http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567 The recent flap over Obama's decision to stop wearing an American Flag lapel pin has got me thinking:&nbsp; If the true measure of a person's patriotism is not their concern for their country or their willingness to sacrifice for their country but is instead measured by adornment and jewelry, I'll pin two American flags to my coat. We see all the time the idea that flying a flag, flying a bigger flag or flying a multitude of flags is seen as a symbol of patriotism.&nbsp; Giant flags are becoming the norm at RV and car lots.&nbsp; Banners with flags have been in use for a while.&nbsp; The &quot;arms race&quot; of flags turns some people off, but if it wasn't working, certainly the companies would stop doing it.&nbsp; There are of course some cases where organizations have gone overboard.&nbsp; Anyone remember the American flag trash bags?&nbsp; Clearly, we weren't ready to rename our trash &quot;Freedom Flotsam&quot;. People put American flags everywhere, on shirts, hats and jackets and on their cars.&nbsp; Some people even use them as their avatars in online forums.&nbsp; But does it make people patriotic if they have them?&nbsp; Does it make people unpatriotic not to?&nbsp; Imagine if a metal American flag emblem became a standard feature on new cars.&nbsp; If there were no cost difference, would you choose to have one?&nbsp; How would you feel about people who decided not to have one? Obama is taking a big risk here, but one I think may pay off for him.&nbsp; We've gotten tired of the American flag being used as a bludgeon against the people and people feeling like they can't oppose an idea simply because someone has wrapped it in a flag.&nbsp; This is not a new phenomenon, but it has been amplified since 9/11.&nbsp; It's time that we restored the flag to its proper place as the symbol of our country and not a crass marketing symbol for shoddy ideas. Patriotism isn't about symbolic gestures and a person's patriotism shouldn't be measured through their compliance with a song and dance routine.&nbsp; It's about your allegiance to American ideals.&nbsp; If we prove to be a nation that can't see the cake for the frosting, the substance past the style, we'll end up with campaigns as Potemkin villages and no metric by which to discern who really stands for what, if they stand for anything at all. The recent flap over Obama's decision to stop wearing an American Flag lapel pin has got me thinking:&nbsp; If the true measure of a person's patriotism is not their concern for their country or their willingness to sacrifice for their country but is instead measured by adornment and jewelry, I'll pin two American flags to my coat. We see all the time the idea that flying a flag, flying a bigger flag or flying a multitude of flags is seen as a symbol of patriotism.&nbsp; Giant flags are becoming the norm at RV and car lots.&nbsp; Banners with flags have been in use for a while.&nbsp; The &quot;arms race&quot; of flags turns some people off, but if it wasn't working, certainly the companies would stop doing it.&nbsp; There are of course some cases where organizations have gone overboard.&nbsp; Anyone remember the American flag trash bags?&nbsp; Clearly, we weren't ready to rename our trash &quot;Freedom Flotsam&quot;. People put American flags everywhere, on shirts, hats and jackets and on their cars.&nbsp; Some people even use them as their avatars in online forums.&nbsp; But does it make people patriotic if they have them?&nbsp; Does it make people unpatriotic not to?&nbsp; Imagine if a metal American flag emblem became a standard feature on new cars.&nbsp; If there were no cost difference, would you choose to have one?&nbsp; How would you feel about people who decided not to have one? Obama is taking a big risk here, but one I think may pay off for him.&nbsp; We've gotten tired of the American flag being used as a bludgeon against the people and people feeling like they can't oppose an idea simply because someone has wrapped it in a flag.&nbsp; This is not a new phenomenon, but it has been amplified since 9/11.&nbsp; It's time that we restored the flag to its proper place as the symbol of our country and not a crass marketing symbol for shoddy ideas. Patriotism isn't about symbolic gestures and a person's patriotism shouldn't be measured through their compliance with a song and dance routine.&nbsp; It's about your allegiance to American ideals.&nbsp; If we prove to be a nation that can't see the cake for the frosting, the substance past the style, we'll end up with campaigns as Potemkin villages and no metric by which to discern who really stands for what, if they stand for anything at all. en-us <p>Maybe I will be offended he is not wearing a breast cancer awareness pin!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(jk)</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147179 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147179 <p>Maybe I will be offended he is not wearing a breast cancer awareness pin!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(jk)</p> <p>Good point about cancer awareness.&nbsp; Obviously we need symbols for multiple reasons.&nbsp; They are important to our way of life.&nbsp; </p> <p>Yes, symbols can become cliches, and they can be abused by political opportunists.&nbsp; But why let the political opportunists ruin it for the rest of us?&nbsp; If somebody generally feels proud of his/her country and if wearing the flag is that person's&nbsp;way of expressing their pride, then they should display their sentiments in any way that is not offensive.&nbsp; </p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147205 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147205 <p>Good point about cancer awareness.&nbsp; Obviously we need symbols for multiple reasons.&nbsp; They are important to our way of life.&nbsp; </p> <p>Yes, symbols can become cliches, and they can be abused by political opportunists.&nbsp; But why let the political opportunists ruin it for the rest of us?&nbsp; If somebody generally feels proud of his/her country and if wearing the flag is that person's&nbsp;way of expressing their pride, then they should display their sentiments in any way that is not offensive.&nbsp; </p> I think the problem, BLT, is that the lapel pin has become an empty gesture.&nbsp; We certainly need to have a national conversation about our symbols and what they mean.&nbsp; We also need to stop using them as weapons. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147211 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147211 I think the problem, BLT, is that the lapel pin has become an empty gesture.&nbsp; We certainly need to have a national conversation about our symbols and what they mean.&nbsp; We also need to stop using them as weapons. Good one, Tina.&nbsp; It would be funny if the candidates ended up having to cover their jackets with &quot;flair&quot; to avoid offending any group. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147213 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147213 Good one, Tina.&nbsp; It would be funny if the candidates ended up having to cover their jackets with &quot;flair&quot; to avoid offending any group. <p>We need to stop *FOCUSING* on the symbols instead of the reality behind them.&nbsp; </p> <p>.</p> <p>If no one is allowed not to wear a flag pin, then the symbol is worthless.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147214 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147214 <p>We need to stop *FOCUSING* on the symbols instead of the reality behind them.&nbsp; </p> <p>.</p> <p>If no one is allowed not to wear a flag pin, then the symbol is worthless.</p> RF, the problem is that the flag pin doesn't really represent patriotism anymore.&nbsp; It represents submission to the status quo.&nbsp; I think that is the real reason why Obama has decided to stop wearing it. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147219 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147219 RF, the problem is that the flag pin doesn't really represent patriotism anymore.&nbsp; It represents submission to the status quo.&nbsp; I think that is the real reason why Obama has decided to stop wearing it. <p>but why random....it so more important to see the symbol rather than the reality behind them &lt;EG&gt;</p> <p>Our condo building discuss if we would fly the American flag from our building. While we all like the idea realized that it may signal political view we all dont agree and decided not to allow any time of flag to be flown from the building nor for any political advert to be place on the property such as vote for TBD.</p> <p>I do have to say it really irks me to see people flying tattered dirty flags on their cars or from there homes. I believe out of respect for the flag if you going to fly it then fly it right.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147220 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147220 <p>but why random....it so more important to see the symbol rather than the reality behind them &lt;EG&gt;</p> <p>Our condo building discuss if we would fly the American flag from our building. While we all like the idea realized that it may signal political view we all dont agree and decided not to allow any time of flag to be flown from the building nor for any political advert to be place on the property such as vote for TBD.</p> <p>I do have to say it really irks me to see people flying tattered dirty flags on their cars or from there homes. I believe out of respect for the flag if you going to fly it then fly it right.</p> Because it's become mandatory.&nbsp; I don't applaud Obama for no longer wearing it--if in fact he has.&nbsp; I condemn those who think it's a big deal that he's done so.&nbsp; If in fact he has. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147221 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147221 Because it's become mandatory.&nbsp; I don't applaud Obama for no longer wearing it--if in fact he has.&nbsp; I condemn those who think it's a big deal that he's done so.&nbsp; If in fact he has. I agree SF.&nbsp; About a year after 9/11, I went around and took pictures of all the tattered flags that were hanging.&nbsp; The one that made me the most upset was the one hanging off the SF Chronicle Building.&nbsp; I took pictures of it and emailed it to them for a story idea.<br /> <br /> They replaced their own flag the next day and a week later ran a story on all the tattered flags. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147223 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147223 I agree SF.&nbsp; About a year after 9/11, I went around and took pictures of all the tattered flags that were hanging.&nbsp; The one that made me the most upset was the one hanging off the SF Chronicle Building.&nbsp; I took pictures of it and emailed it to them for a story idea.<br /> <br /> They replaced their own flag the next day and a week later ran a story on all the tattered flags. I remember a comment made shortly after 9/11 that the flags being ripped to shreds by flying on car antennas and subsequently landing in the gutters were intended only for short-term use during parades...jut like the empty, easy&nbsp;patriotism which put them there. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147225 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147225 I remember a comment made shortly after 9/11 that the flags being ripped to shreds by flying on car antennas and subsequently landing in the gutters were intended only for short-term use during parades...jut like the empty, easy&nbsp;patriotism which put them there. <p>I have never worn my love of country pin to my shirt or flying from my car or home, nor did I wear a Red ribbion, Pink ribbion for the 2 causes which I support. I try to show through my daily actions my pride or views.</p> <p>Also, just love that fact about the SF Chron. of course they did that, what else did you expect them to do :p. TO bad you could have publish their own flag from the week prior.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147226 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147226 <p>I have never worn my love of country pin to my shirt or flying from my car or home, nor did I wear a Red ribbion, Pink ribbion for the 2 causes which I support. I try to show through my daily actions my pride or views.</p> <p>Also, just love that fact about the SF Chron. of course they did that, what else did you expect them to do :p. TO bad you could have publish their own flag from the week prior.</p> At least buying wristbands gives money <u>directly</u> to the cause they represent....<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://campusbicycle.com/images/library/large/laf_livestrong_wb_04_m.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <img height="157" width="350" alt="" src="http://comedycentral-content.vcommerce.com/products/fullsize/271/21567271.jpg" /><br /> <br /> Who gets the money from lapel flags? An American middle-man (maybe), and the Chinese company that made them? http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147229 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147229 At least buying wristbands gives money <u>directly</u> to the cause they represent....<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://campusbicycle.com/images/library/large/laf_livestrong_wb_04_m.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <img height="157" width="350" alt="" src="http://comedycentral-content.vcommerce.com/products/fullsize/271/21567271.jpg" /><br /> <br /> Who gets the money from lapel flags? An American middle-man (maybe), and the Chinese company that made them? <font size="2">If just looking at something~be it&nbsp; a picture of a plane flying into a building,a flag lapel pin&nbsp;or a nicely dressed person~ could tell you about that thing..we all be in happy marriages,have no fear of terrorists and know what lurks in&nbsp;the heart of any human.</font> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147234 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147234 <font size="2">If just looking at something~be it&nbsp; a picture of a plane flying into a building,a flag lapel pin&nbsp;or a nicely dressed person~ could tell you about that thing..we all be in happy marriages,have no fear of terrorists and know what lurks in&nbsp;the heart of any human.</font> I'll continue to wear mine..have been for YEARS before 9/11---thats just the kind of guy that I am..I also wear the 3rd Mar.Div.--1st Mar.Div.--3rd Mar.Airwing pins also--thats my &quot;Bling-Bling&quot; http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147277 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147277 I'll continue to wear mine..have been for YEARS before 9/11---thats just the kind of guy that I am..I also wear the 3rd Mar.Div.--1st Mar.Div.--3rd Mar.Airwing pins also--thats my &quot;Bling-Bling&quot; <p>I don't wear a suit much, but when I used to I had a flag on one side and another small &quot;minitiarized military ribbon&quot; on the other.</p> <p>I've got more LA wristbands than I care to mention but I don't like wearing them. Of all people I know I should.</p> <p>Wear your bling with pride Ling.&nbsp;You earned it!</p> <p>Obama's problem with his &quot;bling&quot; BTW was starting out to wear it then choosing not to. The press makes &quot;hay&quot; out of everything nowdays.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147280 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147280 <p>I don't wear a suit much, but when I used to I had a flag on one side and another small &quot;minitiarized military ribbon&quot; on the other.</p> <p>I've got more LA wristbands than I care to mention but I don't like wearing them. Of all people I know I should.</p> <p>Wear your bling with pride Ling.&nbsp;You earned it!</p> <p>Obama's problem with his &quot;bling&quot; BTW was starting out to wear it then choosing not to. The press makes &quot;hay&quot; out of everything nowdays.</p> It should be up to the individual.&nbsp; What's a meaningless cliche to one person may be very meaningful to another.&nbsp; Once again, are you going to let those who abuse the symbol, cheapen it, or get all politically opportunistic about it alter your behavior one way or another?&nbsp; &nbsp; http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147283 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/TomW/15567/#c_147283 It should be up to the individual.&nbsp; What's a meaningless cliche to one person may be very meaningful to another.&nbsp; Once again, are you going to let those who abuse the symbol, cheapen it, or get all politically opportunistic about it alter your behavior one way or another?&nbsp; &nbsp;