CNN

two things... I'd like to know if what I heard about obama not participating in the pledge of legence and about him swearing in on the Kuran is true or propaganda. I could be wrong, but I believe that between gender, race and the old school values of the older "voting" crowd..that neither Obama or Clinton can be elected. Right or wrong, it only happens in the movies. I don't really know if I am a democrat or republican and I am currenty undecided, but do believe that democrats need to focus on reality and put somebody in that can compete.

Hey Larry Craig, Duke Cunningham, and Tom Delay all wear the American Flag and they all have been indicted!

The average American that has seen this on TV for 2 seconds, already think it is a stupid topic. No one is falling for a ridiculous attack. It has quit the opposite effect by looking like it is attacking Obama and therefore has gotten him sympathy. Especially when the other Candidates agreed with him that Patriotism is what you do and not whether one wears a Made in China pin. CNN
you’re seen as attacking the underdog and America hates that. Ironically CNN has made him the underdog by touting Hillary as the inevitable front-runner. Good thing Obama has the money to combat future dumb attacks. If CNN keeps reporting this, Obama should put out an AD with him taking off a flag pin flip it over and it reads Made in China, Then look into the camera and ask Now is this a symbol of Patriotism and not my time as Community Organizer, State Senator US Senator etc..

shawn,
I really hope you are joking.

Obama is right to distance himself from the lapel pin. It's become more than a bit Orwellian. Wearing the pin doesn't show love for America; it shows a willingness to exploit 9/11 for political purposes, and it symbolizes a dangerously un-American "9/11 changed everything" mentality. The pin, like the equally vapid "support our troops," really means "shut your mouth."

there has to be a reason,he took that pin off ,embracing for islam ya never know

I disagree that this "lapel pin story" is not an important topic based on the vast amount of comments on both sides of the issue. There seem to be many people out there who do not know that a pin on your lapel does not make you a patriot nor is it even a "minimum requirement" to that end. People should know this, or they will be easily fooled by hucksters and make bad decisions at the poles like we saw on 2000 and 2004. In fact, a symbol can be turned to mean just the opposite of what it used to mean based on the actions of those who wear/use it. People who think that a flag pin is minimum requirement to being a patriot are the ones that defile its meaning in this case and that is why Obama does not wear the pin in my estimation.

But, you flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven anymore.
They’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war
Now Jesus don’t like Killin’
No matter what the reasons for.
And your flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore. J. Prine

As a member of the military, I was sent overseas after September 11. I am proud to have served my country. I don't have a flag pin on my lapel. This whole nonsenseical story reminds me of the time I was at military leadership school.

My commanding officer, in one particular session, told us something similar to what Obama is saying. He said that what you do is how you lead, not just telling people what to do or what they wanna hear. It is not what you have done before that makes you a good leader, it is what you continue to do and what you will do. Be proud of your accomplishments, but don't dwell on the past–look for new things to accomplish. At that, he took his awards and certificates and burned them, then asked us if he had no longer done anything because he had nothing to display.

To those of you who have posted any comments saying that because of a pin, Mr. Obama is naive and inexperienced, you insult my intelligence and yours. If that pin was truly the mark of an intelligent, partriotic leader, I must ask George W. Bush to remove his. If this truly was a symbol of such, maybe they should be wearing a pin of the Declaration of Independance or the Constitution.

The flag is nothing but a piece of cloth. It is a symbol, to be sure, of our graet nation. But our nation has lost its way and the flag has lost much if its meaning. It has become very comercialized. Give Barack credit for recognizing this and saying let's move away from the crowd and on to new things. Removing a lapel pin does not reduce what someone stands for. It does not undermine their experience. If anything, Mr. Obama, if you put his actions with his words, doesn't want to be a fake who is all talk and no action. He wants to lead America by leading through action. We shouldn't be electing someone based on experience. In fact I beleive that unless a person has already been president they aren't qualified. We should be electing someone who is able to make good, level-headed judgements. Please, people, be smart and do your homework. What you view as naievity or inexperience, can be, in fact, real leadership–new ideas and ways of thinking. Because what has been done before hasn't worked. Why follow the same failed politics and policies?

CNN...I as an everyday viewer, I am disapionted. A claim as "the most trusted name in news," makes me think twice after seeing this reported as relevant news knowing full well many people will base their decision on this. To see a respected repoter claim the the national polls show Clinton at 50+% and suggest that this year is going to be like a 'national primary?' Shame. Unbiased facts is all you should be reporting.

This is ALWAYS what we do in this country. We argue over stupid, whimsical, dumbed down non-issues. If you get laid off from your job, is Obama's decision whether to wear a flag lapel pin or not going to help you find a job? Will is help you pay your child's college tuition? Will it help you stay on time with your mortgage payments? NO! It's a non-issue.

Mr. Obama,

This is a great country, already! Removing your American flag pin, consciously, is but an insult to many of us. Attention, you're getting, support from many of us, you won't.

Uh, who cares? You know, one day last week my socks didn't match either.

OKay No Pin FLAG.....that will get some more $$$$$$'s from the MoveOn Buddies.
Then in All your Ads and on the Stages when your giving a speech.... DON'T HAVE THE AMERICAN FLAG AS BIG AS A HOUSE behind you. If your sincere this should be done too. Let's see if you do!

Your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore.

Hey, I am a REAL patriot. Honest. In fact, I think we should ask congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment that would require, All public officials, ALL candidates, and EACH and EVERY American Citizen to buy and wear a U.S.Flag Pin every day. In this way , we can immediatly see who is, and who is NOT, a real American patriot.
We are all proud of our country, it is our symbol, the more we see it on everybody's clothing, the more patriotic we will feel. By doing so , we can quickly bring an end to the Iraq War, balance our budget, solve the immigration problem, finally bring a swift end to global warming, and get the republicans and the democrats to work together and take care of the rest of America's problems...Yep, this will take care of everything. At the same time we can "weed-out" all those unpatriotic 'disloyal' folks, who call themselves Americans (how disgusting), and ship them back to wherever their great grandparents came from. After all, we need to know if you are one of us, the flag-waving, God-loving, Flag-Pin wearing Americans, or one of THEM.

Well, shall we start a petition drive, or should we call all of our congressmen at 9 a.m., making sure that they are wearing THEIR flag-pin, and then tell them to start drafting that most critical, patriotic, Constitutional Amendment. Boy,..I feel better already.

Do people seriously even notice when a candidate is or is not wearing a pin? And do the American people really pin their hopes to a man's lapel because there happens to be a flag there? I think not, and had he not mentioned, no one would have even noticed that Mr. Obama was not wearing the pin. However, his point is valid in that there are people who consider visual representations of their patriotism to be enough–will the troops overseas fighting for our families and lives be brought home more quickly because he wears a pin, or because he votes against political measures that keep them there for 22 months at a time? I say, forget the pin either way, and focus on more substantial issues.

Obama said, "I decided I won't wear that (american flag) pin on my chest.”

That is a very drastic and damaging statement for a guy who wants to be the next american president. I can support Hillary's position of "wearing it from time to time."

This shows Obama's INEXPERIENCE AND NAVIETY as a politician and presidential candidate. He is simply not a seasoned politician, and may fumble if nominated, and may bring embarassment to the country if elected.

Obama, now you know why you are down in polls, and falling.

Don’t you know that you have to wear a flag pin to prove that you are not a “Phony American”?

Today's big stories on the CNN Ticker:

1. Barack Obama believes actions speak louder than flag pins on your lapel.

2. Barack Obama misused an adverb.

Quite a testament to how little there is to criticize.

Sana is writing about Islam. Does she know that Osama's latest tape was saying that all Americans should embrace Islam. By the way are you fasting these days? Obama does not desrve to be our president. Period.

Hey Dan from TX. Great comment. I would LOVE to know where you get your information?? Must be from moveon.org. What a typical response from an uneducated bonehead than to just make up an absolutely ludicrous statement and present it as fact. Wether Obama wears a flag pin or not does not matter a hoot. What does was HIS decision to MAKE it an issue by going into a political statement of why he does not wear one. The media did not invent this story, he put it out there in an effort to pander votes from the far left. Lord knows what a bunch of socialists they have become. Drink your coolaide, I am sure you are right that the millitary donates more to that commie than to ANY other candidate.

I certainly don't blame him for not wearing his flag pin. I stopped wearing one too after I turned it over and their in little tiny writing it said made in China. Now to me that isn't very patriotic. I'll fly the American flag anyday. If I were George Bush I would take mine off to.

I dissagree! he knows it will be looked at in the media, making a point to not wear the flag tells the world he isnt proud of his country? Certinally not good for someone running for President, he unfortunately is just too too inexperienced appearing to the world be a leader of such a great country.

CLINTON/EDWARDS would be a great ticket.

forget any of the ole republicians running....None stand a chance...either too old, or an airhead like Guiliani...

After watching all the debates, Dem & Rep, my firm decision is CLINTON, she is by far the best candiate for President. I wish we could vote Bush out NOW!

VOTE FOR HILLARY

oh the hypocrisy! keep waving those made in communist china flags and ribbons america!!!!

U.S. Flag Code (36 USC 10) section 8:

(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.

(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

Funny that Barack Obama has more donations from MILITARY personnel than ANY other candidate Democrat OR Republican.

Think about it. The military doesn't need more flag wavers, it needs people who really care about America's role in the world.

Brian H:
That was quite the tear-jerker! New Jersey never sounded so pleasant...Mom and apple pie,Dad and the Norman Rockwell setting...the whole bit...then WHAM! the true liberal get his Bush Smackdown on! Amazing how you can twist a story about Obama and a lapel pin (or lack thereof) into the usual Bush-bashing rhetoric. I'm sure I'm not alone in "longing for the days" when liberals will just shut-up! I hope your WOman does get elected because those of us who have had to endure 8 years of Republican bashing can sit back and watch you all eat your own!

Hey Lance in Monrovia:
Very touching story...I'm teary-eyed...
So I guess we should all be tired of looking at the flags that are proudly displayed DAILY at the US Capitol; every state capital; all county, city, state, and federal buildings; schools; universities, military installations, and so on....it doesn't mean anything because they're displayed every day! It doesn't mean anything if we DON"T display it! Ever heard the old phrase "out of sight, out of mind?" If people don't see our symbols of freedom, they don't relate to those symbols and that's when they don't mean anything! Why is it that when Americans are proud of their country and everything it stands for and are not ashamed to make that pride known, they are labeled as "right-wing nutjobs?" We don't demean the symbolism of our flag by flying it high every day and getting irate when people from other countries disrepect it, which is done in pure hatred and jealousy of all Americans. Those people do it to hurt us because they know how proud we are and how much that flag means to us. We're the greatest country that this earth has ever seen. If it weren't for the advances that have come out of this country and its citizens, the world would still be living without any of the conveniences most have all enjoyed for the last 100+ years. You, your grandmother, and your good buddy Barack should never be embarrassed to show your pride and respect for that by displaying your flag or other symbols of American pride EVERY DAY. But, sadly, you won't and neither will he....I doubt either of you get it.

I agree with Barak, and I believe the majority of posters. There's no reason he should wear a symbol of the flag – it's just a meaningless scrap.

This is non issue...move onto more important things.

My husband and I have flown the American Flag ever since we bought our house complete with a flag pole in the front yard. My husband was a boy scout and scout leader for years, he knows his flag etiquette, once stopping on our main street in town to pick up a flag that had fallen from it's display on Memorial Day weekend. We fly our flag year round, when it becomes tattered we replace it and bring the old one to the V.F.W. for proper disposal. Below our flag flies a service flag for our son who served in Iraq for a year and a half, although he is home, when I pull into my driveway and look up it, it instills a sense of pride in me for all our great men and women who serve and are forever in our thoughts, it will not come down until they are all home. So much for the mundane symbol that some people seem to think it is. Maybe they need to look up the definition of patriotism, or better yet look into their own hearts.

How about the guy is running for president! Is that not patriotic enough???

I no longer fly the flag. I avoid "flag" postage stamps. I still stand straight and uncover when a parade color guard passes.

I'm so sick of the chickenhawk neo-cons who wrapthemselves in the flag but either never served or went AWOL when service wasn't convenient. I don't want to be mistaken for one of those pukes. I served my country.

I will put up a brand new flag on Jan 20th, 2009, assuming there is an inaugeration and not a coronation.

It is truly amazing
that none of you see what is really going on. This blindness of our
populous is really the problem with America. You actually believe
that one of these candidates is different from another and that the
two parties stand for different principles. Don't you see that the
same people have been in power for decades and the changing of
control in congress from one party to another is mere theatrics. If
Hillary is elected, either a Clinton or a Bush will have been in the
presidency for a minimum of 20 years!
Many
senators started back in the 1970's and keep getting re-elected. If
you want our country back YOU
have to stop putting the same people in power, remove the career
politicians, introduce term limits on senators and sponsor true
statesmen. Otherwise, the agenda of the status quo will continue as
it has for the past 75 years. Learn your history people and stop
repeating your mistakes...I beg this of you. Oh, and don't forget to
wear your flag pin!

I support people who do not wrap themselves in the flag. I'm sick and tired of conservatives' "terrorism" and "patriotism" sloganeering. Get over it. Bravo to Obama!!!!!!!!

THIS TOPIC IS THE BIGGEST WASTE OF TIME. If not wearing a pin is a symbol of an unpatrotic American blah blah blah, then I sure hope there are more that 303 million people in this country wearing pins right now. People, we all love our country, our troops, our freedoms, our flag etc., so get over your misguided patriotism. If you think Barak should be wearing a pin, then I hope you are wearing one as well. Were you wearing the pin pre-9/11? Was Bush, Cheney, etc? Nope. And if you think wearing the pin is important, then you have probably let yourself be misguided about all the ridiculous things that are happening these days. Again, such a dumb topic.

Shame on Obama. Taking the pin OFF after having worn it IS the statment. Would be different had he NEVER put it on. His statment will hurt him no matter what the rationalization he or anybody else come up with. This will be good for Queen Hillary and eventually good for the Republicans.

Why is this newsworthy?

It's completely irresponsible to be talking about lapel pins when there are real issues at stake. Stop fiddling while Rome is burning and talk about something that actually affects people.

Thank you Mr. Obama. I consider myself as much a patriot as any other ( 22 years military service ), but I refuse to participate with psuedo patriotic events/practices.
I am also a sports fan and I refuse to stand and sing when God Bless America is played at the ball park. I proudly stand and sing the National Anthem though.
As Mr Obama, I don't believe I have to 'show my patriotism' to others. It smacks of forced behavior, similar to the Nazi's, Communists or any other despotic regime.
America is better than that. And Yes, I realize we are at war.

This is the most ridiculous fluff reporting I've seen. But these are the same folks who gave us 24/7 breaking news coverage of Paris going to jail. It's all distraction folks.. focus on the small stuff and ignore the men behind the curtain (who own CNN)...

Well he's aligned with Hillary and what she says goes. I wasn't going to vote for him anyway once I saw they may be running together. I like Obama, it's too bad. If only the Democrats had a quality candidate to get behind, maybe I should not assume quality is a prerequisite.

One should wear the pin if you feel like doing so and as long as one's motives are honest and honorable.

Mr. Obama's statement "...I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great." In my opinion sends out the wrong message at home and abroad. This is a great nation and Mr. Obama should feel proud and privileged to be exercising his rights and enjoy the freedoms our great nation is providing him and everyone else.

God Bless America!

What a waste of time this story is.

I don't know who to vote for....idiots who make big deals out of little ones or free spenders who like to share my income with illegals & non-workers...

I hang my flag everyday, and I am thankful for everyday that I can. I think it represents all the great things this country has to offer and all those things that one day will be great because we keep working towards making it better.

Only one of the presidential candidates on either side wears a flag pin, and yet the media chooses to focus the story on Obama. Could it be that there's a vast left-wing conspiracy too? You know, the one that has been working overtime since he declared in February to trivialize him.

People complain that they don't know enough about Obama to support him. Well, maybe it's because every time he gives a major policy speech, it either barely gets mentioned or it's buried on page A-26. But whenever he changes his wardrobe or makes the cover of GQ or whenever the Crush on Obama Girl makes a new Youtube video, it's front page news.

Wearing or not wearing the flag pin is probably not what has made this news. However, a conscious decision not to wear the pin? If Obama is one of the many people that live in this country and are ashamed of it, maybe he should move to another country (The best country in the world despite its flaws) he should leave. As an American, he has that freedom.

Sincerely,

Someone who didn't have the privilege of being born here.

'Obama needs to be reminded "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE."'
Are you sure about that? What does a war against people that weren't fighting us have to do with OUR freedom? Freedom isn't free, though. We will have to fight to get it back from W and Cheney.

I wear the flag pin everyday on my leather jacket and to make sure i dont lose it i have fixed it in the usual way and then super glued it as well.
This is to ensure that i never lose it.
Here is the punch line, i am british, born and bred in London U.K. age now 71 years.
I wear it with pride because i believe in the United States of America.
Keep up the fight against terrorism.
So Obama, show some respect for your country.
From a true Brit.

What: And he wants to be president–I think not,{no way, no how!!}

ALWAYS displaying your flag, whether in the form of a pin or anything else, simply shows how you feel about America. It should never be based on what others think about the flag, or how others use it. Obama is a lousy politician without any experience. Atleast he could of lied and said he had an even bigger pin being made and he was simply waiting for it. Does Obama even care?

Oh and what's with the ridiculous posts by Brian H. Highland Park, NJ and Lance in Monrovia CA? If you can't get to the point in a few sentences then you just aren't going to get there... unnecessary fluff intended to rouse sentiment? Coordinate much?

I don't think Barack got the memo. Fifteen pieces of flair is the minimum.

Wearing a pin won't bring the soldiers home any more than a pink ribbon will cure breast cancer.

Rent the movie "Office Space" if you don't get the flair reference.

Matthew, I'm a Muslim and I'm a patriotic American too, and I LOVE wearing jewelry. But wearing a tacky looking made-in-taiwan pin doesn't make anyone more or less patriotic. If it goes with my clothes (say, a casual tee and jeans), I'll wear it, if it doesn't (say, on a formal ballgown – yeah, Muslims can wear those too – surprise surprise), I won't. IT'S WHAT YOUR HEART FEELS IS HOW YOU ARE. btw, if you check into any muslim literature instead of talking your mouth off, you will see that jewelery is allowed for men, women and kids in Islam. Except for men and boys it's preferred they wear silver not gold, because it's too ostentatious. But all ages of girls and women can wear however much they want in all fashions. AND it's preferred that Muslims wear real jewelry – like silver gold precious stones etc – than costume jewelry made with steel and iron and brass, because that is the jewelry people will be wearing in Hell (probably more conducive to heat). Thats why God – yeah, Allah – gave us precious metals and stones in the first place – for jewelry and other uses to help man AND womankind! It's called logic – which also is a big part of Islam. BTW, Barack Obama has never said he's Muslim, just because his father was, why do you assume he himself is? Another excuse to label a "black" man (who incidentally also doesn't call himself black – though he is really half of both races, isn't he?) trying to do some good? Let's see if CNN publishes this!

About the lapel pin I don't think it is an issue since they
are mostly made in CHINA so it isn't a true american
flag it's just a pin that looks like a flag just like a window decal.

To the one who said Health Care was denied to millions of children by Mr. Bush, I would like to know the contents of the bill. Have you read the document? Do you know specifically why one should vote for or against it? Just curious.

This is how a corrupt media makes news. Its hurting your candidate this time Obama supporters. But you cheer the same bias against others.
Together we can unmask this paper media dragon as the bias instigators they are and bring back the unbiased mediators we deserve..

This is an absurd controversy. Obama said something very reasonable, but look for the GOP to run away with it. What's next, a House resolution?More analysis at CampaignDiaries.com

Fairandbalacedrepoter,

The country has plenty on Bush already. I wish the only thing we would have to be concerned about GWB would be wether or not he wore a lapel pin. This actually has been good for Bush in that it had diverted attention away from the millions of children he just denied health care to.

Every citizen should be required to wear one. Anyone found without it, should be arrested!!

Mr. Richardson hit the nail on the head.

"..... I wear it. But patriotism is about what you do, not what you say."

Maybe it is time for all politicians to get on this bandwagon.

Well, I guess if he will not proudly wear our flag I will continue not to consider him as a serious Presidential candidate. But I'd like to hear his reason for not wearing it. Thanks Obama for taking yourself out of the race.....

I've been a Democrat for years BUT as this election year gets closer one thing I've certainly noticed is that the Democrats have a list a mile long of things they want the Americans to pay for with their taxes. I'm frankly tired of our taxes forever increasing to due politicians "ideas" being charged to us, the citizens!! The next time you hear Clinton or Obama or whoever, Democrat or Republican, tell you they want health care, etc. you have to ask yourself just how much can you afford?? Their promises will be paid for with our tax dollars!!

I am SO glad to see someone reject the symbol in favor of the real thing. For too long our country has been "led" by someone who has the symbol and zero substance. Thank goodness someone is willing to bring some measure of reality back to politics!! I am so hoping this is a trend.

So much better than wearing a pin and, say, vetoing a bill that the majority of your constituents were in favor of. How about truly doing your best for the American people instead?

HILLARY CLINTON SAYS,

"Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, said she didn't know if it was a "serious issue" that Obama didn't wear a pin..."

Hillary doesn't know if it's a serious issue because the polling numbers on the issue haven't been gathered just yet. She WILL have an opinion soon...

Hillary DOES, however, feel the US government should pay for every American to have a flag pin!

Universal Healthcare, Baby Bonds, Amnesty for Illegals, Tax-payer funded pet science projects, and FLAG PINS for all.

Then, what flag or flags does he prefer to wear? I guess for someone that has never and will never serve the flag doesn't mean anything. I am in the armed forces. How about we remove the flags from our uniform to show the respects for our fallen men and women. To Mr. Obama, I'll fight for your freedom, but will never vote for you.

Scrolling through the pictures on Political Ticker – many politicians aren't wearing the flag pin – including fred thompson, tancredo,huckabee, James Dobson, etc.

But guess who is??? Larry "wide stance" Craig

Who and who isn't wearing this pin is a meaningless, pointless argument

Whis is this news? What does it matter? Why is the media offering this as a legitimate news story? A lapel pin? Really, folks!! Aren't there more important things for us to focus on?!

This muslim is dispicable! This is a prime example of double standards! If President Bush stopped wearing the Flag pin, all of the dumb liberals on CNN would call for an impeachment! But, because this idiot is a liberal and black, we say it's no big deal! Give me a break!

This is a non-issue. Only one candidate ALWAYS wears the pin and that is Guiliani. I actually question Guiliani more for always wearing the pin. What else has he done but be mayor and help during 9/11.

A stupid issue for stupid people. Right up cnn's alley.

The Official "Who Cares?" news of the day....

Patriotism is not defined by wearing a pin made in China. That is a carry-over from 09/11 that is doing nothing but bragging. Bush has done more harm to this country and I notice he wears his pin.

I feel embarrassed that there are Americans that imbue a tiny symbol with so much importance. I guess it is difficult for sheep to focus on something more substantive, like deeds.

"…I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great." —
Is Osama, I mean Obama saying that this country is not already great, and is that why he decides not to wear the flag? Furthermore, once HE has made our country great will he then wear the flag? I think wearing the flag is the most visible way for one to show pride in their country, and I for one would not support a man who refuses to do the simpliest of gestures.
-------------
This is the most ridiculous staement i have ever heard from the right wing nuckle head. Fear mongering idiot

FYI, his name is Obama.

I am not going to wear the damn pin until we restore America to his sense of fortrightness. No more right wing division, CClinton Lies and so on

It's one thing to not wear a flag pin, (an act that doesn't mean much of anything at all), it's a completely different matter to make an issue out of it, and advertizing issue. There is no reason that he could not wear the pin and make changes at the sime time. There must be some other reason behind it.

Not wearing the pin is a sign of tantrums from Obama because Hillary is ahead in the polls. Am not for Hillary anyway. But it shows that Obama is throwing tatrums because with all the money he raised, he is still far behind Hillary. He is like saying, " am done with this country" But who cares.

Why is this even an issue. Choosing not to wear a flag pin should not be the determining factor on how patriotic he is. Think about it, the guy is runing for President. I think that is patriotic enough.

The next step for politicians will be U.S. Flag tattoos... on their foreheads. The flag pin issue with Mr. Obama is absolutely ridiculous as it is not a measure of one's patriotism, but rather a mere "fashion" decision. Let's allow that old adage to take precedence: "Actions speak louder than words" (or flag pins in this case).

I am an Obama supporter and I appreciate that the other candidates aren't trying to make a political issue out of something that shouldn't be.

Like they've all said, patriotism is about action and Obama shows (and has been showing for years) how much he loves this country and cares about its citizens.

I think that CNN readers (regardless of whom they support) should take note and stop all this mudslinging. It seems as though people are so eager to see the person they support as the next president that they don't consider what effect this might all have in the general election. And more importantly, that the candidates are all just people deserving of respect. Some of the things people write are absolutely atrocious.

this gesture will cost him a realistic shot at the nomination....millions of americans of all political perspectives will be alienated.....is this a subconcious attempt to self destruct??? does he really want to be president???

The days of Nationalism and provincialisms are over. Being a good person is more important than being a good American. Obama is showing he's a humanitarian and an internationalist.

Although something as foolish as a pin, which is probably made in China, is in my opinion, not even an issue or a newsworthy story, I am happy to see that other candidates apparently feel the same way. Patriotism is about doing; it is not about clothing or fashion accessories. If you want to wear a pin, wear a pin; if you don't want to wear a pin, don't wear a pin. I will support the candidate of my choice, regardless of whether he or she wears a flag pin.

A PIN?

SYMBOLIZES PATRIOTISM?

A PIN?

REALLY.

Well now that that's all cleared up, we can all point and laugh at the 350 people that wasted their time on the other post.

OBAMA 08!

If this was Bush the Democrats and CNN would be all over his rear on this!

A Symbol Redefined…

I recently returned to my childhood home in Holmdel, NJ. Save for some new paint on the walls, my home
hasn't changed much since the "growing up days", and quite frankly, that's the way I like it. I am always comforted by the consistency and the routines of my mother and father. But on this recent trip home, it was the familiar routines which ironically, alerted to me to a profound change that has occurred very recently.

In search of one of my old college books, I accompanied my Dad on his habitual weekend garage clean-up session. The familiar sound of Howie Rose broadcasting the Mets game emanated from the 15-year old portable radio and could be heard loudly and clearly from all ends of the garage. It
was a Saturday like any other. After mutually rejoicing over a David Wright homerun, my Dad turned down the radio and walked over toward me in the garage with a respectfully folded American flag held carefully in his arms. He didn't even have to mutter the words he did because at that moment, we connected the way only fathers and sons can, and I knew exactly the words that were coming
next. "I want to fly this flag again soon, Brian."

Like many of our neighbors, we purchased our flag in the aftermath of a tragedy that brought our country together like none other either of us had ever experienced – September 11. We will never forget the fear we had that day until we heard the voice of my sister who was working in lower Manhattan. She was shaken up, but she would be okay. Like many of our neighbors, we attributed the violence
and tragedy of that day to intolerance – to people not understanding the greatness of diversity, and the fruits of living in a global community. Like many of our neighbors, we understood that day that real patriotism did not mean love of land or borders, but rather, love of all people who reside in our country and the values that support such love. Like many of our neighbors, we understood that day that waving our flag meant that we were uniting and standing up to the values that attacked us that day and those which divide us – bigotry, intolerance, and hostility to differences. And sadly, like many of our neighbors, our flag is no longer waving in front of the house.

A red bulb on the traffic light commands all to "stop," words on a page combine to convey a message,
and a raised middle finger in a fit of outrage implies anger and frustration. They are each symbols whose meaning transcends their simple identity. The 13 stripes and the 50 stars and the red, white, and blue that adorns them is a symbol. And like other symbols, the U.S. flag has meaning.

Growing up, the symbolism of that flag was generally well understood and accepted by my peers and me. Images of the flag being driven into the ground by heroes in Iwo Jima, reminded members
of my generation of the courage exhibited by the "Greatest Generation," who nobly stood up to tyranny around the globe. Images of that flag being driven into lunar soil in 1969 reinforced the notion
that our country boldly supported all advancements of "mankind." The image of the massive flag in the outfield of Shea Stadium at the first baseball game played after September 11th, is an image I will never forget. It symbolized the resilience of our country. We suffered an incredible tragedy but we were back and arguably, even more committed to the ideals the flag symbolized than ever before.
I am unable to tell you the exact date our flag came down but I can confidently attribute the decision to the change in symbolism the flag has come to represent.

During the past few years, our country has pursued a foreign policy rooted in ignorance and arrogance, while simultaneously turning on a blind eye on the domestic needs here at home. Our soldiers today are as brave and courageous as those at Iwo Jima. Sadly, they have been misled by persistent lies that brought them abroad initially under false and jaded pretenses and they have been neglected by the very same government that sent them into harm's way through abominable medical treatment, inadequate body armor, and extended tours of duty. Greater shame does not exist than the mistreatment of American troops by their government.

On the home front, we have witnessed our government abandon a great American city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina during its most vulnerable moment. The TV images of poor, hungry, innocent faces asking the government of this land of plenty to provide their bodies with water continue to haunt me. We have watched the working class and middle class in this country feel the squeeze of fiscal policy that has only rewarded the most privileged among us at the expense of the many. Equally abhorrent,
we have witnessed abuse of executive power at levels far surpassing even the darkest days of the Nixon
administration.

Like many of our neighbors, Dad and I know that we're not alone in longing for the days when our flag is not tainted by the blunders of this administration. We are yearning for the flag to again symbolize the values that have made this country great. As Alexis de Toqueville famously stated, "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." Let us all reject the ignorance and arrogance of this administration and return to being good, both at home and abroad.

Posted By Brian H. Highland Park, NJ : October 5, 2007 4:22 pm

Of course it's no big deal but many will see it as an insult anyway. It's a silly thing for him to do and speaks to his inexperience yet again.

My Grandmother's Flag.

When I was a child I asked my grandmother if I could play with the American flag I found wrapped in plastic that she kept neatly placed in the linen closet. I was curious about it. She smiled and brought it out so I could look at it properly. She unwrapped it carefully and placed it so I could see it. She explained to me that this flag, The United States Flag, was a very special thing, and that it wasn't to be played with ever. She explained that in fact members of our family had fought, and died to protect it. She talked to me about my Uncle Jake that was at Pearl Harbor on the USS Arizona, and how he watched from the docks as it went under.

I asked her, "Then why do we have it, if we can't put it up all the time? Shouldn't we always have it up?"

She smiled again with that weary strength she had, and said, "because this flag, is only for special occasions. Its to honor our country and it holds so much value, so much honor, that we should never, ever waste it or treat it like its just another object to hang up any old day. That's why we only put it up on special occasions, like The 4th of July."

I never, ever have forgotten that conversation I had with my grandmother all those years ago. Ever since I have had great respect for my flag and I've never thought of it just as another object to be displayed or played with.

I've always felt, ever since that day, that if we displayed our flag every day, we lose the meaning and specialness of the ones we honor with it. We lose the grandure that it represents. We lose the hope that it contains within its borders and within our own, because soon enough our flag becomes just another symbol, another thing that can be sullied, tattered, and ultimately forgotten.

Today, I have found another reason that I will not only vote for Barack Obama, but do everything in my human power to see that he is the next President of The United States.

Obama doesn't wear a flag pin on his lapel, as he told the reporter who asked today about the fact that every other politician does. Obama understands that our flag has been subverted and misused by being pulled out every day of the week, a constant fixture on the lapels of powerful men in the same way that the Nazi insignia on the lapel was such a fixture of Germany during WWII. In the hands of such men, our flag becomes a tool for propaganda instead of the symbol of honor that it is. These men and women that misuse our flag use it as a statement to their own ends, a statement of "You're either with us, or against us."

To honor something, we must never allow it to become mundane. I don't need a badge or a flag on my lapel to tell me that I'm an American, or that I'm proud of my country, any more than I need another politician to tell me what I should or should not think.

I am just as proud of my flag today as I was when I was a young boy talking to my grandmother about it. I have lost faith not in my country, but in men and women who wave the flag as a banner of division and fear, all to better hide their own nakedness and deceit.

As Senator Obama said today, “My attitude is that I'm less concerned with what you're wearing on you lapel than what's in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those ones who serve.

In order to honor all those that the flag represents, I will keep my flag in the linen closet until another day when it truly is needed again.

I can tell you for sure that one day I will wave my flag high is on the day that Barack Obama wins the Presidency of The United States.

It's a flag not a rag and I think Obama needs to think about what he's telling the American people by not wearing one. Also he aparantly isn't concerned about our toops fighting over seas and Obama needs to be reminded "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE."

"...I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great." -
Is Osama, I mean Obama saying that this country is not already great, and is that why he decides not to wear the flag? Furthermore, once HE has made our country great will he then wear the flag? I think wearing the flag is the most visible way for one to show pride in their country, and I for one would not support a man who refuses to do the simpliest of gestures.

hmm...I see Mr. Mooney has his finger on the edit button...LOL. Look at the pics of the other candidates on the Ticker...where's their pins? COMMIES...ALL OF THE. LOL.( I was unable to post from my usual email address, so it switched to another server. This post will be deleted within a few minutes...If it even gets past the self serving CNN censors.)

CNN will report on THIS, but fail to mention that the "HUGE ABC/WASHINGTON POST POLL" that shows Hillary ahead by 30% in a national poll was conducted by someone who used to be on Bill Clinton's payroll. And then they don't mention the AP/IPSO poll a few days later that shows the gap closer to 15% with Hillary not even breaking 40%.

Great Job CNN.

If it it is the only way to get the news media to give you time – not wearing a pin is a great idea!

Symbols can be meaningless, especially when they become expected. I think this is what Obama means when he chooses not wear his pin.

Who's the bigger patriot, the selfish slob who flys a flag but finds loop holes not to pay taxes, or the person who volunteers time in the community but doesn't have a flag?

Has anyone heard David Cross do his routine about who's the bigger patriot with their flags made in Taiwan? Pretty funny stuff. I'm sure this posting will have a few responses from Archie Bunker types who'll say Obama is a commie or something.

Obama has basically big mouth to defend himself. He said he is against the war but if he was in the senate at that time, he would have done the same thing as other democrats. Now it is about the flag pin. Everybody has forgotten his trip to Kenya last year. Did he visit Kenya by wearing the flag pin or without it. True patriot....

He's right. Politicians have been too quick to wave the flag to ward off dissent.

He's right. Politicians have been too quick to wave the flag to ward off dissent.

Obviously not wearing an American pin means your a traitor to America.

Lol.

So CNN...
you still think that wearing the pin is the measure of a candidates patriotism. Obviously you do, because you are making an issue of it, and defending your reporting of it. I think Sen. Obama's answre as well as the other candidates answers should put an end to this rediculous story.