamed. It seems the Clintons advantage is they have caught on that anything that works is fine. That, indeed, was the whole point to Joe Klein's "Primary Colors" based on the first Clinton campaign. Put a few dollars back in the pockets of Americans with a gas tax holiday and they will vote for you…even if it is bad for the country's economy. Why has telling the truth and trying to do what is good for the country "elitist?"

Sure the super delegates are afraid of the Clintons. They know them best - and they don't want corrupt liars back in the White House. Have we all forgotten Bill in the Oval Office with his pants around his knees? (And I voted for him twice, but now he disgusts me.) There is a collective amnesia taking place, I believe, because the press is not doing its job.

As the media controls the selective reporting of poll results, so also does it control the stories it chooses to publish, and republish, and republish. So much of the bias and opinion of Americans at large has been formed by what they have read or seen through the media. We can chose, ad nauseam, to focus on the few radical views, like Rev. Wright, or the MAJORITY of persons who are inspired by Obama. The media is never happy unless it creates polarity, and gives equal, if not more, media attention to the FEW instead of the MANY

Define "patriotism".
No one can. It's a perception that is as varied as those who make up the US.

Why do voters get so easily sidetracked by perceived issues which have absolutely no bearing on this nation or where it is headed?

Mr Obama is not as patriotic as his words would have us believe. Why does he disrespect the National Anthem? Is it so difficult to put his hand on his heart, symbolically? Is it so hard to pin an american flag to his lapel? Would it have been so hard to tell his mentor the Rev, Wright that he did not agree with his sermons and say so without any larding of 'reunification'. It is not the patriotism of black americans that is being wondered at, it is the dept of patriotism of Mr. Obama that is at issue. Mr. Barack Obama is not the man to lead the USA as President.

Well said, Pat. It seems more and more evident that the press is taking it way too easy on Clinton. In a place where there are so many scandals, we need to ask "Why aren't they covering these stories?". Who is paying them off? Where is the journalistic integrity? Why do so many article's headlines have the name "Obama" and "Wright" in them, as some kind of subliminal ploy to have the American public associate the two as one and the same? Why do they dwell on these topics, and then forget about all the controversies surrounding the Clintons? How many people know about the possibly pending felony charges on Hillary? I didn't until I read it from one of these comment columns and researched it heavily and decided that people should be aware of this, along with the long string of other controversies embedded into the Clintons. We, as Americans, need to be skeptical of what we read in the news, how we read it, question where it's coming from, and speak up when the media becomes so biased that it cannot be called a free press.

I don't know which parts are race-based and which aren't. I do know this: there are a lot of white people in this country in extreme denial.

Wright, Farrakhan, the Weather Underground, Rezko. These associations should call anyone's patriotism into questions. Attempts to attach a racist motive to doubts about Obama's patriotism are both ridiculous and unfair.

This entire question is a push-poll. The endless articles in the tabloid media about Obama-Wright lowers the level of stupidity as it raises the level of hypocrisy. It also creates the very bias you are looking to write about. What comes first, the question that answers itself or the sour attitudes in our general populace? "Are you now a communist or have you ever been a member of the communist party?"

Yes I definitely question Obama's patriotism. I could never sit in a Church for 20 years listening to speeches on Hate for White people and America. I will never vote for him and I don't know how any American can.

I think it's laughable that we still have this opinion that Obama is solely and unanimously African American and only that. Factually he's been raised by his ancestors who are "white" european americans. The whole notion that we can dismiss his entire hereditary heritage based on a "one drop rule" that was created to be devisive in the first place is unfathomable. We need to wake up people and stop using false realities that society has used in the pass to divide in the first place.

Patriotism is about the idealism of the founding fathers and freedom of those ideals; do we truly love our country in a literal sense? No, it's the dream of being free to do whatever you want without judgement and harm. We love our country because it gives us all the best opportunity to think freely. But history has afflicted many in regards to seeking out the nations idealism, so bitterness is inevitable yet, it is not a parrallel to patriotism. Truth is also apart of patriotism and without it we are praising a nation falsely.

I agree with Pat above.

Obama is much too honorable a man to stoop to the Clinton level of bringing out the real dirt on her and her associates.

The media, however, needs to step up and expose her past to the same light it has so masterfully done with Obama.

Obama has been in a difficult position. He joined a church that has had an enormous congregation on the south side of Chicago and a church that has been doing important work in the community. His pastor, who has been a positive force in his life in a number of ways, comes out with offensive comments about the U.S. It's easy for lots of people to say that he should have disavowed his pastor from the get-go. But anyone who belongs to a church congregation should realize that: 1) a pastor's political comments are only a small part of a pastor's work (my own minister once made a comment that I perceived as equating American Indians' resistance to white settlers with the motives of the 9/11 hijackers, with the argument that the hijackers had in their view a legitimate gripe with the US; I approached her after the service and took issue with her comment, but I didn't tell my family that we should quit our congregation or reject my minister out of hand); 2) if one quits a church, one is not only quitting one's pastor, but also leaving a whole congregation around which one has built one's life.

As for blacks' patriotism, I think whites (of whom I am one) owe African-Americans the benefit of the doubt on this issue. Given the enormous brutality suffered by blacks at the hands of whites in this country (not just slavery, but institutionalized discrimination at least until 1964 and widespread de facto segregation after), seemingly unpatriotic statements by African-Americans need to be put into a larger context and understood not as a willingness to betray or oppose America but a willingness to subject her to harsh criticism, which is entirely consistent with patriotism. Often the greatest patriots are those who hold our country to the highest standards.

Obama's not wearing a flag pin, etc. seems to be in keeping with his personality in that he often eschews symbolism for its own sake.

I think the media and the Clinton's have put too much on race. The only thing the Clinton's are doing is giving RNC the ammo to try to fight Obama, which I don't think will work. Frankly I'm tired of dirty politics, both from the Clinton's and RNC ( which I now concider a team, Clinton and RNC), if Hillary can't get get she will make sure no one does.... Again Frankly, if she get the DNC nominee over
Obama I just won't vote, there would be no one from eighter party to vote for in my view, Clinton and McCain are both clone Bushies... I want change no the same old BS... And I don't trust the Clinton's...

I'll never understand the weird obsession that some people in this country have with "patriotism". What does it mean, exactly? Does it mean that you have to value American life and happiness over the life and happiness of people other nations? Does it mean that you cannot be critical of the past misdeeds of the American government and its people (e.g. slavery, inequality, instances of brutality in American foreign policy over the course of history)?

What exactly is it that you have to love? Is it the American population? The US constitution? The American state (i.e. the federal, state, and local governments as power-wielding entities)? Is it the American flag? The land that is controlled by the US government, with its majestic purple mountains, etc. (Must we love Puerto Rice, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, or is it sufficient just to love the mainland?)

In my opinion, the most important of these is to love the American people, but if this comes at the expense of loving people in other lands, I don't want any part of it. The American flag happens to be really pretty, but whether a person loves it or not is completely unimportant. America--the government, the armed forces, etc.--has been responsible for atrocities as well as acts of great benefit to the world. This is simply a matter of historical fact, and anyone who denies this is dangerously ignorant or disingenuous. Maybe, as Rev. Wright says, America has sinned; maybe it is damned unless it atones. This is purely a religious question, not a political one; in my view, politicians should not address it or be asked to address it.

I happen to like Obama's answer to the question of what constitutes patriotism, which seems to indicate that the most important things to love, to revere, are the core ideals that have become part of the American national identity. Obviously it would be difficult to sum these up in a way that everyone could agree on, but roughly speaking, I think that we're talking about things like liberty, justice, fairness, opportunity, courage against oppression, integrity, diversity, free speech, free thought, etc. The best way to show your patriotism, then, would not be to wear a flag pin, or to avoid criticism of past and present US policy, but rather to practice and affirm these kinds of values. And--again, in my opinion--Barack Obama is doing a pretty good job with that.

For any sensible journalist to question any candidate's patriotism is comparable to saying that the Oil Corporations are doing us a favor gouging us with high prices!! Why did you stop at " a study from the 1990s ", why not go back to that inhumane idea that held sway back in the 1770s, that certain human beings were a fraction of being human!! That is just how stupid this exercise in racial stereotyping is!! I guess you are " stirring " things up, but all you are doing is creating a very unhealthy atmosphere. I hope all candidate's supporters reject this premise and move on to another blog. It is not worth our attention!!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

This was a really stupid article. I can't believe this came up on Google news.

Why is this thing about Obama not putting his hand over his heart keep coming up unless it is race base. If you research you will find out that the picture in question was taken before they started the national anthem. The person who took the picture stated that Obama did in fact put his hand over his heart when it started. On the last debate on ABC the issue was also brought up about Obama not wearing a flag on his coat. If you look John McCain he doesn't wear one either and no one has made that a issue.

You Dems have it bad this year and I was feeling sorry for myself because I only have McCain (a conservative's nightmare). Clinton is a LIAR and Obama - though he tries to act/say differently is every bit as ambitious as Clinton. But worse, he doesn't have ANY leadership experience and I'm amazed that so many will follow him because he gives great speeches. Leading the most powerful country on the planet takes more than rhetoric. Electing him as president of the US would be like appointing a 1st grader to run General Motors. Wake up people.

This is not a black vs. white race issue... the writer of the article keeps pandering to that view..
there are serious doubts about Obama's background, upbringing overseas, and now the Wright controversy is just the icing on the cake that finally cause people to investigate his background further...

if anything, the general public has only been more forgiving b/c of Obama's race!

Does his race raise doubts? Do we doubt that Colin Powell is a patriot? Or Condi Rice (regardless of what you think of the Iraq war and its disastrous conduct, who would dare doubt her patriotism?), He brings up his grandfather and grandmother as if by "association" with their WWII efforts, he is automatically a patriot. (Funny, how "association" works for him when he needs it and is tossed off as "association" when you want to analyze his ties to Rev. Wright.) Is Rev. Wright a patriot? Yes, but not of this country. He is a patriot of a longed for "black nation." And so is his church. His and the church's commitment to a black nation is perfectly understandable, given Black History in this country and in the world. But, it has no place in Presidential politics. It barely has a place in this nation. You cannot openly distance yourself from the nation, politically, culturally, and in terms of class and race, and expect to be President. No doubt, we all express our patriotism differently. I don't put my hand over my heart for the National Anthem, but I do sing out loud, even when I'm home alone and watching the start of a ballgame. But when you're running for President and you're on a raised platform with the other candidates and you just stand there looking like you have no connection at all while the anthem plays, then don't be surprised when people notice that. And please don't mention Dukakis and McCarthyism. That idiot rode around in a tank. I never saw that in my 56 years. Another member of my Democratic party who tried to give us an "image" of patriotism. I was embarassed. John Kerry returrned his medals and spoke out against the war when he returned from the battlefield. He angered a lot of soldiers by doing that and, while I was strongly against the war and demonstrating in the streets, I did think at the time that returning the medals was a bit over the top. Behavior not necessary if you hope to unite people to see a point of view. But he was young then, much younger than Obama. And in those days, when soldiers came home, we who opposed the war generally treated them like c**p. How patriotic was that? Obama's issues are an accumulation of lots of "little things" that point to his attitude and character. Misleading us about Rezko and Wright and then adjusting his stories about his ties to them at various points in the campaign ... it's not straightforward. And to one writer here. You're right; Ed Murrow would be ashamed. He would be ashamed of a press corps that pounded one candidate and gave the other one a free pass, and still does. He would be wondering if there's any real journalism left in our badly wounded free press.

Since no black in his/her right mind would support the racist Republican party, the party of false patriotism and demagoguery, they might as well begin the narrative: African Americans can't be patriotic because it's against their religion.

They already supported a failed, ex-drunk cheerleader who hid out in Alabama chasing skirts while denigrating a medaled war hero, started a war that was clearly based on trumped up WMD charges. That Republicans would now try to impugn the patriotism of millions of Americans because of their skin color is par for the course.

Where's the DAR when you need them. Disgusting!

The question is very simple..
Race is not an issue nor it should be made one.. otherwise.. well.. McCain will become a BIG issue as well since he was BORN in PANAMA not in The United State Of America Territory. He became an Citizen of the United Stated Of America not because of he was "Natural-Born" but rather Thanks to a Law passed by Congress where a section of it applies to McCain since both parents were Citizens of the United States of American. A Patriot is someone that support an "Effort" in this case the ALL AMERICAN WAY and I believe ALL 4 current candidates: McCain,Ron Paul,Obama and Hillary are Patriots. The Question is: Which of them support 100% our constitution? which of them have voted in ways that does not chip our constitution? Look at their votting records, find that person and you will get the REAL PATRIOT! .. I already know... ;-)

They couldn't come up with a more recent study? What about the UofM survey in 2003/2004 where 90% of respondents thought whites and blacks could share their vision of society. If people think he's not patriotic, it's not because he's black. It's because of other things mentioned: not wearing a pin, and the false rumors about not saluting the flag.

BTW, I'm glad we select our national leaders on the basis of accessories.

Let's looks at the facts about Obama. Won't wear a flag pin. Won't put his hand over heart when anthem is playing. 20 years in Wright church and claims he didn't hear those nasty commments. At first defends Wright. Second time shoves him under the bus. States people like me, cling to guns and religion and are bitter. Typical whites don't know much about blacks. Friends with Ayers, an avowed domestic terrorist. His wife is not proud of America, and states country is mean. The most liberal Sen. in the country. No expierence,wants to surrender in Iraq, for high taxes, protectionism, and talk directly to the worlds worst dictators with no strings attached.I believe he is a fraud, deceiving, and believes many of Wright's beliefs. He is not worthy of being president and would be very dangerous if he won the election. It would be a disaster for this country. I am with McCain!!!!!!!

Can we please get at least two things straight? One...Michelle Obama said for the first time in her adult life she was "really" proud "not" because her husband was doing well but because people were ready for change. Go watch the video if you don't believe me.That is a far cry from what has been posted all over the internet.

Two...you don't put your hand over your heart during the national anthem. Watch the opening of the super bowl. The hand over the heart is for the pledge of allegiance.

So...if you want to fault Obama on anything, please at least do it on what's true. That is real patriotism. (PS How many of you posters are wearing a flag on your lapel right now? Or ever?)

This is shameful assassination of character.

Obama is the balm of this nation. America needs to have the conversations its engaged in. I think this article is thoughtful and provacative. As a black CHRISTIAN, my perspective is through the eyes of GOD. America has been wrong and refuses to acknowlege that. And they have even taken a step backwards and are claiming that Blacks are being racist. Because of that, I have a very strong distaste for America. But that is my "inhouse" relationship with America. And I feel ONLY Blacks have the "stripes" and right to criticize America in that way. And just like in a marriage, we would take issue with anyone outside of this relationship! We love America, even though she has treated us like a cheating spouse and dare any other nationality or country to step to the red white and blue.

As an African-Canadian whose roots in Canada go back longer than the founding of Canada as a nation, and whose ancestors have fought in every war--except Afghanistan--for Canada, but who are still seen as more of an 'outsider' than immigrants from Europe, and yes, from non-European places as Asia, I understand the dilemma facing, not only African-Americans, but also America. It is not that African-Americans are any less patriotic than any other group of Americans, it is that America still does not see them as viable people and thus as worthy and capable of being humans in the first place and of being full Americans and thus patriotic in the second place. Thus, as have my people who have served and died in the interests of Canada, so too, will African-Americans, possibly for centuries to come not be accepted as full Americans regardless of what sacrifices they make for America, even sacrifices as great as being the Americans whose percentage of casualties in Viet Nam was greater than those of any other set of Americans, period! So, the issue behind the issue of "African-American patriotism" is not acknowledgement, especially by white America of the "patriotism" of African-Americans, but is acceptance by white America of the "humanity" of African Americans. Today's continuing questioning of African Americans in this and in other areas is the old 19th century Jim Crow renewing itself using a 21st century Blackberry! In short, as in Canada, America is unable to heal itself from centuries of racial injustice, division, and conflict, and will likely continue, and possibly ad infinitum with larger and more dangerous schisms, divisions, and distrust.

According to the rules for the proper rules for the use of the American Flag, it is never to be worn as apparel. These are the regulations for flag decorum set up by our own government. Barack Obama is entirely right in not defacing the flag in that manner.
http://www.ushistory.org/BETSY/flagetiq.html

My father served for over three years in the Pacific Theater during WWII, my brothers in Vietnam, and I've been involved in Public Education for twenty years. We have received two purple hearts, and one medal of valor. In this country, we have been subjected to prejudice, and discrimination. We do not support Bush's War, and none of us wear a flag on our lapel, car, or hang the flag outside our house. Does that mean we are not patriots?

We bled for this country, and this country has fallen prey to the same forces that we fought to remove from power around the world. Our country has lied to us about the dangers of tobacco, toxins in our water, global warming, and other issues. And now they are talking about not nominating a black for office even though he's already won the most votes. Why? ..... because he's not patriot enough? Please, beam me up Scotty.

This is the type of atmosphere that Senator Joseph McCarthy would have loved. I find it so funny that the ones who claim to be such "great" Americans, have no idea what America is all about. One only needs to read the 1st amendment to understand....Protects religious freedom, guarantees free speech, freedom of the press and assembly and the right to petition the government.
What part of this do they not understand?

Kathy, please do your research before posting erroneous comments..........

United States Code, 36 USC Sec. 301 says that during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner (United States National Anthem) when the flag is displayed, everyone except those in uniform should stand at attention while facing the flag and have their right hand over their heart. Individuals in attendance that aren't in uniform should remove anything they are wearing on their head with their right hand and hold it at their left shoulder, with their hand held over their heart. Individuals in uniform should show the military salute during the first note of the anthem and stay in this position until the last note. If the flag is not displayed, people in attendance should face the music and respond as if the flag were present.

"You cannot openly distance yourself from the nation, politically, culturally, and in terms of class and race, and expect to be President."

That assumes there is one standard for politics, culture ,class, and race in this nation. There isn't. Your statement is especially disturbing when it comes to race. You're essentially saying that no minority can hope to be President unless they disavow their racially or ethinic background.

Obama's patriotism needs no defense, but his sitting in Rev. Wright's church for 20 years is another story. Will the Democrats WIN WITH HILLARY or RISK LOSING WITH OBAMA? My guess is they'll choose the second.

lordastral, the lapel flag pin can in fact be worn...........

Flag lapel pins have been in the news, including a recent story tracing the timeline of Barack Obama's wearing of a lapel pin.

The Flag Code is quite specific about where to wear it. Section 8j of the Flag Code [see below] reads:

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

Racism is alive and well in America, but it's incredibly difficult to measure.

Who is going to answer the pollster and say "why yes, Mr. Stranger, I am indeed racist!" Nobody, that's who.

And many people are racist without even being aware of it. They are not overt about it, but if you're really paying attention, you can see the signs. This is known as institutional racism - that subtle undercurrent of white superiority/brown inferiority that pervades many people's thoughts without them even really knowing it. These people get most upset when you call them out as racist, because they're trying really hard to mask their racism in the form of something else, trying mightily to convince others that they aren't racist, as well as themselves.

These are the kind of people who would never blatantly drop n-bombs, but say there's just something about that Obama fella that they don't trust. They'll use ridiculous proxies for not liking him - like the absurd notion that he isn't "patriotic" enough, or worrying he's a "secret muslim" - because then they don't have to admit that the real reason they don't like him is because he's black.

The word "racist" itself is such a loaded term that carries with it such an ugly and negative connotation, that the slightest suggestion that someone may be racist often draws a fiery response. Of course nobody wants to be labeled a racist, just as nobody will ever admit to a pollster that they're racist.

But to continue to deny the influence of institutional racism is to turn a blind eye to an endemic problem. I know so many people who would never think they were racist, but when their subtle racist attitudes are politely pointed out and explained, they start to get it.

Here's hoping many people here start to get it.

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."

-Samuel Johnson

Nothing is more true.

The essential question that white people and everybody esle need to answer is whether they prefer a lying, pandering, overtly underhanded, say anything Hillary/Bill Clinton to a thoughtful, considerate, man who has integrity.

That is such a cop out. Obamas patriotism gap was created by his own actions. Nothing more. However that is the pattern with Obama's campaign and his supporters. When all else fails use the race card.

In response to the headline, yes, but Obama is from a white mother and I don't care how much America wants to throw this fact away, they can't. So as far as his patriotism is concerned because he's black, well, he's also white so perhaps he has more patriotism than the whitest of us. And why would any dumb nut want to question his patriotism other than for bigoted anti Obama reasons, because he has been a State Senator 8 years, in US Senate 3 years, Constitutional law professor, etc. What does America think that he was doing all this all his life while being an American citizen just to be considered unpatriotic? Again, this is merely another stupid ridiculous and deliberate smear tactic still with the Clintons behind it like it was in the beginning, the reason Clinton had to fire all those people because they started these smears against Obama. Obama '08.

I see the clueless folk who are Swamp censors are at their incapable height again today. Get a clue, censors, criticism is not to be censored, whether you like it or not! So, we'll try this again:

As usual, Frank James resorts again to garbage "journalism." Frank, did you get your marching orders for this trash again from some far left website?

First of all, Frank uses a study nearly 20 years old, which has no application to today.

Second, and again this where the Left goes wrong (as usual), Obama's patriotism is not questioned because of his race BUT because of the folks he associates with. Until now, he gleefully associated with America Haters. It wasn't until his run for the presidency became in jeopardy did Obama no longer want to associate with America Haters.

This is not to say Obama is not a patriot. But when he does not understand to put his hand over his heart for the National Anthem or does not know the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, it is correct for folks to question his patriotism. His wife says until now she was never proud of her country. There are things about patriotism that Obama and those on the Left will never get.

The Left brings up past crimes by the U.S. Has this country sinned? Sure has. But the fact remains that for over 200 years this country has been a beacon and this country has done more to make this a better world than any other country -- EVER! There is more to be proud of about the U.S. than to be ashamed of. But with the Left, and from where Obama comes from -- it is damn America first, then ask questions. It is to concentrate on her sins and not on her good deeds.

There is no country that is as generous as the U.S. (government or private), there is no country willing to sacrifice and give a hand like the U.S. has over the years. There is no country in which the heart of the people is largely good. To understand that and to appreciate that is systematic of patriotism. To not understand that is an indicator of not being very patriotic.

It has nothting to with Obama's skin color.

There's no doubt in my mind that race and gender identities play a big part in this election.

Obama made it too easy for his detractors by going on record trying to give a reason (longer than 5 seconds) for why he doesn't normally wear a lapel flag pin.

I don't question his patriotism, religious or family values. I do question his ability to lead this country based on his core personality and experience.
He is an idealist through and through; one that doesn't have a history which demonstrates follow through or taking big political risks.

Its not his race thats raising questions. Its him.

"TThere is no country that is as generous as the U.S. (government or private), there is no country willing to sacrifice and give a hand like the U.S. has over the years. here is no country in which the heart of the people is largely good."

That's not patriotism John, that's chauvinism. To love America one does not need to deny that the hearts of people in other countries are largely good. The world is not made up of one country of good people a sea of bad people.

It's not Obama's race that anyone on the right is questioning; it's the fact he is a fascist/communist that we are unwilling to deal with. Private ownership + government control = pure fascist communism. Go figure.

Why do I have to like Obama? Why does it make me a racist if I won't vote for him? Can someone please explain this to me.

Lois, clearly you have no clue what the word "chauvinism" means. Second, nowhere do I say there aren't good people with good hearts in other countries. There are plenty. I was just pointing out the greatness of the U.S.
But thanks for proving my point that the Left will continually deny the greatness of the U.S. and denigrate that do recognize it.

The way Sen. Obama has been vilified is nauseating. He is the only candidate in 40 years who has offered a real change to the status quo and offers our country a chance to heal and repair some of the damage eight years of Bush has caused. The reality is Clinton is too divisive and McCain is only interested in rekindling his military career. History is no liar; every country that has tried to rule the earth has fallen due to its own arrogance. At the rate we’re going that’s how it will play out. America better wake-up… Patriotic? I don’t know? We can’t keep doing the same thing the same way in the name of patriotism.
As for Rev. Wright… Every single one of us has heard our pastor, teacher, boss and relative say something that we don’t agree with and none of us have had to weather the consequences of someone else the way Sen. Obama has. The media should be ashamed for propagating such a ridiculous story.
There are people in America who will vote against their own interests instead of voting for Barack Obama, just because he is Black. That is racist... It speaks to the values of this country... White men are to be trusted and Black men should be kept in their place. It's a shame that after 400 years things have not changed. The political system has defanged Obama, because he can’t strike back for being labeled an angry Black man. It leaves him few options, but to offer a different way to try to win. Appeal to the hopes and dreams of every American, and to offer proposals for managing the country in a way that we can all be proud. Although this approach has been labeled elitist the truth is it says more about the country than Sen. Obama. If “we” take a good look in the mirror we will see a country of cynicism toward government. The irony is there’s only way to deal with a cynic; prove him wrong. Let’s hope for own sake Barack Obama has an opportunity to prove them wrong.

John D-

Do you own a dictionary? Are you literate? Go read the definition of the word. It describes your attitude perfectly.

Here, I'll give you a hand, since you seem to need some help.

Main Entry: chau�vin�ism
Pronunciation: \ˈshō-və-ˌni-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French chauvinisme, from Nicolas Chauvin, character noted for his excessive patriotism and devotion to Napoleon in Th�odore and Hippolyte Cogniard's play La Cocarde tricolore (1831)
Date: 1851
1: excessive or blind patriotism � compare jingoism
2: undue partiality or attachment to a group or place to which one belongs or has belonged
3: an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex; also : behavior expressive of such an attitude

But then again, you seem to not be able to understand what your own wods mean.

"There is no country in which the heart of the people is largely good. " Clear statement there Johnny, Chauvinist to the core.

I never deny the greatness of the United States, I just recognize that we do not have a monopoly on greatness. I recognize that the US can always improve, and can always learn from other nations.