Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2008 > April > 07 > Entry

Obama’s lapel pin

By Jim Wooten | Monday, April 7, 2008, 08:20 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Barack Obama cost me a dollar.

Worse, a dollar that probably went to support moveon.org or some other organization that camps with the national Democratic Party.

I bet my colleague, Jay Bookman, that when Obama appeared before cameras for his Jeremiah Wright speech, he’d be wearing an American flag lapel pin.

I lost.

But on reconsideration, Obama might choose to wear it next time.

Those of you who take the Sunday AJC — and everybody should, of course — saw the story on the April 22 Pennsylvania primary. The accompanying photo was of a Latrobe, Pa., couple sitting at a diner discussing their upcoming vote. “How can I vote for a president who won’t wear a flag pin?” asked the woman, Nash McCabe, an unemployed typist.”I watch him on TV; I keep looking for that lapel pin.”

Obama’s getting the message. As the Associated Press reports, Obama has begun to pepper his speeches with expressions of patriotism. “I love this country not because it’s perfect but because we’ve always been able to move it closer to perfection,” he said in North Dakota.

In Montana: “It’s a country where … I’ve seen ordinary Americans find justice, where I’ve seen progress made for working families who need leaders who are willing to stand up and fight for them. That is the country I love.”

Obama has said he thinks actions, not lapel pins, demonstrate real patriotism. For enough Americans to represent the difference between victory and defeat in a general election, that’s a little ambiguous. That’s especially true of white, blue-collar types.

I have to admit that I’m one of them. A candidate who wants to be President of the United States should not be uncomfortable wearing a flag lapel pin or think it’s cheesy. Symbols matter.

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Comments

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. The flag is the patriotic symbol of the US. BO is no dummy, and he had flags all around him for the first post-Jeremiah photo-op. From the longer view I assess the lapel pin as meaningless add-on, and that would be true for almost anyone except BO. As he first made the point of not wearing the lapel pin, he imposes the limitation on himself. Because Hillary hasn’t tried to make political points on flag lapel pins, nobody cares whether she wears one or not. Nobody questions McCain’s patriotism, so whether he wears a lapel pin is meaningless. Only BO.

I think Jim correctly captures BO’s view of patriotic actions vs patriotic symbols. However when one’s actions [e.g. opposing a war to wipe out terrorists, which terrorists make sport of killing Americans all over the world] raise a question of one’s patriotism, one ought not forego too many reassuring symbols. The good-faith patriotic case for “cut and run” and “duck and cover” and “snatching defeat from the jaws of victory” has not yet been articulated; indeed all we hear is whining about the expense, and lamenting that our noble military is doing its job. The real question is, if Republican congressmen and senators stand and applaud Gen Petraeus this week, will BO?

By ron

April 7, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Good moring Jim,I agree with you.The lapel pin may be a stupid little symbol,but in this campaign it’s becoming a bigger issue.Obama’s refusal to wear one is part of his campaign.It has become a plank in his platform.It fits in neatly with his church,his wife,his far left politics.His message.I still don’t trust him.

By AmVet

April 7, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

For many of these “conservative” faketriots, “wearing their patriotism on their sleeve” is nothing new.

I often recognized it as non-genuine when I left the military in the mid 70’s.

It repulsed me then and still does.

If you have to keep telling me, via symbols, or bumper stickers or empty rhetoric, that you are such a great American, similar to the ballplayer who does the same, perhaps you simply are not.

Patriotism comes from within. And is shown by the service to the nation that you provide. Or don’t.

And NO amount of blubbering or icons can be an effective substitute.

But it sure sells well to the “conservative” faithful…

By Tom Pain

April 7, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Let us not forget about all the incessant whining and moaning and groaning about paying for the war. I mean, after all, it’s our war and we all need to fess up to that fact. I think Congress and our President need to pull together during this time of need. Pass a war tax bill now. Pass around the plate and ask each and every American to stand proud and put those dollars to work protecting us from the tyrannical forces hard at work around the globe that would try to bring our great democracy to its knees. Stand proud fellow Americans and support your President and the great cause that can only be defined as the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. God Bless America.

By Redneck Convert

April 7, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I don’t care nothing about Obama or that cookie baker he’s running against or anything else the librul Democrats have to say. Like Sister Dusty says about the librul Democrats and the crazies on this blog, they are just a bunch of Traders that Hate America, lapel pin or no lapel pin. A real stud like Sister Dusty ought to know.

Maybe Bob Barr getting into the race will give this librul McCain a run for his money. I never did like him much, what with him voting against the tax cuts and wanting to let the illegals in to this country and running against My President and trying to keep rich people from buying so many ads to win elections. Leastwise Barr’s a Libraritarian, like me and jbmlaw is.

Well, the big news is me and my buddy Jim Earl and Joe Bill have decided to home school little Sonny Zell George. This new GA law give us the idea. I will teach him science. He’ll learn all about the gizzard and the gullet and how to just ignore people when they try to talk about Evolution. Jim Earl says he will teach him english and grammer and such. Joe Bill will take on politics and will use his experence running for county commission as a example. And the missus will teach him the Bible and take him on field trips looking for pieces of Noah’s Ark and such.

Anyhow, we don’t plan to take him past the 5th grade, seeing as how I was a great success just by going that far in school. Leastwise he won’t have to deal with them danged multiplying tables that got me showed the door at school and he danged sure won’t have to be taught by a bunch of libruls in public schools.

Well, this is it for me for a couple weeks. Me and the missus and little Sonny Zell George and my dotter are headed for Panama City beach. All this heavy thinking I do for this blog got me all tight and I need to relax a while. I get so tired sometimes I have to let Fox News do my thinking for me. You might of noticed how much Fox News sounds like me. Anyhow, I got to make a trip to WalMart to pick up some black socks to wear with my sandals on the beach and then I’m out of here. Have a good two weeks everybody and I hope my fill-in gets your beer to you cold and on time. I know this Captain Freedom will pretty much echo my thoughts, even if he does use two-buck words to say a one-penny thing. Leastwise his heart is Right, even if the rest of him has pretty much spoiled. Try to bear up to me being away.

By Dennis

April 7, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Hummmm. Mr. Wooten must be working on something big. He has nothing worth commenting about today.

But to give him a break, I’d hate to have his job of always having to write/slant conservative views.

I wonder sometimes though, if deep, deep down, there’s not a closet liberal just longing to get in touch with reality.

You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.

By jm

April 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism” - George Washington (if you don’t remember who this dude is, look at a $1.00 bill).

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

AmVet - Jim and the Paleocons have nothing of substance to discuss. For them to claim that the “deciding factor” is a stupid lapel pin available beside the register at their local mini-mart is the height of idiocy - like any of ‘em would have voted for one of Those People for POTUS anyway.

It’s only an “Issue” for the Paleocons who want to scream at each other that it’s an “Issue”, yet if the “Issue” was resolved to their satisfaction (hah!) it’s not the case that any of ‘em would vote for Obama anyway.

Jim and the Paleocons - Get their greatest hits on K-Tel! Call before Midnight tonight, and get the bonus album “Who Gives a Shiite about Sunnis?”

By Captain Freedom

April 7, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

THE Captain was especially amused when Jack Kingston appeared on TV to denounce Obamandingo for insulting Our Nation by refusing to wear a flag pin. That Rep Kingston (R-Podunk) himself was not wearing a flag lapel pin was an act of political kabucki that caused 1743 liberal brains to explode simultaneously. Karl Rove repeated the trick less than a week later, fulminatiing at the Dark One’s hatred of America while wearing unadorned lapels himself.

Yes, the flag lapel pin is required for Demoncrats to prove they are Real Americans. Right Thinking GOPers are under no such requirement, because We are de facto the Real Patriots and True Americans and have no need to prove it.

On a personal note, THE Captain is saddened to hear that Redneck will be decamped to the Florida Panhandle for vacation. Not because THE Captain will miss Red’s scarecely coherent rambles here at the Wooten Klan Blog, but because THE Captain has a part ownership in a sheep farm near Panama City, and will thus see his profits reduced as a result of the extra security we will need to hire to protect our womensheep from the predations of Red and his pal Jim Earl.

THE Captain fears that this vacation will be part of little Sonny Zell George’s home-schooling, focused on animal husbandry. I guess it is time for the lad to lose his innocence. I fear for my sheep. Ick.

By DEMO

April 7, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it funny how repubs talk about a tax break when they spend billions on a war. Not really a tax break when you think about it. How is this war being paid for again?

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Dennis @ 9:45 - There may once have been a closet LIBRUL! hiding within Jim, but that part of him was outsourced to India several years ago in a past wave of ‘cost-cutting’.

By Tom Pain

April 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I urge you. Write your Senators, your Congresspersons, your President — any of them that can read. Phone the ones that can’t. Tell each one that you want to see a War Tax Bill. The sole purpose of this bill will be to raise the funds from the American people for the war. When the war is over, the tax goes away. Let’s get these taxes compartmentalized — like a business would do it, like a Republican would do it. Let’s get each tax named for what it provides and let’s get rid of that tax once it no longer provides the service. War tax, Social Security Tax, Medicare Tax, Prescription Drug Tax, Disability Tax, Veterans Tax, Elected officials Pension, Salary, Health-care, Per Diem, Etc., Tax, Elected Officials Expenses Tax, Elected Officials Election Tax, Elected Officials Campaign Tax,….and last but not least, the Catalog of Taxes Tax. Now let’s get those elected officials busy on something worthwhile. By the way, we might need to hire some more revenuers.

By Political Foreskin

April 7, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Isn’t a flag lapel just so much fruit salad, like the military brass wears when they testify about boondoggles? And isn’t patriotism the new religion when a scoundrel chooses a last refuge? Throw in a sneeze gaurd and you’ve got an all-you-can-eat-crow buffet, Jim Crow that is, spinning fools, movie stars.(like Heston), “Get your stinking paws of the constitution you damned dirty hack”!

By getalife

April 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Shove your flag pin Jim.

They should take them off.

The gop does not support the troops, they abuse them for political gain

You should write to get on board Webb’s new GI bill or STFU about supporting the troops.

Show some real patriotism and actually do something in your miserable life to support the troops.

Enough with the bs.

By Craig

April 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I’m a little sympathetic too - it must be really trying to come up with a daily conservative column with any basis in logic. But Jim certainly does fall short today. To equate the purchase of a 99 cent flag pin with any sort of patriotism, is truly a lame endeavor. And truly, only one that today’s so called “conservatives” would try to make.

By W

April 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

My fellow banking executives,

I have called you all here today to scold you. You have all been very, very naughty. You have gone and gotten yourselves caught not doing a job. How’s that golf game working out? And that tan of yours is really looking good. Which salon do you go to? Anyway, I digress. Let’s see. Where were we. OK. Let’s just line up and when I call your name, come up and get your spanking and pick up your “loan” on the way out. I hope I don’t have to remind you all that I don’t want to see any of you in my office again. After all, taxpayers don’t grow on trees you know.

Thank You, Your Leader, W

By RCH

April 7, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Jim,

There is an old saying,”Birds of a feather flock together.” We know how Obama’s wife feels about this country, we know how his pastor feels about this country, so why should we wounder why Obama will not wear an American flag pin.

By @@

April 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Let’s be fair Jim. For those that can see -

The Emperor, Obama, wears no clothes.

Where the heck would he stick that lapel pin?

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

getlife @ 10:43 - But, but, but…the only way that the Paleocons like Jim, the Esquire, the DustBuster, Ensign Ron, etc., insist that one can “support the troops” - the ONLY way - is thru stupid things like lapel pins, $1.98 magnetic yellow ribbons on the backs of their gaz-guzzling single-occupancy SUVs, and by praying towards Crawford four times daily.

Paleocons would rather “support” their President and his cohort than actually supporting our troops.

By JK

April 7, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

A LAPEL PIN IS NOT A FLAG. D’OH!

Dang, Mr. Wooten, you are truly leading the great Retardo Revolution of the new century, aren’t you? Don’t let me interrput. Please continue ignoring matters of import to whinnie and stomp your feet over nonsense and fabricated outrage.

Retardo World is yours.

By Copyleft

April 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Wooten’s right about one thing… symbols matter. And Obama donning a stupid little flag pin at this point would symbolize his surrender to small-minded critics who want to see DISPLAYS of phony patriotism, rather than ACTIONS.

It’s driving them nuts that Obama’s not falling for their scam. And that’s fun to watch.

By JK

April 7, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

A LAPEL PIN IS NOT A FLAG. D’OH!

Dang, Mr. Wooten, you are truly leading the great Retardo Revolution of the new century, aren’t you? Don’t let me interrput. Please continue ignoring matters of import to whinnie and stomp your feet over nonsense and fabricated outrage.

Retardo World is yours.

By Tom Pain

April 7, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I’ve had an image of a flag cut into the iron. The fire is stoked. Let’s line up now and make that patriotism a lasting symbol. It never wears out, never wears off. It’s faster than a tattoo but it doesn’t come in color — just shades of burnt. It doesn’t hurt long. There’s an ice bucket at the end of the line. You won’t need a national ID card — this will serve the purpose. You can proudly display your loyalty forever.

By getalife

April 7, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

GGG,

They should take their pins off.

Thank you ACLU.

The ACLU has produced the smoking guns to hold them accountable. They have done more than the whole spineless dem party, the corrupt gop, AG, and the rest of them.

Why people still trust them is beyond insane.

They do not deserve our trust and do not even try to win it back.

Stop giving them a free pass.

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Copyleft @ 10:58 - Sorta like, after the court ruling on the Pledge Of Allegiance, the Republican’t members of the House all gathered on the steps of the Capitol for a group recitation in front of the cameras, and made sure they all SCREAMED the words “under God”?

I think it’s apropriate that the Shrub is still leading the Republican’ts and is handing off to another Westerner - because this year, the GOP is demonstrably “All hat, no cattle”.

By Clueless

April 7, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

If Jim Wooten and his co-conspirators ever take over with their much ballyhoo’d coup against our country, they must change our flag to include a hammer and cycle stylized in the form of the swaztika with the Islamic half-moon in appreciating for Al Queda and Osama bin laden, their favorite sons, and I know what you’re thinking……How could I say Jim Wooten supports Osama Bin Laden or aids him or comforts him?

Well, Bush is not concerned where Osama is, and Wooten has never actually condemned al queda for 911, or OBL for that matter, instead he’s got his head up saddam’s wmd’s and nookyoolar threats that weren’t there, like all the gop conservative halfbreeds who dont even know what political philosophy to identify with, instead Jim Wooten says, “Im not this and I’m not that, and that is not me, no, not that either, no, my country is this moving target just out of reach like the point of drunkeness that I achieve at miller time with my superior tirades that I hacked word for word from the well-researched conversations recorded in “Dinner talk with hitler” now in paperback.

Obama 08: He never had dinner with hitler like Jim Wooten

By Bob It

April 7, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Wooten’s right about one thing… symbols matter.

THE THIRD LEG?

It’s name is Dick.

Piece out!

By TW

April 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten - listening to you scratch deliriously at the bottom of the mud bucket is in a word…sad. Drivel like this will never catch you up to Ms. Tucker.

Out of boredom I’ll play - how many of our soldiers has Sen. Obama’s absent lapel pin needlessly killed? That’s the ante, Jim…

By Glenn

April 7, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

@@,

Have you not heard the one about the Marine Corps colonel who would rise proudly every day, pin on his battle ribbons, and don his T-shirt?

By sansho1

April 7, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Really? The freaking lapel pin thing again? What’s next, railing against the moon landing?

By Cluefull

April 7, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Right turn, Clyde.

By Comrade (formerly Uncle) Sam

April 7, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

We notice, comrade O’Bama, that you are not wearing your flag lapel pin. We know that you received the one we sent you, yet you do not wear it. Why? Perhaps you need to spend some time being re-educated.

The modern so-called conservative would be right at home following the dictates of the politburo.

Liberty loving real conservatives weep at their litmus tests.

By too soon

April 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I will vote for John McCain. In all the speeches I’ve heard him give, all the interviews he’s given, I’ve never once heard him say ANYTHING derrogatory about his country. He’s never given even the suspicion of being anything other than extremely proud of his country. He was willing to give his life for his country (and nearly did) so that you can have the freedom to spout off all your anti-patriotism, narrow-minded garbage you call “political correctness”. We will need him in the coming years because we will ALWAYS be under attack by Islam until we are all converted by them and we are no longer infidels. The jihad will continue indefinitely. If you don’t think so, then you are not being realistic.

By Will

April 7, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten:

Politicians can wrap themselves in the biggest Ameircan flag they can find but if they neglect our brave and maimed patriots upon their return from war like these politicans have and cosign them to flith and neglect like these politicians have, then I hope there is a special place in hades waiting for these politicans.

I know you and the republican TV and radio entertainers are less than thrilled to see Senator McCain has the republican nominee. I also know that Senator McCain will never treat our returning war patriots and veterans like they have been treated by this administration.

I cannot begin to explain the anger I feel when these politicians think that wearing their patriotism on their coat lapel is more important that demonstrating their patriotism by taking care of our brave patriots.

These politicans and entertainers have spoken loud and clear, “support war first (because not to do so gives support to President Bush;s critics) and then, if anything is left, support our brave patriots upon their return.

By Marge

April 7, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Does the woman in Latrobe wear a flag pin? These “reasons” not to vote for Obama are lame excuses to hide the real reason they won’t vote for him, which is his race. The misinfomed woman went on to say that the 2nd amendment was also important to her. If she was better informed she would know that Obama agrees in the 2nd amendment. What excuse will she have next?

By @@

April 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Glenn:

Let’s get down to the bare tacks here shall we?

Are you saying that Obama has what it takes to stand up to a terrorist threat (Iran) wrapped in the coat of arms that embrace him?

Eyeeeeeeeeee

don’t

think

soooooooooo.

By Glenn

April 7, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Jim, in fairness, while Barack Obama’s flourishing of the lapel pin is fitful, he does wear his American flag mood ring at all times.

By itsme

April 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Holy cow! I actually agree with Jim Wooten. Wearing a flag pin, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the Star Spangled Banner. They’re all important symbols. Of course, they must be backed by patriotic actions, but the symbols are important too.

By Truthifier

April 7, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Matthew 6:5,6 NIV: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

By BS Aplenty

April 7, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

TW

OK, I’ll go “all-in” on that bet and ask you how many attacks have there been on the U.S. since 9-11 ? None, zero, nada, zip, zilch. Mission accomplished.

Thanks for your chips, Chump.

By Mike

April 7, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

How can anyone seriously consider voting for John McCain, when he only wears one lapel pin? I say if you can’t wear two American flag lapel pins you are not a patriot.

By anonymous

April 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Jim Wooten is a Communist. I know this, because he doesn’t have a U.S. flag anywhere in his photo. If Jim really loved America he would have the flag prominently displayed.

By Who Loves America More?

April 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

I only vote for candidates who wear t-shirts with the American flag on them. What good is a tiny little lapel pin? I mean, you can barely see it. Are those who wear these pins trying to insult America or something with their whimper of patriotism? Say it loud, say it proud!

By Adam

April 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten, I do not believe Sen. Obama is “uncomfortable” wearing the lapel pin as you have charaterized it. It’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation for him now.

If he started wearing the flag pin now, he would be viewed as completely disingenuous. His speech on Wright where he denounced the comments, but did not disown the man, was an attempt to demonstrate that he will not take actions that are politically expedient for the sake of getting elected. (Rhetoric that has worked very well for GWB by the way and has produced the greatest brightline difference with HRC for Obama.)

If he continues not to wear the pin he is characterized as “uncomfortable” showing patriotism. And, Wooten, and the AP in all fairness, have incorrectly argued that Obama has “begun peppering” his speeches with patriotic sentiment. To allege that his speeches have lacked patriotism to this point is simply not true.

The man has constantly expressed patriotism through his time in national politics. Indeed his book and many of his speeches have been entirely focused on how only in America can a multi-racial son of an immigrant realize the success he has enjoyed.

Barack Obama does not need to put a symbol on his chest to send a message; he is, in and of himself, a symbol of all that is great and wonderful about this nation.

Friday marked the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King. Whether you like Obama’s politics or hate his politics, it is a testiment to the greatness of this nation that in such a short time that an African American has a good chance of becoming President.

Mr. Wooten, symbols are important, but it depends on which symbols we look at. A lapel pin is not a litmus test for patriotism. Moreover, I believe that Americans have now realized that their fears as well as their patriotism, have been exploited to continue an intractible conflict which has taken the lives of over 4,000 American soldiers and wrought this country with an insane amount of debt which our children will have to contend with.

By JackLeg

April 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Why are we even talking about a lapel pin? This is to avoid talking about real issues. The real issues are Tax reform; nobody wants to fix that pig. The borders are broken, but we gave Mexico $200 million to secure their southern border, what about ours? Why is our dollar in the dumper, could it be it is backed by a government promise, not gold, platinum or silver? Why not balance the budget, that means spending less and cutting useless programs and if we don’t have monies how do we send billions over seas to people that hate us. These few things could go a long way to helping our economy. How come we know this and our government does not?

By Mr Chips

April 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Flag Lapel. Litmus test? Lie detector? or is the conservative view of the ink on our original founding documents a Rorschach Test morphing of the right into the jingoistic godzillas they truly are.

Cartoon idea: W, hooked up to a lie detector, and Freud is showing him the bill of rights, “Say the first thing that comes into your mind” …..uh….i know this one…..no wait….dont tell me….it’s ……saddam’s wmds!

“goot, now this one”, (freud holds up the constitution)…..uh…i know this one…..it’s…..waterboarding innocent americans whose last name sounds like BinLaden!

“Goot, you have passed the nazi youth camp entrance exam, W, and now you must swear allegience to the Saudi Fuehrer….”

By Guitar Lover

April 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Dear Who Loves America More?,

Vote for THIS guy; this is a most awesome American flag t-shirt, and this most awesome guitar man plays the National Anthem just like Jimi!!!

Rock on, America!

By Jim Jones

April 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

As a recent regular visitor to Mr. Wooten’s column and comments I must admit to being very disappointed with what I’ve encountered. Wearing a flag pin doesn’t make one a patriot and not wearing one doesn’t make one a traitor. I’m watching our President making a speech on free trade right now. He’s wearing a flag lapel pin. He took an oath in front of the entire nation to “….preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.” He has done more damage to the principles contained in the Constitution than any President since Richard Nixon. Also one of flag pin persuasion. I’m instinctively distrustful of anyone who wraps themselves in any symbol or philosophy (read patriotism) which is supposed to validate their intents without question. Flags, Bibles, Patriotism are among the most commonly used and most frequently abused by scoundrels!

By Curious Observer

April 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

All you lapel-pin wearing, yellow-ribbon bearing patriots. Go join the military, where you can at least be of some use. It taught me the difference between real patriotism and mere show-boating. In the meantime, wear gloves, so that you don’t scrape your knuckles on the floor when you walk.

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

JackLeg @ 12:03 - It’s because the Paleocons are so bereft of subtance, they have nothing left to offer but symbols.

Since the Paleocons can’t or won’t address the Real Problems facing Real Americans - remember, McCain is all for the Fed’s bailout of Bear Stearns, but Mr. I-Own-8-Homes-Thanks-To-Anheuser-Busch says that Joe Sixpack should take on second and third jobs if he wants to keep his house - all they’re left with are 99-cent lapel pins and $1.98 magnetic yellow ribbons for their cars, trucks, and SUVs.

By Don't Step in the Mr. Cow Chips

April 7, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Glenn @12:06, schizo poseur - wank on, brother. I’m sure that rant had meaning in one of the many “universes” you inhabit.

By AmVet

April 7, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Guitar Lover, great photo!

I’ve seen Barry perform. A local guitar god if ever there was one!

Jimbo, if you so obsessed with seeing Old Glory, take a trip to Dover AFB and see if you can catch a glimpse of some returning caskets.

Maybe then you’ll hang your head in shame for supporting these horrific “leaders” and their inept and deadly occupation…

By Nordham L.

April 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Obama didn’t show up in Memphis to honor Dr. King and that p** me off. The two crackers showed up.

Barry-O is ashamed of his black roots. He’s an ungrateful SOAB who thinks he owes nothing to the people who blazed the trail for civil rights.

Screw him he won’t be getting this brother’s vote.

By TW

April 7, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

BS Aplenty

Nor have there been anymore Timothy McVeigh style bombongs from the angry white guy club. Notice we did not need to invade…oh, I dunno, Canada? to acheive this goal.

This game is way over your head, little girl. Ask you history teacher about it when he’s done with your mom and her blue dress…

By George Washington

April 7, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I have never worn a flag pin in my long life, and I never will, it gives power to you lying, sneaking, traitorous super patriots. Only one of my generals ever wore a flag pin…You guessed it, B. Arnold. I put Dusty, JMB, and Rufus in the same class as former General Arnold….

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon all. Looks like Jim’s lapel pin has sent our leftist friends straight into another round of BDS, so apoplectic they cannot even comment on the idea. It’s not that big a deal, people. Does BO’s refusal to wear a silly lapel pin lose him any significant votes (i.e., swing votes in swing states?) I think Jim correctly argues “yes.” Whether or not that ought to be the case, it seems to me likely true. How does he extract himself from the stereotype (and I do not refer to race, I’m talking about the effete Harvard stereotype, of one who bowls a 37.) I think Adlai Stevenson syndrome will cost BO the election.

By Glenn

April 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

PoFo,

I still don’t know what you’re on about, man. I’m not Mr. Chips, or Andy, or Rufus or RuFus or RuPaul or Doofus or Lupus or any of them. I’m me. And when I represent Gen. Fat or someone else, I do so in a manner that makes me plainly identifiable to the likes of you professional chameleons.

@@,

Well since you put it that way, no.

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

AmVet @ 12:24 - After all the Rah-Rah Cheerleading Jim has done for his Fearless Leader, you actually think he has ANY “shame” at all?

That’s as big a joke as, over this past weekend, Rufus claiming that the current state government of Texas is “librul!Librul!LIBRUL!LIBRUL!” or the DustBuster claiming that if you don’t support Fearless Leader then you don’t support “the troops” that Fearless Leader never served in.

As you’ve said - “faketriots”, all.

By Ooooooooooo

April 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Thank you Mr. Chips. I’ve been waiting for confirmation of my suspicions.

By Rod Taylor

April 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

What’s BDS? I agree it’s trivial and it’s too bad trivial things are what many base their voting decisions on.

By Mr Chips

April 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Glad you like the material, oh rabid one. Sometimes I get lucky too, you know.

Yeah, the flag lapel is a tuff one. It’s like people who sport the flag in their front yard, some even have 50 foot poles they raise the flag upon every morning, then there’s the flags on SUV’s you see occasionally, dont forget the many Betsy Ross Sewing Clubs that have sprang up around the country, (they sew flag potholders, oven mitts, doilies, and coasters)

but anyway, I think bumper stickers, lapels, old reagan movies where he was a navy pilot and the descendents of the japanese pilots who reagan killed in the movie who miss their grandpas, well, I think it all goes in the same counter-clockwise circle of the great common-sense flush. (then jiggle the handle to get the unhinged fringe-foamer to stfu)

lol ;=}

By Steve

April 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Does the AJC keep this Wooten clown on as their “conservative” for laughs, only?

Lapel pins mean you’re patriotic?

Why is Atlanta so freaking idiotic and stupid sometimes? It’s so embarrassing to read this crap. Give me the intelligence of Bookman’s writings anyday.

By outhg

April 7, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

BO WEARS A BLACK LIBERATION THEOLOGY T-SHIRT UNDER HIS SUIT

By ghost rider

April 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

What a crock! GWB can wear all the flag pins his suit will handle. But, truth is he was a coward during Vietnam, a man with no credibility toward being a patriot. This entire discourse about wearing a little itty pin is so much nonsense!

By BS Aplenty

April 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

TW

A criminal act versus an act of war. While not knowing all the important details of either issue, I’m comfortable with how both were and are being handled. Apparently, so are a majority of the American people.

By the way, who’s treating you for that self-loathing issue you’re sporting in paragraph 2?

By AmVet

April 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Glenn.

Rufus, RuPaul?

Now that is one scary mental picture!

Thanks for the laugh!

Counselor, nice “neutral” spin.

Of course there are “conservative” cretins who will see the lack of a freaking pin as proof positive that the mulatto is a commie.

That you politically align yourselves with such people is astonishing.

By Steve

April 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Why is it that people are so retarded politically, in the South? I mean come on- we have great food, great southern hospitality, but horrible politics and religion.

Is it something in the air that makes people here so damn stupid?

By Steve

April 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Why is it that people are so retarded politically, in the South? I mean come on- we have great food, great southern hospitality, but horrible politics and religion.

Is it something in the air that makes people here so damn stupid?

By Dusty

April 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

ghost rider is a transparent lib, whose lies are just as flimsy. George W. Bush served honorably in the National Guard, as did many young men of his generation. He has served his country and continues to do so bravely today as our Commander in Chief. What have you ever done to serve your country, ghastly ghost?

By Shark Sammich

April 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I’ll make this simple enough that even your regulars can understand, Jim.

The type of person who’d care about whether Obama wears a friggin’ flag lapel pin or not, isn’t ever—EVER—going to vote for him anyway.

You all may return to your regularly scheduled idiocy.

By BadOleBoys

April 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Come on Jim. This is just another one of your jabs at the Republican politicians, right? You’re just ribbing the right for going on and on about a lapel pin, right? You’re just picking on the idiots because they will not or cannot talk about issues that are important to all the voters, right? Come on Jim.

By Glenn

April 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

If the pins don’t matter, then why does Obama own them, and sport them at certain times and not at others? The man wears fine tailoring. It can’t be all that convenient or pleasant to decide which garments get spared and which get punctured, and when to fill the punctures and when to leave the holes showing, etc. He clearly has his own private dress code. That code is a text that can be deciphered and read. What does it “say”?

These are the sorts of questions that Americanists ask, and from where I sit Jim is smart to ask them. Jimmy Carter’s shawl-collared sweater had a meaning important to the public. So did FDR’s concealment of his leg braces have. Do you happen to know why JFK quit wearing hats, or why he frequently put his hands in the skirt pockets of his suitcoat—-for which purpose he had his tailors cut open the pockets? Do you know why Ronald Reagan went bareheaded and coatless to the Rejyavik Summit? Why Lamar Alexander wore khakis and buffalo stripe while campaigning, and why Adlai Stevenson’s poll numbers ticked upward when a photographer caught sight of the hole in his shoe leather? How about Al Gore’s earth tones, or Gerald Rafshoon’s insistence that President Carter change the side on which his hair was parted? What does it say of Richard Nixon that he walked surfside in dress brogans and a tailor-made Eisenhower jacket with a huge Presidential Seal for a crest?

These things do tell.

By History Speaks

April 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Anyone who supports bush’s post 911 disinformation-based kangaroo court prejudgement of the Iraqi invasion as a done deal long before 911 happened is a traitor who Jefferson, Washington, and Adams would all agree to hang, after a fair trial of course.

By Dusty

April 7, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Steve, you smell suspiciously like a liberal Yankee. Your arrogance gives you away. Southerners have gotten along fine without your advice and criticism so far. So, if you are ready to go back, as Lewis Grizzard used to day, “Delta is ready when you are.”

By TW

April 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

BS Aplenty

Apparently, so are a majority of the American people.

What poll is that? Last I checked people were jumping on board pretty hard about Iraq being the mistake that it was/is? Perhaps the Pentagon’s admission that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 has something to do with this?

By ghost rider

April 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Steve…I have to say I couldn’t have said it better!

By D

April 7, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

wearing a pin to prove you are a patriot makes as much sense as putting yellow ribbons on your car and an American flag sticker on your bumper, none of those things make you a patriot, and none of things help our country, and none of those are the important problems we should be addressing. but I will tellyou something that makes you unpatriotic, wearing the flag as an article of clothing, it’s disrespectful and not proper flag etiquette. I can’t stand it when I see someone wearing a do-rag that is our flag, or some kid that’s supposed to be cute down at the pool covering their privates with an American flag swimsuit or bikini. just 40 years ago this would have been an outrage. the flag isn’t supposed to touch the ground and using it as a form of underwear has got to be much worse. wear a flag patch or a flag pin if you want, but national flags are not intended to be clothing. and if you want to be a patriot, do something that helps this country, don’t continue to carry on the status quo. and if you are for war and defense contractors, then sign up for the military or have your children sign up, don’t have others spill their blood so you can call yourself a patriot just because of your lapel pins and yellow ribbons.

By ghost rider

April 7, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Dusty…What would you call an individual who doesn’t show up for his flight physical? As GWB did…

By tljfinancier

April 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Patriotism is truly meaningful when a citizen is willing to die for the defense of the country’s beliefs and values; a lapel pin is a shallow meaningless symbol that is honored by the cowardice sheeple who refuse to serve but continue to pontificate.

By hotlanta

April 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Where is Hilary’s pin? I cannot stop laughing. Let’s talk about how John McCain voted down the bill to make King Holiday’s a National Holiday for 15 years. How UnAmerican is that. Is Tim Russet gonna bring that up. The only image of the flag is suppose to be the flag in cloth not to be worn on your clothes. So if a person is not red, white and blued to death they are UnAmerican. How is that we can talk about how Cuba makes its people eat,drink and sleep Cuba 24/7 but we do our own people the same way. I am confused about which country I am in.

By hotlanta

April 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Where is Hilary’s pin? I cannot stop laughing. Let’s talk about how John McCain voted down the bill to make King Holiday’s a National Holiday for 15 years. How UnAmerican is that. Is Tim Russet gonna bring that up. The only image of the flag is suppose to be the flag in cloth not to be worn on your clothes. So if a person is not red, white and blued to death they are UnAmerican. How is that we can talk about how Cuba makes its people eat,drink and sleep Cuba 24/7 but we do our own people the same way. I am confused about which country I am in.

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

DustBuster - If you’ve got the spare time to blog, you’ve got the spare time to get down to your closest AFEES office and take that oath.

Time to put up or shut up, DustBuster.

WHY DO YOU HATE AMERICA, DUSTY?

By BS Aplenty

April 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

TW

That really big poll they take every four years.

By getalife

April 7, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

“Clinton Wants Bush To Boycott Olympics”.

Now that is leadership!

GFY Pinkos!

By ghost rider

April 7, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Well, Dusty since you asked…I served in places you’ve never heard of such as An Khe, Pleiku, Bong Son as an army aviator with the 229th air assault battalion, 1st cav air mobile from 1965-1966. I continued to serve until 1968. Does that meet with your approval OH PATRIOTIC ONE?

By Dusty

April 7, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

“Dusty…What would you call an individual who doesn’t show up for his flight physical? As GWB did…”

I’d call ghastly ghost a liberal who never got the memo on CBS’ forged documents, or worse yet, deliberately continues to lie just to discredit our President. Sad and typical.

By bedwetting-treehugger

April 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

it’s supposed to be a cut down to be called a liberal. but after watching everything that has gone on these last 8 years by so-called patriotic conservatives, the biggest compliment and assurance of your patriotism is to be called a liberal ‘cause conservatives aren’t helping this country any. anybody that doesn’t fall in line immediately with the bs propaganda we’ve been fed over these last few years is called a liberal. ‘a patriot is someone who loves their country, but rebukes and does not excuse it’s sins’ Frederick Douglas

By commonsense

April 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Here’s your patriotism folks: European giant EADS was picked over Boeing to build aerial refueling tankers. This outsourcing of our national security is just the latest action by President Bush. Even Marine One — the president’s helicopter — was outsourced by the Bush administration to a British-Italian conglomerate and its Italian parent company. 1 percent of military work was outsourced during the Gulf War. Now, that number is around one-third of military work in Iraq today is contracted. The roughly 140,000 private contractors in Iraq include some 25,000 private security personnel, an unaccountable mercenary force earning two to 10 times what the American soldiers they serve beside make. STICK YOUR LAPEL PIN ON THAT!!!!

By Dusty

April 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Thank you for your service. But what happened to make you turn on your fellow veteran and President? What are you doing NOW besides tearing your President and country down?

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Dear AmVet @ 1:15, thanks, I think. A minor correction, I do not align myself with the people you oppose, they align themselves with me (my ego has no boundaries.) I do see this election as a replay of 1952, the intellectual against the dummy, the pedant vs. the war hero. Of course America today is not the America of 1952. Even with the elimination of measurable racial discrimination, the country today is a meaner place than 56 years ago. Could we today imagine a Tennessee Ernie Ford ending each of his major network television shows with a gospel song? Post-war America was united against the communist menace (even including most democrats); today seemingly a large segment of our culture merely wishes to pretend the America-haters are not out there, or wishfully seeks a Chamberlain who will get the signature on a piece of paper.

What say ye? You are unusually quiet on my hypothesis. Are the democrats running Adlai, and will he win this time?

By TW

April 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

BS Aplenty

Oh, that one. Slowly becoming a big fan of that one. Perhaps you ought take that big pile of chips of your to Vegas and see what they’re saying. I’m sure you’ll find someone out there willing to take you straight up.

On a side note, how come you 9/11 chest thumpers always shrug your shoulders over bin laden not being caught? They caught McVeigh… Just seems like anyone who defines their entire belief system with 9/11 might at least scratch their head now and again over the fact that bin laden has come out smelling like a rose…never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined the US was gonna return his serve right into the net the way that we have. Why does this not bother the right? Why doesn’t the rightwing want bin laden held accountable for what he did to us?

By Paco

April 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I believe the flag should be revered as symbol of our country and I think BO shows nothing but respect for it. But the lapel pin could also be considered a symbol for Bush & Company’s use of patriotism to intimidate opposition to agreeing to the war, not fighting infringments on civil liberties, etc. I think BO’s aversion to wearing the pin is more a comment on the way Bush misused patriotism than a comment on his own.

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Correction before I inflame my leftist friends, when I wrote last I misplaced my modifiers. I should have written, “Post-war America, even including most democrats, was united against the communist menace…” Apologies, it does affect the meaning. While I intended to provoke, the provocation was not supposed to be so harsh.

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

DustBuster - Your country and your Fearless Leader aren’t one and the same, all your repeated prolixic bleatings of such aside.

AFEES is ready when you are, DustBuster. Time to put up or shut up - swear in, or go away.

WHY DO YOU HATE AMERICA, DUSTY?

By ghost rider

April 7, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Dusty..I hate to copy and paste, but this is not 60 minutes. Even Dan Bartlett his chief of staff at the time came out with some outlandish statement that his physician was not at Maxwell air force base to administor the required exam. As any aviator knows…Where there is an airplane and pilots there is a flight surgeon (only flight surgeons are allowed to administor the physical)

National Guard pilots were required to take and pass an annual physical in order to remain in flight status, in the three months prior to a pilot’s birthday (in Bush’s case, July 6).

For reasons that are unclear, Bush apparently chose not to take this mandatory physical examination in mid-1972, thus ending his pilot’s career. He never flew again after April 15, 1972.

As a result of his failure to take his physical, his flight status was suspended by his “cmdr” (commander) on 1 August 1972, confirmed by then-Col Bobby Hodges on 5 September 1972 and confirmed again by a National Guard Bureau order on September 29, 1972,[14] which meant he no longer was authorized to fly as a pilot. The confirmation order also confirmed the suspension of flight status of Major James R. Bath, a long-time friend of Bush.

Following the investigation, the local commander was required to either convene a Flying Evaluation Board to review Bush�s suspension or to forward a detailed report on his case up the chain of command.

Either way, there should have been a record of the investigation. There also should be a signed acknowledgment by George Bush of his suspension order but there is none.

There is no record of a physical being taken in either 1972 or in 1973, the last two years in which Bush attended drills, and was paid as pilot. Although, according to his released military records, Bush never flew again as a National Guard pilot after April 1972, and was suspended from flying on August 1, 1972, he continued to get paid as a pilot, [18] with flight pay for 52 more days, over 18 months, until his discharge.

see source.. http://en.wikipedia.org/…/…rvice_controversyat happened! Wake up.

By Steve

April 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Atlanta for 18 years now, and yes, I was schooled in the college filled/education is a priority center of our country - the northeast.

I ask you knuckledraggers this: after nearly 8 years of GOP nonsense at the Federal level, and 4 years here at the state level, and with EVERYTHING going to hell in a handbasked, how in GOD’S name can you hold onto failed “conservative” ideology and politics???

Are you people really that backwards?

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Several of our leftist friends express a need for a quotation to explain patriotism. I would suggest, without naming the speaker: “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge – and more…”

By Ashton Kutcher

April 7, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Both Steve and ghost rider have been PUNK’D. Dusty hasn’t been here today. It was a believable facsimile, though, huh? Happy to have pulled your chains today.

By ray

April 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

yo, morons. everyone ought know this by now, but for those who don’t- during the late sixties there was a double covert cia operation that netted our best and brightest for highly secret details over seas and in outer space. george w. bush was grabbed in this sweep. his service in the guard was a front for his real duty- double covert, triple secret missions us mere civilians can’t even fathom. those who doubt his service merely fall victim to the sophisticated ruse. it’s called good strategery.

By Marcus

April 7, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Bob Barr…am I the only one who thinks he is “passing”? I swear that there is an African American somewhere in his lineage.

By Markus

April 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah, back when Barr was a federal prosecutor, I thought he was a brother. He’s straightened his hair some since then.

By GayGreyGeek

April 7, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

AK @ 2:04 - No, you’re the one who’s been punk’d. As the DustBuster has proven time and time and time again, she’s nothing but an output-only posting bot with no reading nor comprehension skills whatsoever.

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Dear TW @ 1:52, “…how come you 9/11 chest thumpers always shrug your shoulders over bin laden not being caught? … Just seems like anyone who defines their entire belief system with 9/11 might at least scratch their head now and again over the fact that bin laden has come out smelling like a rose…never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined the US was gonna return his serve right into the net the way that we have. Why does this not bother the right? Why doesn’t the rightwing want bin laden held accountable for what he did to us?” We chest thumpers see it differently than you chicken-livers. You would have created a martyr for his movement; your president chose instead to destroy the movement, and leave its creator scratching his head. More likely the US returned the serve right into his mouth. Otherwise there would have been other attacks everywhere in the world, as in the 1990s.

By James

April 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

It’s not just the fact that Obama does not wear the lapel pin. It’s other things like going to a church 20 years that preaches anti-american sermons, comments made by his wife about loving america for the first time in her adult life since Obama is now running for president. Also Obama’s association with Lewis Farrakhan and his association with the Weather Undergroud guy that declared war on america buy blowing up government buildings. It’s these things added together that makes people question Obama’s love for america.

By jbmlaw

April 7, 2008 2:21 PM |