Insufficent Patriotism
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama defended himself and his wife Sunday against suggestions that they are insufficiently patriotic.
Republicans and talk show hosts went nuts when Michelle Obama, wife of presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama was quoted recently as saying she felt really proud of the United States for the first time. Rush Limbaugh blasted her for slamming America. Even some liberal radio shows were surprised by her quote. Then there was a photo where Barack was just standing while Richardson, Clinton, and another person held their right hand over their heart during the "pledge of allegiance."
During a town hall meeting in Lorain, Ohio, about "an attempt by conservatives and Republicans to paint you as unpatriotic," a questioner cited the fact that Obama once failed to put his hand over his heart while singing the national anthem. The questioner also noted that the Illinois senator does not wear an American flag lapel pin, has met with former members of the radical anti-Vietnam War group, Weather Underground, and his wife's comments.
Obama said, "There's always some nonsense going on in general elections. Right? If it wasn't this, it would be something else. If you recall, first it was my name. Right? That was a problem. And then there was the Muslim e-mail thing and that hasn't worked out so well, and now it's the patriotism thing.
"The way I will respond to it is with the truth: that I owe everything I am to this country," he said. Obama said it was a speech about his love for this country that put him in the national spotlight. He shot down the idea that failing to put his hand over his heart during the national anthem makes him unpatriotic.
"If that were the case, that would disqualify about three-quarters of the people who have ever gone to a football game or baseball game."
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Of course, Michelle Obama has clarified her comments saying she was proud of politics in America and how people are now participating and getting involved in the election process.
As for the photo of Obama not putting his hand over his heart. The national anthem was being played when the picture was taken, not during the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
During baseball games, when the national anthem is being played, most folks are standing, some with their hands at their sides, others had their hand over their heart, and those with caps/hats took them off and placed them over their heart. I seen folks asking other people to take off their hats, but never telling them that their hand must be placed over their heart.
Does it also make me feel more patriotic if I had an American flag lapel pin on my suit? Or if I fly the American flag off my car? Or if I hang the flag in the window of my house?
At work, most trading desks have a flag taped to the cubicle wall. If one desk did not have a flag, does that mean that person is not patriotic enough?
McCain's wife happily boasted that she is proud of being an American. Oh really, thanks for confirming that to us. C'mon, Sen. McCain, you say it too. Oh wait, let's everyone say it, because if we don't, that means we are un-American.
Why can I say I love America, but hate President Bush. Or I hate the limits on our civil liberties, but I still like being an American.
Are we going to solve real problems facing this country or are we going to spend wasteless hours on who is more patriotic?
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