Obama stops wearing flag pin

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says he no longer wears an American flag lapel pin because it has become a substitute for "true patriotism" since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

He commented on the pin in a television interview Wednesday and then again on Thursday at a campaign appearance in Independence, Iowa.

Noting the TV interview, he told the campaign crowd, "I said, you know what, I probably haven't worn a flag pin in a very long time. After a while I noticed people wearing a lapel pin and not acting very patriotic."

"My attitude is that I'm less concerned about what you're wearing on your lapel than what's in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That's what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals."

He had been asked about the pin Wednesday in an interview with KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids.

"The truth is that right after 9/11 I had a pin," Obama said. "Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security."

___

Associated Press Writer Scott McFetridge contributed to this story.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071004/ap_po/obama_no_flag_pin

Edited October 5, 2007 by Mister Fancypants

[almaty 19]

in another news story, he decide to wear one but had a mexican one above it... on his lapel..

heard a vet took offense...

[Jasman0717 9]

"My attitude is that I'm less concerned about what you're wearing on your lapel than what's in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That's what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals."

Whatever happened to people putting their hand over their heart during the National Anthem?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

"My attitude is that I'm less concerned about what you're wearing on your lapel than what's in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That's what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals."

Whatever happened to people putting their hand over their heart during the National Anthem?

They were shot for treason...hand over the heart was not American enough.

[Carolyn 1]

I was teaching at a big suburban junior high (in an affluent but fairly progressive suburb) on 9-11. Soon after that fateful day, the principal gave all the teachers US flag lapel pins with the idea that we would wear them.

It felt disingenuous to me at the time, so I chose not to wear it.

After the horrors of Abu Graib, Guantanamo and the eroding away of civil liberties in this country since 9-11 with the Patriot Act, all done in the name of protecting American interests, I would even be less likely to want to show my "patriotism" by wearing an American flag.

I support Barack on this one.

[Nizzy 1]

Oh no he didn't! I am so not going to vote for him now!

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

They were shot for treason...hand over the heart was not American enough.

Maybe he is worried about being to american! Pandering sucks.

[almaty 19]

i think he needs to get an illinois one too...since we elected him...

[Sister Fracas 5]

i think he needs to get an illinois one too...since we elected him...

dang straight!!!

in another news story, he decide to wear one but had a mexican one above it... on his lapel..

heard a vet took offense...

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Meanwhile, Trent Lott and his cousin Bubba, unveiled their new General Lee's Burger house with a patriotic tribute to their favorite flag...

[almaty 19]

terrible ....sadly, i got one for my high school graduation..from the daughters of the south

[Nagishkaw 510]

We cannot see his heart, but a lapel is quite visible.

[Entonces... 0]

I recall hearing on the radio on the way to work this morning that he did say, and I'm paraphrasing by the way, "that wearing a pin of the American flag does not make you American it's what you do for your country is what makes you American."

I think that it was a nice and inexpensive way to draw to attention himself and get additional spotlight.

Rafael

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

"My attitude is that I'm less concerned about what you're wearing on your lapel than what's in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That's what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals."

Whatever happened to people putting their hand over their heart during the National Anthem?

In civilian clothes I've always just stood at attention and I always will. In uniform I saluted the flag.

[almaty 19]

brother rich, same here..it is what i was taught since a kid ..