Obama: What is his deal with the American Flag? (voters, patriot, campaign)

[ncisgreat]

So first Barack Obama proclaimed he will no longer wear a flag lapel pin. Now this photo surfaces:





Sept. 17 in Iowa during the national anthem. It shows Obama, Hillary and Bill Richardson....only Obama seems disrespectful in regard to the flag.

What is up with him? When running for office, perception is reality. The perception is that he does not care about traditional shows of patriotism. Will this hurt him? I actually think it will, and should.

[Minnehahapolitan]

I know plenty of people who don't put their hand on their heart for the Anthem, they are not unpatriotic.

[johnrex62]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

I know plenty of people who don't put their hand on their heart for the Anthem, they are not unpatriotic.

True, but they are not running for President and the show is not the substance for them. In a campaign for the top office in the country, don't you think the candidates should at least put on the image that this is the most important thing to them? Grab all the stereotypical imagery possible and put on a show for us voters.

If he is not willing to at least try to make me believe he values the traditional symbolism of our country, why should I believe he believes in what those symbols represent?

[ncisgreat]

Yes, but are those people running for office?

Perception is reality in PR, and especially in politics. Howard Dean, people. Howard Dean. One "whoo-hoo" and he was branded a goofball for life.

EDIT: johnrex, I must have been typing in unison with you!!!

[Sooner_Nation_60]

Originally Posted by ncisgreat

So first Barack Obama proclaimed he will no longer wear a flag lapel pin. Now this photo surfaces:





Sept. 17 in Iowa during the national anthem. It shows Obama, Hillary and Bill Richardson....only Obama seems disrespectful in regard to the flag.

What is up with him? When running for office, perception is reality. The perception is that he does not care about traditional shows of patriotism. Will this hurt him? I actually think it will, and should.

Good question! I saw this also ~ he won't wear the US flag on his lapel and now he won't show respect while the National Anthem plays. He thinks he poop don't stink, I guess

[ncisgreat]

I see John1960 also started a thread on this-- I started this on the Political Board and it was moved here, sorry guys.

But we can continue.....

[Minnehahapolitan]

Wearing a lapel-pin does not make you patriotic, you actions do. IMO, Obama's actions are just as patriotic as the remainder of the candidates. If we fall victim to the pretense and formalities of "patriotism", and must wear it on our sleeves to become a viable candidate....well....that's a very sad day for America.

[ElkHunter]

Placing your hand over your heart during the national anthem in front of the flag is not to show patriotism. It is to show respect for the people gone buy that helped keep that flag standing. In a way, it's patriotism, but more importantly, it's out of respect.

[AT9]

Aren't they supoposed to be facing the flag anyway???

[Minnehahapolitan]

/\ That's the point, we (at least I) don't know the context of this picture.
Anyways, Obama, while not conventional, was standing respectfully and looking towards the flag. His hands weren't in his pockets. He didn't sit in his chair. That stance is diminutive and humble, no more or less so than putting one's hand on their heart. The flag is a symbol which represents America, soldiers, et. cetera. he respected what it represents. This is all a moot point. Actions are more important than conventions. It is more degrading to the soldiers to cut VA funding than it is to put your hand over your heart. Claiming something and doing something are two very different things. Sen. Obama does both, there are other candidates who only put creedence in the former.