CNN

This poll says less about the hypothetical feelings of the founders than it does about the sheer stupidity of the people who were polled. Has the media done such a good job bashing the USA 24/7 that you are now starting to believe it? Here's what I think thew founders would see: a country still governed by the same Constitution for over 200 years, federal power and states rights is equilibrium, the slavery question finally solved despite the need for a Civil War, women and minorities with the right to vote and closer to equal protection under the law than any free man could have dreamed in the 18th century, the ability (twice) to field a civilian army and save the world from tyranny, the economic, military, industrial and moral prowess to defeat the ideology and ignominy of communism, the ability to change the trajectory and reach of world dialogue via the invention of ARPANET ("the internet"), the ability in one century to move from Jim Crow to Colin Powell, Condi Rice and Barack Obama, and the enduring appeal of this great City on a Hill to attract people from around the world, legally and illegally, to taste what those Founders founded. But what about Iraq, torture rumors, etc.etc.etc.etc. Remember friends, the Founders essentially stole this country from the British using guerrilla tactics (some would say terrorist tactics) because of taxes on tea and stamps and the unwillingness of the crown to just fork over what they had protected and build for the prior 150 years! Do you think for ONE SECOND that they would give quarter to anybody who killed 3,000 Americans, or may have been involved in such a thing, or ever even fantasized about doing harm to this country? Not a chance. I think the Founders would look around the country and the world and be pleased. Quite pleased indeed. And well they should be. What on earth would they be disappointed about?! Come again?

I'm disappointed in the founding fathers. They would allow someone like what's in there now to allow Amerika to bekome as disgraked as it is now. Enjoy Amerikkka!!!

THANK ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE GREAT NATION HE GAVE US
STARTING WITH THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

JULY 4TH, 2008. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA..

MAY ALMIGHTY GOD COMMEND A REVIVAL OF THE SPIRIT OF RENEWAL FOR THE IDEALS SET FORTH BY THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF OUR COUNTRY AND KEEP AMERICA STRONG
AND BE THE BULWARK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

I think it's good that someone with Obama,s high IQ can modify his opinion WITH CHANGING SITUATION'S THA SHOWS HIS VERSATILITY, UNLIKE BUSH, WHO IS A IDIOT.

I think they would vomit if they saw this Republican party.

I agree with "Dennis" above. I think the founding fathers would be proud of our country except that the good people of the country have sat silently and let our government, through civil suits by minority members and activist judges, take away some of our liberties and twisted others such as freedom from religious interference by the government. Since the government has gotten away with that so far, they now think they are free to twist the interpretation of the Constitution and have become uncivil. I am mainly pointing at the Liberal side of our philosophies.

to Alice and America:
How about a DAP, good bruthuhs and sustuhs??????? AMAZING how AA's are so SOLID around their Black idols yet still desert their chidren………….!!!!!!! O J be's cool with me, what ya talkin bout HO? I ain't the Daddy, ugly Black rhymes with "witch"- Alice

is this the America our fathers would be Proud of? just askin...Dawg

Flag pins don't have anything at all to do with patriotism. This is shallow, either – or mentality that focuses on non-issues.

With a senate that has accomplished nothing in the past years of course they woudn't be happy. Hillary and McCain have been my favorite senators for a long time...

I don't need a flag pin to show who i am. but in today's society you have towear your patroism on your sleeve. Some of the founding father's like Ben Franklin would be proud of Barack Obama. GO OBAMA 08.

Explains Obamas sudden need to wear one?

If you wanna wear a flag pin made in China then by all means, wear your lil flag pin. I could give a hoot whether they wear one or not. I don't wear one and don't intend to start so how can I expect someone else to? Doesn't mean I'm unAmerican.....doesn't mean they're unAmerican.

Nat from Toronto: As a former Canadian, I know that Toronto, Ontario is extremely elitist!

Now, as an American, I also know that America will resolve the deep problem of multiculturalism (which breeds victimhood and failure) and think very carefully about the universal health care (which is an inferior system) that Canada is plagued with.

We are a land of the free and the brave and a multiracial society founded on Judeo Christian values/morals/principles with freedom of religion and speech (no French language police).

is there any poll out that asks what percentage of americans thinks the media has become, at best, useless (but more often destructively misleading)?

of course there isn't. because that would be useful.

God Bless America with –

PEACE for all who are troubled;
GRACE for all who are needy;
COURAGE for all who fear;
STRENGTH for all who are weary;
FAITH for all who are seeking;
HOPE for all who are uncertain;
PROTECTION for all who serve;
WISDOM for all who lead;
CHANGE that will revive our nation.

YES WE CAN!
Do all things through GOD
Who strengthens us!!!

GO bama GO!!!

TO CNN:

WHY IS MY BLOG ALWAYS HEADED BY:

"yOUR COMMENT IS AWAITING MODERATION," WHEN OTHERS ARE NOT?" i'VE BEEN BLOGGING HERE FOR A LONG TIME, BUT IF THIS IS NOT REMOVED OR EXPLAINED WHY - i'LL MOVE TO ANOTHER TO OPENLY EXPRESS MY VIEWS.

Thank you,
Mauri

what do you think
they founded a country based on democracy where majority rules a country that is now run by minorities. we are so obsessed with the rights of a few that we are destroying ourselves from within.a great country was created by immigrants with a common goal now we cater to immigrants with self-serving goals who want all the rights of the founders plus special rights that were not afforded them where they come from. the only way to to make this country great again is to go back to the original plan one rule for all.

The founding fathers would be disgusted with the United States today for a number of reasons. Among them: our steady slide into socialism, the invasion of our country by illegal immigrants, our poorly managed economy, and rampant crime in our streets. Many of them would probably no longer choose to live here.

To Maria: My direct line of maternal ancestors came to America in the mid-1600s, and he was, in no sense of the word, a rogue or criminal. His grandfather was the Mayor of Canterbury, and from this line, which originated in Virginia, many have proudly served this country well in both civic and military services. Now, many generations later, nobody has to tell us what to do, what to wear, what to sing or how to act in paying respect to this greatest land in the world.

Of course they would be disappointed, its a fricking mess and... The two bone head con artists running for office will only make it worse...

CNN you're absolutely right. Our founders would be disappointed. Disappointed that a news organization like yours would use the flag pin as an example instead of a real issue like being mislead to war for oil. Not doing a major report (if you reported on it at all) on the phase 2 report on the use of intelligence leading up to the war, something we've been waiting for 5 years to get that shows the not only was good intelligence ignored, intelligence was made up. All the ways the current administration has blatantly disregarded the constitution. Report on something that matters.

What a great country this is.
I am proud to be an American. We are blessed to live in this wonderful country where "most" people are honest and truly want what is best for the Country.

Then there are those few who do try to make the rest of us look ad like this guy
Scott July 4th, 2008 10:07 am ET

If Obama were to win the WH, will we keep our national anthem or will he change it to the Black Anthem?

But hey, here is the US
even idiots like Scott get to have a voice. Not sure why CNN doesn't moderate idiocy a little better, but hey, it IS a free even country even for the morons.

Who really cares, Obama is about unity within America AND across the world...something the current adminsistration and McCain don't care to incorporate (the 'world' part). Instead they threaten war to 'any' country that says anything negative about America. You don't resolve issues with egos and violence, you resolve them by being the bigger person and reaching out to them to help establish a better relationship. Thes factors have caused our staunch Republican family to vote straight Democratic this next election for the first time ever.

Texas for Obama hit the nail right on the head. Some wear crosses as if they were just pieces of jewelry. If they religously use profanity and hate people who are different, they dishonor Jesus.People who wear the flag pin and are too lazy to become educated about the issues that negatively impact our nation dishonor the flag.. Timothy McVey served in the military, but he was no patroit. He killed many innocent American citizens. Serving is the military does not a patriot make. Becasue a person has served in the military does not make him or her more qualified to become the President. The question is: 'Why did a person choose to serve in the military?". Was it because it was expected of him or her or was is because he or she or felt the sincere call to service? I am as patriotic as any one who has ever served in the military; however, I would make a poor soldier. I do not hae the physical endurance. I have chosen another way to serve the county that I love so dearly.

Happy 4th of July!
America! Bless God!

This is so sad that an AMERICAN citizen has to prove his love for this country, and is jumped on for flip flopping ( changing ones mind )
How sad that we are following the incompetant legacy and way of thinking of the bush mentallity. I want a President who is willing to change his mind when new facts come to light. Instead of staying the course, with a mouth to flame type of mentallity. I don't care if one wears a flag pin to show their patiotisim. one only has to look at,
5 deferment dick cheney. to see that it means nothing at all....

BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!!

BARACK / SEBELIUS 08

It's because the average American has the intelligence of a tree. The average man/woman knows little to nothing about what goes on in Washington and could care less when they actually talk about serious issues, like the economy.

Bush and his henchmen are a disgrace to the spirit of America.

By the way could CNN check and see were the flag pins are made.Our we promoting China made pins? Barack Hussein Obamo 08

Connie "Hussein" Sturgeon from Indiana

Love my country, hate my government.

I believe many of the Founding Fathers would be amazed that we are still here. Even Thomas Jefferson did not believe the country would make it 50 years (although he died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence).

I think they would be pleased that it is still a work in progress, and disappointed that disent and change are now considered unpatriotic, considering they were some of the ultimate revolutionaries of their time.

They would also be bewildered that Afican-Americans, Native Americans, and women now have basic human rights...which they were ALL absolutely against. They all believed that only white men who owned real estate should have any rights. George Washington may have written about the perils of slavery, but he holds the distinction of owning more slaves (600+) than any American in history! Thomas Jefferson's great writings on human rights did not extend at all any slaves, which he considered personal property for labor and his sexual fantasies. Alexander Hamilton was the richest man in the western hemisphere and believed only in money and supported the revolution because he did not want to pay taxes to anyone but himself. All of them were the richest men of their time, and designed a system to keep themselves rich.

I think they would be amazed that we take the best ideas of each of them, work at discarding the worst, and continue to constantly perfect this great experiment...because of them, and in spite of them. Much of their rhetoric was hypocritical and self-serving, but over the centuries the underlying values have come to the surface. I believe that this country's great virtue is that it is self-correcting. It is far from perfect still, but let's all hope that it continues to evolve and change all the time...and that all American's try to keep an open mind and an open heart.

As a Canadian observer of the US presidential race, I find it appalling that so many comments still refer to Senator Obama as a muslim and not so subtly make the argument that he is therefore unfit to be president (The logic of that argument escapes me) and unfailingly use his middle name as though to emphasize that fact. This is nothing but fear mongering and religious intolerence. To begin with, he is not a muslim and having an arabic name does not make him one. Arabic is a language not a religion. On this 4th of July, it is sad to note that America is not the land of the free or the home of the brave, at least, judging by some of the vitroilic and hateful comments that are posted on CNN.

Our founding fathers would be upset at the following:

-today's democrats/socialists
-today's neocons
-the federal reserve
-the money supply
-banking
-income tax and IRS
-the media
-violating the bill of rights and the constitution based on agenda
-violation of civil liberties through expanded government power
-even being involved in anything foreign related
-130 countries and 670 bases worldwide with our troops/weapons
-treaties with Israel and any other country...
-NAFTA
-freedom of religion and choice
-lack of separation of church and state

we are all to blame, and if they were alive today, they would already have fired the first shots and asked us to join their cause to fight for our freedoms... when are you going to wake up?

Yes pre-emptive wars based on lies, manipulation of facts and deceiving the people are not what they had in mind. Behavior more suited for Imperial Colonialism that we fought to be free from.

The only poll that matters is the one on 11/04/2008.

Senator McCain will be hard pressed to take this poll!

Vote Bob Barr!

I am a born again Christian sometimes I wear a crucifix, but wearing jewelry is not what makes me a Christian it is what is in my heart. That is what Obama has always said . I rarely see John McBush and his stooges wearing one, but I do not question if they love there country. No one has a right to question any of our hearts, only God has a right to judge. So vote for who you like, but quite the nic picking.Everyone should all so read the proper way to treat the flag with respect,I believe wearing it is not one way.
Barack Hussein Obama 08

Connie "Hussein"Sturgeon

i think they'd vote for the black guy,who doesnt have to wear his patriotism on his chest,but,carry's it well-protected,in his heart.abraham lincoln won his first election because of overwhelming support by the younger voters of the time.i see many paralells,between our greatest leaders and barack obama.the rest of you are blind,and uneducated in history or politics.

The founding fathers are turning in their graves watching the Bush Administration trash the Constitution.

They would be pleased if we started another American Revolution. On the other hand, Jefferson and Adams wpuld be crying tears of joy listening to Barack Obama.

Dissapointing and all thanks to Bush, McCain and the rest of the Republican Party. Way to go GOP!!!

The "founding fathers" were rouges, criminals and the rejects of Englands, and that's what you have running this country now. That's the foundation of the country. The "founding fathers" , of a country already occupied by Indians , wrote "freedom for all" wanted freedom from England while enforcing slavery.
What hypocrits, just like what we have running this country now. We the American tax payer are being sold out, not representated but over taxed same old same old.
So wearing a flag pin has no bearing on anything it is a $1.00 pin just that. The main politians hollering patriotism have sacrificed the least - they are weathy, silver spoon in their mouths , selfish individuals - Bush, Cheney, etc, etc, etc.
Hillary did not know how to get coffee froma coffee dispenser in a 7 Eleven; Bush nor McCain don't know the price the gas. Why should they? we pay for their gas and the people ( secret service) that pump it for them.
I bet CNN won't print this you haven't printed anything i have writen yet, chickens.

Math Wiz:

Very well thought out piece.

those flag pins are made by George Bush's friends –the Chinese

they would be shocked that we let an Idiot take away our rights . could be time for another Boston Tea Party . Government now is more worried about everything but what's good for America. Look At McBush in Mexico –pandering again , like they could even vote for him. Can we say he's another Idiot

Its high time the contributions people make through this medium is regulated to ensure decency.Its unfair for Jim to make such coment as he did concerning Obama
"Obama is nothing more than a slogan with no legs. He is a con artist just like my governor..."
This should not be allowed? Please CNN must ensure some restrictoions or censorship on what contributions people make here. I think Jim should apologisefor his nasty coment on Obama and pray for God's forgiveness.

They would be horrified by the USA PATRIOT Act and the attacks on civil rights. Guantanamo and so on ...

I find it intersesting that CNN posted Helms death on the Ticker but is not allowing comments.

I would say I wonder why, but I think we all know.

You can't live the first 70 years of your life as an ardent bigot and expect people to give you the benefit of the doubt when you get old and feeble and close to deaths door. Just like jail house conversions to Christ.

He did a lot to hinder the improvement and recognition of nonmajority rights and simple common dignity.

But hey, God bless America on this 4th of July

Its high time the contributions people make through this medium is regulated to ensure decency.Its unfair for JIM to make such coment as he did concerning Obama "Obama is nothing more than a slogan with no legs. He is a con artist just like my governor..." and this is allowed? Please you must ensure some restrictoions or censorship on what contributions people make here. I think Jim should apologisefor his nasty coment on Obama and pray for God's forgiveness.

John Andrews-

I understand your point regarding service to our country. It is true, very few people are serving in our mlitary. However, I would argue that "service" should be defined as ANYTHING done with the good of the country as the major effort.

For example, I would argue that being a teacher in today's society IS service to this country. People don't become teachers for the cash.

Community service, service to our country. Peace corp, Doctors without borders etc. . . . .

I don't believe military service is the only way you can serve.

We need more people that do things because it is right, not because it pays well! To me, teachers are a prime example of that thought put to action.

And while I am preaching, the most alarming trend in this country is the lack of responsibility. No one says, My bad or my fault.

Bartenders being held responsible for over serving. Wrong, it is the individuals responsibilty for over indulging. I pour hot coffee on myself, MY BAD.

This litigious society is always attempting to blame someone else, and get a payday. This needs to stop!

It shows that at least 30% of those polled have their head stuck up their butt. What absolute fools walk around breathing the free air that is provided from the sacrifice of others.

I think that it is a joke that Obama is wearing a "Flag Pin" He is only doing because there was a stick by the American people stating that Obama is not really proud of this country.

Obama is ONLY pandering to ALL of the American people. Obama has flip-flopped, lied to the American people and has changed his stance on bringing our troops home in 16 months. I don't care what this man says, for I for one do not believe anything that comes out of his mouth.

"Conservatives" glory in the wearing of a flag pin on the lapel and support the misuse and mismanagement of our military at the expense of more pressing concerns. "Liberals" question the misuse and mismanagement of our military and argue for better prioritization for dealing with more pressing concerns without the flag pin on the lapel. Question: who is the better patriot? The one with the pin who mismanages and misuses our resources or the one without the pin who at least is working toward a "more perfect union."

Probably some founding farthers would be happy to vote for an African-American; some others wouldn't.

Pin or no pin,patriotism can only be tested by your commitment to ensure that America remains the greatest Nation on earth and that is why at this time when all things that would have gladened our Founding Fathers have turned flat down under the Bush adminisration,we all have to stoop and think again on what proper direction to go come the Novemeber presidential elections.No need asking your choice,because I am sure you can already guess that the man for the moment, to lead America back to its glorious days is no other than the Original Boy America Must Accept..Say it again!!! Obama

7 OUT OF 10 PRESIDENTS THAT LEAD US HERE, REPUBLICAN.

NOT WORKING TO GOOD FOR MOST OF US. CHANGE IT.

Happy Independence Day America

AMERICANS ARE GETTING, WHAT THEY VOTE FOR,

MORE BILLIONAIRES, A CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE,

MORE POVERTY, NO MEDICAL INSURANCE, NO, NO, NO

TO SPENDING OUR TAX DOLLARS ON AMERICANS. THE

REPUBLICANS WRAP THEMSELVES IN THE FLAG &

CHRIST'S ROBE WHILE LOOTING OUR NATION.

Right!

But, this land of the free founded on Judeo-Christian values/morals/principles with its multiracial society and freedom of religion will begin to heal as more moderate young professors and ideologues replace the retiring left-wing leaders of our universities and schools.

America needs to stop playing the blame game for bucks which encourages the formation of victims and begin to encourage the formation of victors!

McCain 08, the only wise choice!

Of course the founding fathers would be angry.

Thanks to the republican party and big business America has become what it was never meant to be: A theocracy governed by big business, and controlled by fear, where the freedoms sought by a band of patriots centuries ago have been slowly taken away.

Of course, the fact that I'm saying this likely makes me a terrorist in the eyes of your government. I need to be more careful so I don't end up being rendered in some far away land.

Man, our founding fathers wouldn't be disappointed, they'll be surprise how far we made it, LOL!!!! Even I'm surprised, LOL!!

Not as disappointed as 18 Million who watched our party select and install the least qualified candidate- for political correctness.

We watched our party trash and destroy the BEST leader... with the gleeful help of a biased media.

Raping a democratic candidate for presidency is NOTHING to be proud of.

For the first time in my adult life I am ashamed of my democratic party.

OR... for those who think there is actually a REAL difference:

For the first time in my adult life I am really ashamed of my democratic party.

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
But I shall overcome – for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
I am proud, and I am invincible.

Looking back on our "founding fathers",from where I sit today; I think there a several reasons, to be disappointed in "some of them". Some of them were "perpetrators" and 'contributors", to the ills that plagued Our Nation's early History and are still, "on the books", in some states, Today.

Men marrying men, and women marrying women were so far fetched from the founding fathers. Such weren't even discused. That's why what constitutes a marriage wasn't an article in the Constitution.
What a sock they would get to read of same sex marraige.

What about a radical left wing candidate's radical wife?

I feel the pain.

I watched Hillary be savaged by Obama, his campaign and the media- just so the least qualified slick politician could be advanced.

I watched the DNC swiftboat their own best candidate.

I watched the superdelegates abandon the purpose they were created for, and drag the limping Obama across the finish line.

Pandering? Yes. Democracy? No way.

I JUST WONDER WHAT % WOULD TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY

AND ADMIT, THAT IT IS, THEIR VOTE THAT IS RESPONSIBLE

FOR OUR PREDICAMENT. AMERICANS VOTE FOR VOTE

FOR SLEAZY LOOTERS TO RUN OUR NATION

THAN COMPLAIN AT THE RESULTS.

28 YEARS OF REPUBLICAN GRAB, LOOT & RUN POLICIES

CAN DEVASTATE A WORLD, LET ALONE A NATION.

The selecting and installing a nominee based on the loud demands of the African American community and the newbie voters sure was an sad day for America.

The Founding Father are not defined so much by the Declaration of Independence, but rather by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Here are James Madison's own words from Federalist Paper # 45:

"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined."

We have strayed, it would appear.

After the travesty of the democratic party primary- I should think so.

Raymond Duke July 4th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Raymond what is the difference between the American institutionalized slavery and slavery from previous generations? By the way the only people that are crying about racism are the ones who think affirmative action is wrong. I believe this is called reverse racism. Is it really blacks who bring up racism or is it the person who wishes not to talk about it? The person who does not want to talk about it (racism) pulls the dreaded "race card." Lately who has been pulling the card–The MEDIA and people who are not smart enough to understand the truth.

i'd rather keep wearing my flag underwear.we even have flag toilet paper in our house.we never want to get caught with our pants down,[by the patriotism police of the republican party],and not be showing our constant respect for the flag.patriotism need not be worn on one's sleeve,if it's already in one's blood.

If the Boston Tea Party were today:

The the W Bush faction of the GOP would scream terrorism and the Obama faction of the DNC would be the one's taxing the tea.

I think there is large segment of Americans who do not feel represented.

Also note:

The Flag Pin is a non issue. Politicians decided to waer it after 9/11 to show unity. I would never wear a flag pin and I love this nation.

I think the majority of the founding father would not vote for Obama nor Mccain.

A flag pin is a pin, not the truth. McCain thinks the American public can be distracted by this argument while he flip-flops on every position he ever held in the last 8 years.

Wake up, America. This man is a pandering old fart who just wants to be President before he dies. He's flipped every position to toe the line with Bush. Are you ready for 4 more years of BUSH?

Where's McCain's flag pin? I can't find a photo of him with one on at all. Use google images and type in McCain and see if you can. Does this mean he doesn't need one to be patriotic? Hmmm... does that mean he has one set of standards for himself and another for everyone else?

Do you want a president like that? I think not.

Anyone can adorn themselves with any kind of jewelry, including a flag pin, but that is not a sign of anything. It does not change their actual
beliefs and principles.

The only thing of importance in this clip is the fact that the vast majority of people FINALLY understand that there has been grave damage done to this country by this administration and that the Founding Fathers would be not just disappointed, but appalled. Time to get it right, people – elect Barack Obama

Absolutely...

We've went from a “natural right” philosophy to a “government grants freedom” philosophy. A few founding fathers such Hamilton would love the current political ideas. Strong centralized government and an erosion of individual liberties. The only candidate during this election who championed natural law was Ron Paul. Unfortunately, Ron Paul is too American for America.

Obama is for a strong centralized government. He believes in extorting Americans for their hard earned money.

Mccain believes in a few of the bill of rights when it provides votes.

Washington, Jefferson, and other founding fathers are turning in their graves.

The Hamilton faction has big smile. They lost the battle of ideas and won the battle of action.

A special thanks to Lincoln, FDR, LBJ, Carter, and W Bush for warping and dismantling the constitution, the supreme law of the land.

Happy Fourth of July….

There was a time in the not to distant past that it was not acceptable to wear a flag as adornment or to burn it, or wear flag patches on law enforcement uniformes. And if you were in good health and capable, and messed up by not paying respect to the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem you could end up with someones elbow in your ribs or someone behind you getting you by the ear and you stood and did what is expected.
The key word here is 'RESPECT". Not enough people anymore even know what that is or how to show it. It is something you basically have to be brought up with and someplace back down the road they forgot how to teach it. To many think all of our freedoms are owed to us and don't understand we have to keep fighting to keep them,
Lack of respect, now, that would NOT make our Founders happy.
GOD BLESS AMERICA ON YOUR BIRTHDAY AND EVERY DAY.

RAYMOND DUKE... no relation to DAVID DUKE?

1. Slave traders DID run around Africa and steal people... Sure some of the slaves were traded by African leaders, but that was at the introduction of the slave trade.

Once Europe saw the money, they skipped the middle man and enslaved the middle man.

And as far as your understanding of the native american plight... I guess it's cool if I "conquered" your grandmother for her purse....

Idiot.

What will America look like with OBAMA as President:

VERY DEPRESSING.......AS IN THE DEPRESSION OF 1929...REMEMEMBER THE LAST PRESIDENT THAT RAISED TAXES IN A RECESSION..IT LED TO A DEPRESSION..IT IS SAD FOR THAT A COUNTRY OF 300 MILLION PEOPLE THE BEST THAT THE DEMOCRATS CAN DO IS HAVE SOMEONE LIKE OBAMA...

THE GOOD NEWS FOR REPUBLICANS IS....IF THIS GUY GETS ELECTED...AND SETS BACK AMERICA WITH HIS LIBERAL VIEWS...YOU WILL NOT SEE A DEMOCRAT IN THE WHITE HOUSE FOR AT LEAST 2O YEARS.....SOMETHING LIKE IN NYC WHEN DAVID DINKINS DESTROYED NYC...REPUBLICANS CLEANED UP HIS MESS AND HAVE BEEN IN CITY HALL EVER SINCE....AND DONE A DAM GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MCCAIN WILL WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IF NOT "GOD HELP AMERICA"

JB ...

Don't know if you are an Obama or McCain backer but, BOY, do I agree with everyting you posted in that message.

Thanks for an intelligent message.

Wearing a flag pin is no evidence or real patriotism.
A presidential candidate should be free to choose to wear or not wear a flag pin just as every other citizens is free to make that choice. And no irrelevant, partisan judgment should be made about it.

Really, I don't think the America of today is what the founding fathers had in mind.

This country was founded by radical white guys who wanted a place for white guys to do what they wanted. FREEDOM?... Women and minorities need not apply.

They were the "radicals" and "terrorists" of their age. They are the ones who invented "guerilla" warfare, the same strategy that the "terrorists" of today use.

Many Americans are proud of this heritage... it just so happens that most of these belong to the same group that "FREEDOM" would have applied to back then.

I'm not one of "those people"... But I would die for my country.

Much evil has happened in this country...as in any other.
American values will never be able to totally erradicate human greed and corruption.

But, despite the hypocrisy, the errors, the setbacks, and the uncertainty, the value of the words written 232 years ago still ring true and are cherished by most every American.
They have, in varying degrees, inspired and been adopted by so many countries around the world, including the country they defiantly challenged on that fateful day.

If I could do anything that could accomplish that and stand the test of time, I know I would be proud.

God Bless All of YOU and God Bless America!

The Founding Fathers would want to move back to England if they saw America today

If the question is, “Are you proud TO BE an American?” then it’s not surprising that the numbers of those who are “extremely proud” and “very proud” are down slightly from 2002 and 2003. The failed policies of the Bush presidency and the unnecessary, never-ending war in Iraq are to blame. The problem with this kind of poll is that there are many Americans who would never admit to being anything but “proud,” just like there are many who wouldn’t dare admit to being racists. But they are. You’d need to be a fly on the wall in America’s kitchens to get the honest numbers. Maybe the question should be, “Are you proud of what America stands for – what it means to be an American – as it was set forth by those 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence?” … who, by the way, wore no flag pins. They didn’t need to.

Texas Trail Dog ...........THA'T FOR SURE THEY WOULD BE. WHEN WE CAN PUT SOMEONE LIKE PATRICK HENRY IN A POSITION TO BE OUR PRESIDENT I IMAGINE THEY'RE ROLLING OVER IN THEIR GRAVES. THE PEOPLE ARE YELLING ABOUT WHAT BUSH HAS DONE. THEY HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET. WAIT UNTIL THIS ANTI-CHRISTIAN, ANTI, WHITE AND GANGSTER GETS THROUGH WITH AMERICA...........
DISAPPOINTED That IDIOTS LIKE OLD TRAIL DOG STILL EXIT ...............SAY DOG ......BE QUICK TO JUDGE YOURSELF......
BUT SLOW TO JUDGE OTHERS!!!!!!!!BY THE WAY ARE YOU RELATED TO ...BRIAN KNOXVILLE TN ?

I find it interesting that Michelle Obama gets so much flack for saying she is really proud of her country for the first time and statistics like this show many Americans feel the same way.

Roland Martin please bring this up during your next discussion. As African Americans most of us are "really" proud of our country now because we have never seen this country get behind a candidate like Barack focusing more on his character in spite of his color. This is after all Martin Luther King's dream realized. When Obama is actually voted in as President of the United States it will take "everyone's" pride (no matter what color you are) to another level!

Dave K,

You better look at McCain more closely, his sponsoring of McCain / Feingold proves that he's all about squelching individual liberties, not expanding them.

I don't believe McCain can be legitimately called "conservative", he's basically a rerun of Lyndon Johnson, an economic liberal who is a warmongerer. Obama is the same old McGovern / Carter / Mondale/ Dukakis liberal swill in a pretty package.

Ron Paul would bring respect for the constitution back.

Yes, the founding Fathers are displeased. If they could come back from the grave, I am sure they would slap a lot of people.

A flag pin is a non issue. A lot of people have not always been proud of this country, that is nothing new.

I think they would be proud. Remember, they would be comparing our nation to their former nation where they were taxed for everything.

I believe our Founding Fathers would be appalled at the extent to which individual freedoms and personal responsibilities have been taken away by the federal government, and disdained by the populace as a whole, respectively.

This republic (not a democracy) was founded on individual liberties and personal responsibility. Now, everyone wants a handout from the government, or wants to sue someone, and the Federal Government wants to control all that we do.

No doubt in my mind that Jefferson, and even Lincoln, would be disheartened by the two-party political system, and would be voting Libertarian in 2008, the only choice for Americans who believe in Liberty and responsibility.

Barr / Root 2008

CNN stop reigniting the flag pin stuff. It was stupid then to argue about, and it's stupid now to argue about. All our presidential candidates love their country, end of story.

Drew's comment is the best. In addition, I suggest the the candidates insert metal rods across their shoulders so that their arms are extended permanently as well. Then they can show their devout patriotism by their facial tatoo and their religious faith by becoming a walking cross! My guess they would get at least 40% of the votes without saying a word!

Texas Trail Dog .......THA'T FOR SURE THEY WOULD BE. WHEN WE CAN PUT SOMEONE LIKE PATRICK HENRY IN A POSITION TO BE OUR PRESIDENT I IMAGINE THEY'RE ROLLING OVER IN THEIR GRAVES. THE PEOPLE ARE YELLING ABOUT WHAT BUSH HAS DONE. THEY HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET. WAIT UNTIL THIS ANTI-CHRISTIAN, ANTI, WHITE AND GANGSTER GETS THROUGH WITH
AMERICA.........CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE !!!!!!................
Obama 08!!!!
Be QUICK TO JUDGE YOURSELF BUT SLOW TO JUDGE OTHERS.......BUSHED!!!!!!

Common etiquette holds that you don’t say bad things about dead people.

However, there should be some accountability for what a person says, does, and conducts their business over their life. I, for one, came not to like Jesse Helms very much at all.

In the space where certainly some will praise him, it is important to say that not all memories of him are positive, nor do they deserve to be fleeting memories.

OK. I’ll stop there.

- – - – - – - – - – - -
"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

That's for sure! Everything is 'so' political' these days.

To Dems be losers, the only thing the majority of voters hold against McCain are his campaign policies, his vulgar mouth, his well documented temper blow ups, his ignorance of issues, and rigidity with it comes to maintaining war "100 years" worth of war.f

Don't think his relatives careers have much to do with anything.

Unless you are a loonie who thinks that what other people "believe".

I disagree...I think the founding fathers would be very proud of the fact that over 200 years later .....all of their hard work on the documents of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution still holds up today. We are not perfect....but neither was the country then....we do the best we can....make mistakes and fall sometimes, but in the end we get up and move on. It is amazing to me that in this modern world we are still able to refer to the documents for guidance.
Happy Birthday America!

I am growing more & more disgusted with the media's coverage of the 2 candidates.Why is it that no one questions John McCain 100 year war campaign? It's awfully sad that a former general(Wes Clark) who has no obligation to do any reporting at all had to call McCain on his experience.Especially when we get 2 or 3 days of scrutiny about flagpins & campaign finance.Didn't Scott McClellan call into question the media's oversight to scrutinize Bush's WMD theory & the choice to go to war in Iraq?Instead you guys are trying to beat up the general who has the same if not more experience than John McCain himself.Shouldn't we as americans question John McCain's experience or motive for that matter especially in the face of 100 years as he proposed!

the founding fathers would would be at a loss for thought – once they took in all the changes in technology and and social reforms and had a look at how politics have evolved and saw how there policys and respect for the constitution have survived the test of time ithink they would be proud – as for flag pins any one can wear a s
ymbal – it doesnt mean anything – it what you are inside that counts

Someone needs to tell the truth here.

Our founding fathers, while worthy of respect, were slave owners who didnt even allow women to vote.

Its is our desire to cling to the old way of thinking that has held us back.

Lets start talking about tomorrow, not yesterday.

Democrats are pretty disappointed in their party as well.

Its interesting that on mccain.org there is a section entitled "This Week in Photos" of which McCain is wearing a flag pin in zero of them... So, who is with me in starting the backlash?

T o Pannie, when you mention slaves do you realise every nationality has been slaves at one time. Do you realise that blacks where not the only slaves to exist in the world. Do you know where the white slave traders got there slaves from. They didn't go running around in the jungle and gather them up. They were already slaves to other black tribes and were sold to these white slave traders by their black brethern. As far as indians, " my grandmother was full blooded, they got conquered it is as simple as that and they need to adapt to this country and fully fit in. If not they will always be in a bad position. Whites are like everybody else in the world. They have been conquered, slaves etc. They just fit in and don't sit around whinning oh poor me my poor old grandaddy or grandma was a slave and now i will never amount to nothing.

There are 42 armed conflicts going on in the world right now and CNN spends its time asking people whether a flag pin is important. I am amazed and appalled at the media and their lack of coverage of stories that actually matter. Thanks again CNN for putting yourself above the rest with another nonsense story and poll.

Bush would likely be the president that the forefathers are the most disgusted with. They never would have approved of his subversion of their intentions. They would be horrified at his constant efforts to destroy checks and balances, and his politicizing of the Justice Department and the military.

Our forefathers would be sick about the Second Amendment. WIth the then-current reference point of muskets that fired one bullet every 30 seconds, they would be shocked to see that delusional people think they intended to have UZI's in everyone's hands.

Forefathers would also be thoroughly disgusted with Rush Limbaugh. There is no way they intended for democracy to have a voting system that unpatriotic windbags can subvert. Limbaugh disgraces everything that our forefathers stood for when they set up our election process.

I find it hard to believe that 87% of this country's citizens are proud to be American's, considering that less than 10% have served in the military. Put your service where your mouth is.

As Kennedy, a combat veteran, said:

"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what can you do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

No , I don't think the founding fathers would be too proud of the country today. Mainly because american politicians today have pretty well sold america down the tube for greed. They also wouldn't be to proud of the fact of how many people in america don't want to be responsible for theirselves and want a handout for nothing. We have lost a lot of our moral fiber .

Thank you, JB and Brian; yours were the most thoughtful posts on this blog.

Every 4th of July, my daughter and I read the Declaration of Independence out loud. It is amazing how many of the long train of abuses and usurpations mentioned there have been repeated frequently by King George W. Bush. Our founders would be bitterly disappointed that "we the people" don't have the guts, nor the appreciation for the free republic they created, to throw that tyrant out one way or the other!

The question should be are we proud of America? I am!

funny how cnn polls have never included people I know, just some left wing bunch of nuts who work for cnn i guess

The founding fathers would have chosen Ron Paul as President this time around if they could.

His views were much more in line with Freedom and a Republic..

YES..I am proud to be an American and love my country. However, it is getting harder and harder every day to" live the American Dream".
GOD BLESS AMERICA and help us all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The main thing that the founding fathers would be OUTRAGED about is the lack of accountability and the lack of backbone in our congress.
The founding fathers would have immediately tried Bush and company for treason and proceeded to the nearest rope friendly tree! Future historians will be forever scratching their heads over the lack of action by the present congress and the public apathy in dealing with this "administration".

Yes, but they would have to admit this country is the GREATEST EVER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!

Obama now wishy/washy on the war..saying he doesn't know if he will pull us out. Already backing out on campaign promises and the touting that he was not going to use private money to fund his campaign.

Obama is nothing more than a slogan with no legs. He is a con artist just like my governor with the same manager...Deval Patrick.

What a bunch of dunces we all are.

Another thing you can chalk up to the Bushs.

The real test of patriotism is not whether a presidential candidate wears a flag pin or not. It should be an issue of HOW MANY flag pins he wears. As a TRULY patriotic American, I won't be happy until I see a candidate wearing a suit made out of flag pins. That is the real test, my fellow patriots. Is there a candidate out there, American enough, to stick himself all over with flag pins and stand before us, a TRUE MAN, without tears in his eyes, reciting the Declaration of Independence. Anything less, and he is probably a communist.

The flag pin is just smoke. Actions count. McCain spent 22 years in the Navy serving his country, 5 of which were under horrific conditions as a POW. Obama spent 20 years in a pew where racist and anti-American trash was preached. So who is more patriotic? Obama has done NOTHING to earn the priviledge to be President. He has not sponsored one key piece of legislation in the Senate. He has flip flopped on every issue: the war, NAFTA, gun ownership, religion, his pastor, his church, they even put a muzzle on his wife. OK, so that last one was a good thing.

Hey Nestor,
Your one sided view of the founding fathers is one of those side effects of the childish partisanship that would be the biggest dissappointments to those great men. Yes, Jefferson and Madison would agree with you, but Washington, Adams, Hamilton, and Franklin would not, and I'm pretty sure they too have been categorized as founding fathers. I know you don't think that they would interfere with peoples daily lives, but what was Washington doing during the Whiskey Rebellion? In fact, some might argue that the founding fathers were dissappointed that the government wasn't doing enough, i.e. dealing with the energy companies who are stymieing the economy located in your very own Houston.

The reason the founding fathers would be dissappointed is in the way politics has become, and it is something Barack Obama pointed out in his book The Audacity of Hope. Our politicians have lost the ability to communicate and compromise, which is what this country was founded on. Hamilton and Jefferson had some great ideas, and some wacky ones at the same time. Our country is better because of the infusion of Hamiltonian and Jeffersonian principles, not one over the other. It has been the Bush Administration, from Cowboy diplomacy to Aristocracy, that would cause the founding fathers to shake their heads at us. The Republicans not always right and the Democrats not always wrong, and vice versa. Whoever our next president is must be able to rebuild the bridge between the two parties for the betterment of the nation.

One element of our society the founding fathers would be disappointed in is the incessant complaints by people of all spectrum ... Our founding fathers ... and mothers ... were pioneers, who forged their homes in a wilderness in the face of adversity ... Hard work and perseverance were their tools, and except for those who had something to say, most kept silent and went about their work and lives ... It's funny how we harken back on and revere those who documented our history, such as the founding fathers of our nation, but without the character of all the people that formed this country, the documents and who wrote them would be meaningless ... So we might take their lead and work more and say less ... and elect people who are thoughtful enough to reflect our better selves as Americans ...

CNN tabloid news beating a dead horse into submission. The Flag Pin issue is not an issue at all.

Jose, do you have any facts to back up your claim of Obama's ignorance. Please, with your clearly infinite wisdom, enlighten us.

Look in the mirror once in a while.

* Sen. John McCain has no public events.

* Sen. Barack Obama takes part in a 4th of July parade in Butte, MT. Afterwards, he speaks at a family picnic.

Where are all the members of PUCKA (PUMA)? Why are they not slamming McWalking Cain for not being patriotic?

OBAMA '08 A true American family man.

If John Mcain is so interested in helping the country with it's need for power, why isn't Phoeinx AZ solar powered? If John "loves" his countrymen, he would wan't to end this false war (occupation)

The only part of Iraq that he wan'ts to liberate is it's oil.

Send the Iraqi's on the streets our own Declaration of Independence, it would apply to them the same as it applied to us.

Get a grip on reality and stop drinking the Koolaid! The Neocons have returned this country to the Robberbarons and fatcats.

How can any patriotic American be proud to wear an american flag, that was made in COMMUNIST CHINA ! Will you people wake up.

I think the founders would be very dissapointed in how the country has been for the past eight years. When the checks and balances they set up were basically ignored by the faux-king Bush. I think they would be glad to see a person of color running for the oval office. I think they really would be dissapointed in the American people, who have sat idly by, while this president ran wild with the country, and our rights. They would ask us, where are our Boston tea party members, where is our revoultion. A legitimate democracy does not need to show itself on bumpers or in flag pins, but in the essence of our actions.

July 4th, 2008 10:10 am ET

"Hey!

We're on the verge of electing a black man as President.

And a woman (albeit, a very unlikeable one) came in a
close second.

Most of us live in single-dwelling homes/apartments, and
most of us have a phone, TV, car and computer.

95% of us have some kind of employment.

We don't worry about knocks on the door in the middle of
the night, unless we've done something to cause us to
worry (criminals with outstanding warrants).

We don't have to worry about being stopped, anytime,
anywhere, to show our "papers."

If we don't like our present circumstances, we are totally
free to go about trying to change/improve them.

There may be some things still less than perfect about
our country, but find me another one where all these
things are enjoyed, by ALL the citizens…"

Try Canada.

At what point does the dissatisfaction of the American population, and their sense that certain members are being exploited to benefit others, become SO GREAT that we do damage to our country? ... that we can no longer stand to look our collective selves in the mirror and say this is OK? ... that this is sustainable?

Those that truly ponder that equation and seek to solve that imbalace show true patriotism.

Roman Empire gone
British Empire gone
Greek Empire gone
Mongolian Empire gone
Ottoman Empire gone

Few, if any, of these ceased to exist because it had a weak military.

It is not the enemy without that wil kill us ... it is the enemy within.

Did we even have flag pins in 1860 or 1861? I don't htink so and even if we did, I guess they didn't figure out how to make them smaller thats why they ran around with the flags all day. In any case, shouldn't a giant flag as your backdrop be enough???

Hey everyone,
I partially blamed the news media for the state of affairs of
our country and guess what, I did not get posted.
Surprise!!

by the current standard of morality and patriotism,

the more people you rob and kill, the bigger hero you are, LOL.

Obama and the Democrat party doesn't believe in our Constitution unless it when suits their purposes. This will come back to bite them in a ferocious way very soon. You can't throw out part of the constitution without others deciding that they can do that also. Chaos is approaching. I predict it will play out on the streets of Washington, D.C.

No "Dems Be Losers", what I loathe are people like you calling calling democrats "loonies" and stating unfactual statements. No one holds McCain's service against him. In fact, that is the one thing democrats actually admire about him. So go check your facts!

that would be the understatement of the history.

the founding fathers were "terrorrists" by the current standards, LOL.

We are senior, senior citizens. We remember World War II like it was yesterday, but as civilians, this is what we remember most: The American flag was honored to the point that if you were in a movie, and the flag was unfurled or flown on the screen, the audience would either stand and applaud enthusiastically, or at the least, applaud. Gasoline, leather-soled shoes, sugar, coffee, and other staples were rationed – but rare complaints were the order of the day. There was never a worry as to how the national anthem was sung or played. We honored our soldiers and veterans (still do). Five years later, one of us went to serve in the Korean War. After that, things began to go downhill. The brightest light during those years was the one that shone on the Civil Rights movement. Every Fourth of July is a date of renewal of vows and realization that we still live in the greatest country in the world.

If the Founding Fathers were alive today , they would be sitting in Sam Adam's tavern saying "I thought we fixed this. The government violates the rights of citizens at will, they constantly engage in foriegn wars. Goerge, you personally warned against that, didn't you?
And frankly, the Federal government for years has usurped the rights of the States in express violation of our Constitution."
I do believe we will have to do the whole thing over again.

The founding fathers would see that we've gone some steps forward, and some steps backwards. Yes we've abolished slavery and guaranteed minorities a right to vote but yet our current government is obsessed with snooping on individual citizens. The snooping is something I am sure our founding fathers would have considered reprehensible.

230+ years ago, people had morals. Today we stand by and watch as our kids beat up on elderly people. Or we stand by and watch a helpless man who has just bee hit by a car, and do nothing. Our children record themselves on video beating the senses out of each other to post on the internet. Our corporations take their employees to the cleaners. Our president strikes other countries "pre-emptively" after stealing the elections. I'm certain the Founding Fathers could stand back and say, "America the ONCE Proud, you have slipped into moral decay."

The founding fathers would not approve of potential Congressmen, Senators & Presidents spending more time running for the office than handling the people's business while in office.

Bush has turned the US into a police state. Is not concerned to much about human rights. And then dares lecture other countrys. The very idea.

Oh and to the ignorant one who claim that the Founders were advocates of slavery: Go read a history book.

For example, George Washington wrote endlessly in his journal about the horrible nature of slavery and inequalities. In the end, he was loved by his former slaves and they were even "friends." There were many more Founders who felt similarly, but had to confront the problems of their day in order of importance, and the priority was establishing independence, and a subsequent union that could stand on its own two feet. That's not to say slavery was not an issue, but the priorities were still deemed different.

And in regard to my former comment: I'm not insinuating that the Founders and Framers are the same people, simply that the Framers put to words better their ideas (which were often similar) than the Founders.

The founding fathers never could have imagined a US governmnent that is practically a welfare state and that has usurped so many individual rights and seeks to protect us from ourselves at every turn.

We are on the path to becoming a footnote in world history because judges and politicians play fast and loose with the constitution. I am proud of America past, but scared to death of America future.

God help us all of Obama is elected president....not because he is black, but because he is a liberal neophyte with no record of accomplishment and it's sad that the electorate buys all the empty rhetoric.

Scott ............ If Obama were to win the WH, will we keep our national anthem or will he change it to the Black Anthem?...........What a DUMB QUESTION WITH A RACIAL OVERTONE ........Most black American don't know the WORDS to the BLACK Anthem.......STOP the Madness!
You are an IDIOT!!!

Our founding fathers would be thrilled with their 'experiment'...that after 200+ years every PERSON is seen as 'created equal'; every PERSON has the opportunity that no other government can insure; that the right of redress has not been abridged; that we can post our sometimes caustic comments without fear of 'government reprisal'...Those 70% couldn't be more wrong: our founding fathers and mothers would be back-slapping themselves silly that we still don't answer to a King or someone else's interpretation of God...

On this July 4 I just read the Declaration of Independence for the first time in about 10 years. It endures as a wonderful, vibrant and relevant document, written in large part by a man of uncommon intellect and insight into the basic human desire to be free and independent. With all of our problems, we remain a nation of laws, committed to our basic ideals of tolerance and humanity contained in Mr Jefferson's magnificent words. Like other monumental and inspirational human declarations (The Bible, The Koran etc.) it has been either ignored and misinterpreted over the years by some, which has called us to question ourselves as a nation in less than flattering terms from time to time. Overall it endures and is a beacon of hope and will continue to serve us well.

They would not be proud of the "US versus THEM" tone within our own country by our own citizens.

They would not be proud of the attempt by some to co-opt fundamental principles of the country by one political party or the other. Nor would they be proud of the extreme energy and efforts that go into "spinning" the story a certain way.

Well happy 4th of July! I hope everbody celebrate this holiday with restraints and joy! This country does have alot of skeletons and evil behaviors but what country does'nt. I am a BLACK MAN who is proud to be an American. I did serve in the Armed Forces and college educated. Those scenarios would'nt exist 5 decades ago. I did get out of the military cause I did not want to go to war unjust. I do feel sorry for the men and women fighting this war but they are doing a great job. I hope that Americans realize that this country needs alot of changes and must not resist these changes!

Happy 4th of July

This nation is a mess and we have Bush and the republicans to thank for it. And people are actually considering voting for John McCain? Incredible!!!

Scott July 4th, 2008 10:07 am ET

If Obama were to win the WH, will we keep our national anthem or will he change it to the Black Anthem?

@Scott:
Wow. I'm very impressed that you're able to type while wearing your white hood and sheet.

CHARLES DOUGLAS LEMAY – ARE YOU UNDER A LONG SOMEWHERE. ARE YOU JUST LIKE ALL YOUR BROTHERS YOU CAN'T GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT. THE WOMEN MAY UNLIKEABLE TO YOU AAs BUT SHE CERTAINLY WASN'T TO MOST AMERICANS. SHE CAME IN WITH MORE VOTES THAN YOUR MAN OBAMA DID. SO AMERICA HAS AGAIN PUT THE MOST UNPOPULAR AND UN-QUALIFIED MAN IN THE OVAL OFFICE. HE'S NOT THERE YET BUT WITH THE BAD LUCK THIS COUNTRY HAS BEEN HAVING HE WILL BE SOON. THEN IN FOURS YEARS YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO FIND A SINGLE SOUL WHO VOTED FOR HIM. ANOTHER THING HILLARY YOU'RE GOING TO SUPPORT HIM? I WOULDN'T BECAUSE HIS PRESIDENCY WILL RUIN ANY CHANCE YOU HAVE OF BEING EVER THE PRESIDENT. AFTER OBAMA WE WON'T SEE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT AS PRESIDENT FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
COME ON AMERICA LET'S MAKE SURE WE GET THIS PATRICK HENRY INTO OFFICE.

That flag pin thing is STUPID!!!

If somone doesn't wear it, does that make them unpatriotic? If you believe everyone should wear a pin, make it part of the uniform.

Anyone see Office Space?

I am seeing Jennifer Anniston complain about flair!

10 pieces of flair are required. If you want 20, make 20 required.

If you believe a flag pin shows your patriotism, make it required.

Personally, I do not believe that not wearing the pin means you are unable to do your job, or, less patriotic.

You know, George Washington NEVER wore a flag pin once...... Shall we question his patriotism?????

Of course Thomas Jefferson and George Washington and the rest would be deeply disappointed as they made clear in their writings they did NOT want America to emulate England and transform from a democratic republic into an empire...but ever since the cruel, hypocritical and arrogant folly of Manifest Destiny that is exactly what has happened, with the Cheney/Bush presidency taking that to new extremes that endanger America on every key level.

Of course the founding fathers would be disappointed that it took Bush only 8 years to destroy 232 years of building America. And the sad part, is we Americans allowed him to do this. This is the exact conversation I had with a neighbor last night and it makes me sick to my stomach.

"Barack Obama is a true American and I am proud of him. His family has served in several US wars."

I believe McCain's family has a rather long military background, that most of you left wing loonies hold against him.

Tony in KY, you hit the nail right on the head!

A legitimate presidential candidates will have the flag tattooed on their face. Any idiot can wear a pin.

The founding fathers were not infallable.

If they were, they wouldn't have accounted for certain members of the population at 3/5 ths of a whole person unlike with certain others members of the citizentry.

Let us (US) stop the hero worship in this country. It will be our undoing if we don't.

If that's what leaders do, to demonstrate our love for our country, then they should wear one.

Obama are you listening?

Of course the founding fathers would be upset. They NEVER intended the Federal government to be so bloated. They wanted limited government with minimal involvement in Americans day to day lives. Today the government is trying to tell people what kind of lightbulbs they can or can not use. The government is WAY to involved in the everyday decisions of average Americans.

About the lapel pin, it shouldn't matter if a candidate wears one. A flag pin doesn't mean someone cares about their country, and not wearing one doesn't mean they don't. What do their actions say? Do their actions show their patriotism? If this is a question about McCain and Obama, I think McCain loves this country and Obama really doesn't, not at least the way most Americans do. It has nothing to do with the lapel pin, it is about what they say and what they do.

Bush has taken this country in such a wrong direction it's frightening. His unyielding trampling of laws, the constitution, and the will of the people make it easy to see how dictators rise to power in other countries.

Of course what's even more frightening is that after all of his lies, deceptions, and illegal and immoral war activities still about 25% of this country supposedly supports him! Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rove, and the rest should be ashamed to call themselves Americans.

John McCain wants to continue the Iraq war. McCain says that he will bring "an honorable end" to the Iraq war. Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger said the same thing about the Vietnam war in 1969.

The framers were vastly worried about the expanding power of government over the individual liberties of the people, so the rate of expanding government would make them cringe. Furthermore, if you recall in Federalist paper Number 10, Madison warned against special interest groups and lobbyist growing power beyond that of ordinary citizens. Lastly, George Washington extolled tales of caution in his Farewell Address about having a two-party system and strongly encouraged more political efficacy and involvement, particularly by "third-parties" that should have equitable power to the other parties.

Government has been moving in the wrong direction according to the Original Intent of the Framers of the Constitution, with both Republicans and Democrats to blame. Both have allowed government to bloat up and swallow individual rights and have allowed special interests to be the dominating force in Washington. But ultimately it is the people who have failed the Framers because of their unwillingness to vote for a third-party. Whether or not this is the right course of action is up for debate in the present day, but is it what the Framers had in mind? Absolutely not.

Ron Paul had the most Constitutionally sound platform going into this race, but McCain is the only legitimate candidate remaining who is committed to fighting special interests and working with other parties. Is it enough? No. Is it a start in the right direction? Yes.

McCain 08

I think as a whole the founding fathers would love our country.

We had some successes:
- Foundation of Freedom
- The chance that people of our country can make a better tomorrow
- Heroism of the explorers
- The expansion of our Country to become a Super Power
- Civil Rights
- WW2, fighting a War that needed to be fought and turning our enemies into our friends.
- The ability to defend ourselves

We have some failures:
- The decent to Civil War
- The unfair treatment of minorities
- The ability of our current President to ignore the Constitution and get away with it

Considering everything, this country has a lot more positives than negatives.

Ben Franklin quotes:

-All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones.
- Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
- Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.
- Even peace may be purchased at too high a price.
- Experience is a dear teacher, but fools will learn at no other.
- Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants.
- Those who govern, having much business on their hands, do not generally like to take the trouble of considering and carrying into execution new projects. The best public measures are therefore seldom adopted from previous wisdom, but forced by the occasion.
- For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.

Flag pins are phony patriotism. Real patriots respect the laws and Constitution of the United States.

The USA would never fall to a band of criminals based in Afghanistan-Pakistan using airliners for terror or even knocking down buildings. Far greater damage to the United States has been caused by the political nachinations of those that tried to take advantage of it, by getting us into this phony war in Iraq rather than catching the perpetrators in Afghanistan, by ignoring the law, by using "signing statements" in bills, by polticizing science, justice and religion, by putting us in debt that will last generations, and by using the politics of Fear and hatred.

THA'T FOR SURE THEY WOULD BE. WHEN WE CAN PUT SOMEONE LIKE PATRICK HENRY IN A POSITION TO BE OUR PRESIDENT I IMAGINE THEY'RE ROLLING OVER IN THEIR GRAVES. THE PEOPLE ARE YELLING ABOUT WHAT BUSH HAS DONE. THEY HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET. WAIT UNTIL THIS ANTI-CHRISTIAN, ANTI, WHITE AND GANGSTER GETS THROUGH WITH AMERICA.

I understand why a majority of Americans think our founding fathers would not be proud of America Today. We have failed to live up the our potential. Especially in this lone super power era. After the Soviet empire fell, I said to many what a great opportunity this was for the US to spread it's influence by example. I knew the the final analysis by historians would rest on how we behaved as the lone super power. Like the head of a family, whose members defer to the autority of the head because they feel the head is deserving of authority based on the moral example he sets, similarly the world would defer to America's authority if we behaved morally in international affairs.... Well you know the rest of the story.

Of course they would be. The repuglicans have stripped our privacy and freedoms, the nation is in shambles thanks to them and the repuglicans have made this a country where the rich thrive and the poor get poorer. And Steve, If that were true than name one issue where he has flip flopped...of course you can't. Oh I know you had Mcwar in mind when you posted that comment, ok, I understand.

Geo. Bush has done more to destroy that original dream of liberty and the pursuit of happiness than any single individual since America was founded. He's hurt American's, not just individually but America's reputation as a world leader and symbol of democracy. Bush is the absolute worst and has made many a Founder turn in his grave.

I'm sure the Founding Fathers would be disappointed.

Hell, I'm disappointed.

How could America pick such an ignorant person such as Obama as a nominee for President??

TEXAS FOR OBAMA ............. It doesn't matter if you wear a flag pin. A lot of people wear crosses that don't believe in God. It is what is in your heart that counts.
John McCain doesn't wear a flag pin – no one questions him. Did all of the other candidates running for President or any other office wear flag pins? What is the big deal?......DITTO !!!! YOU said it ALL and it is the TRUTH .....GOD bless AMerica!

Someone please answer me:

Why do we care what a presidential or congressional nominee believes? Isn't their job to represent the wishes of their constituents???

In the real world it works like this:
A CEO turns to a VP and says you need to go do this. The VP could agree with the action, or disagree. It doesn't matter. If the VP goes and does it, he keeps his job. If not, he risks being fired.

I believe the people are the CEO in this example. It is the job of the Pres to represent the wishes of the people, end of story.

To try and find ONE PERSON who happens to believe exactly what the majority of people believe is an exercise in futility.

Somewhere along the way, we got turned around. I want someone who listens and acts. For example: The majority of people believe abortion should be legal. End of story. I don't care what McCain thinks. If he messes with that he should be fired for not following the wishes of the people.

Just my thoughts, would like to hear yours.

Disappointed. They would cringe at the freedoms the individual has lost and at the entanglements the government has gotten itself into.

The Founders would be very happy to see that we still have a democracy. They would be even happier to find out that it was still the one they had designed and that it was working as they had intended. The most optomistic of the Founders thought that democracy in America would only last a hundred years at the most.

LATINOS for McCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He will win the Hispanic Votes this election count on that. All you Liberals Dem hate that guess what TOO BAD!!! why because DEM that Hispanic votes for Granted. Latinos people ARE NOT STUPID, we all know how a Fruad like Obama is. He Flip Flop on everything now. How can the American People trust a man like that. Hispanic people are going to decide the Election and that is going to be John McCain. FLA will go to McCain, OH, PA, MI will all go to McCain. He will put Three to Five states that are Blue to RED!!!!!. so all my Latinos people we all know a true winner and a trye AMERICAN HERO!!!! John McCain

Hispanic for McCain

Thank France, without them, we wouldn't be an independent country. We should all be wearing French flag pins today as well as US flags!

Are you crazy? Are you insane? Who writes the trash that I've seen so recently on this blog site? Americans are proud of our country and our ancesters would be proud of our country as well. They wouldn't be disappointed, rather they would be amazed.

We are the greatest nation on earth and I get upset that the liberals are not satisfied. They ask not what they can do for their country rather how they best can tear it down.

We set the slaves free. We set Europe and the world free in the 1940's. We set Korea free in the the 50's. We sent people to the moon in the 60's. We were recognized as the greatest power on earth in the 70's. We defeated the USSR in the 80's. In the nineties we set Panama and Kuwait free.
In the 2000's we set Afghanistan and Iraq free and put a vessel on the Planet Mars.

I don't think our founding fathers would be disappointed in America, I think they would be overcome with joy and elation at the good America has done down through the ages.

This is our country, this is our time, so let's celebrate and enjoy the fruits of our founding fathers who encouraged slavery.

One thought here is the 49 year old white woman is a 49 nine year old woman on this blog site is white trash. And Obama is a snaky flip flooper.

Regardless of our great founding fathers on what they think of America today. I am extremely proud to be an AMERICAN. A place to where there are differences in point of views and freedoms like no other nation. Difference of oppinions no matter if you are republican or democrat of different back grounds. Most of us can eat at the same dinner table and enjoy each others company. In the end we are one no matter what party we belong to. Be proud my fellow Americans. It is our land. It is the best place to be in the world. GOD BLESS AMERICA! HAPPY 4TH ALL!

I think in particular Thomas Jefferson would be astounded and furious that his private letter's phrase "a wall of separation" between church and state has been used to squelch religious expression in this country like it has.

I quote him:
“And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people
that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever.”
Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18, 1781

The removal of the Bible from our schools would be seen as tragic.
Jefferson is quoted as saying, “The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty,” and “…students’ perusal of the sacred volume will make us better citizens.”

http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers/Jefferson/

And very very trully whose fault is it because we are what we are today. Our own darn fault that's what.

First we choose the legislatures and president and we have made terrible choices...terrible...now we have to choose candidates for a president and again we made a terrible choice. Mc Cain is a bad choice for the Republicans but obama is the worst one we have ever picked.

He might be a charming fellow, but that doesn't get us a good president. Already he has "changed" his mind on key issues. He "changes" his mind every time there is a key issue. And people should have known he was like that when he skipped every single conterversial issue in the State senate and the US senate. Voting present so he wouldn't have to make a choice in the State and not even bothering to vote in the US senate. Giving us the worst record on non-voting, except for Tim Johnson who had brain surgery, the senate has ever seen. But because he is "charming" and a good speech giver, by the way written by some one else, people flocked to this new type of cult leader.

Given the modern realities of gun violence in many of our cities, out of control litigation yearly pulling billions of dollars out of the economy, high dollar influence peddling at the local, state and federal levels, too many people believing that their "rights" trump individual responsibility...

I'd say disappointed.

The founding fathers would more than likely be pleasantly dismayed at how stable and resiliant, how vibrant and diverse the United States is today. They would marvel at our position as the world's only superpower, they would be astounded at the strength of our economy, they would be relieved that the question of slavery had been resolved in a way they had not been able to resolve it. If the people who think the authors and signers of the United States of America's first documents would be disappointed at the America of today, I think they should read a little more about them. Alexander Hamilton would be somewhat alarmed at the national debt. And John Adams would probably be a little irked. But wasn't being irked his default frame of mind?
The President of the United States is a symbol of America as much as the flag or the capitol dome. The man in the office or those who aspire to that office should accessorize accordingly. I think the true test of the flag pin being a part of Presidential garb is not in the contest to see which of the candidates is more patriotic, but whether or not the sitting President chooses to wear one.

Read the whole Declaration of Independence. Take a close look at the indictments. How many of the are applicable to our own government today?

We went to war over these things once. I don't think our forefathers would be proud of our country the way it is now.

The saddest thing about this article is the flag pin. This so ridiculous what has happened to America that we have to "mark" ourselves to identify ourselves as supporters (patriots) of America. Most people couldn't tell you what the word even mean. Most of those who feel you should "mark" yourselves with a pin on your lapel probably haven't done anything of service. I don't mean only serving in the military. I am a Christian, but I don't wear a cross around my neck to ensure people know that. Why because it is the action not the symbol. I am a veteran (23 years), yet I don't put a bumper stickers all over my face and car to ensure people know that I am. Americans have lost the real meaning of what it is to be an American and the word "patriot" has lost its true meaning. Why are we concerned with what a few dead guys would think - when they didn't have the courage to include women and Blacks in the original plan. We should get better as Americans, let's not beat ourselves up about what is going on - Find out the facts and go out and vote!

Barack for President!

Americans will always be proud of their country. Unfortunately, the American govt is working as a totally different group! Opposed to our laws.
Pandering to groups for votes/perks.....unwilling to help our citizens in time of need.....failing to secure our country and its citizens. THIS is what Americans hate the most. American dont hate their country......they hate their govt officials,(both parties), for turning their backs on us like a bunch of traitors! Just check the polls!!!

The reason the Founders would be unhappy with the state of the country
probably has something to do with how worried people are about flag pins on suits.

This poll, like most recent polls, is fairly ridiculous. Importantly, the poll doesn't say what question was asked, or how it was asked.

Further, the poll doesn't ask an important follow-up question: why do Americans think that...?

Anyone can wear a pin! It's meaningless. ACTIONS mean more! Similarly, lots of folks kiss people when they greet them, and they basically hate them! It's an empty gesture. If you like wearing a pin, fine. But don't judge a person because they don't wear one. This campaign seems to be focusing on the wrong things. We're getting VERY picky! Let's LISTEN to the candidates and go with the one who addresses your concerns.

Hey!

We're on the verge of electing a black man as President.

And a woman (albeit, a very unlikeable one) came in a
close second.

Most of us live in single-dwelling homes/apartments, and
most of us have a phone, TV, car and computer.

95% of us have some kind of employment.

We don't worry about knocks on the door in the middle of
the night, unless we've done something to cause us to
worry (criminals with outstanding warrants).

We don't have to worry about being stopped, anytime,
anywhere, to show our "papers."

If we don't like our present circumstances, we are totally
free to go about trying to change/improve them.

There may be some things still less than perfect about
our country, but find me another one where all these
things are enjoyed, by ALL the citizens...

If Obama were to win the WH, will we keep our national anthem or will he change it to the Black Anthem?

things the founding fathers would not like AT ALL
women having the vote and property rights
non white women having the same rights
no slaves
american indians having rights
jurys with blacks and women sitting in judgement of white men
women and minoritys owning guns
not being able to buy and sell women for sex slaves
not being able to buy and sell men and BOYS for sex slaves
income tax
property tax
no free militias
did i mention NO SLAVES

Happy Independence Day, CNN. And thank you for all that you do for us. If I were close to you.....I would bring you BBQ later.

Like ANY American, an American Presidential Candidate should be FREE, (as in FREEDOM) to choose when and where he or she will wear a Flag pen.

Happy Independence Day America!!!!!

It doesn't matter if you wear a flag pin. A lot of people wear crosses that don't believe in God. It is what is in your heart that counts.

John McCain doesn't wear a flag pin – no one questions him. Did all of the other candidates running for President or any other office wear flag pins? What is the big deal?

Barack Obama is a true American and I am proud of him. His family has served in several US wars. They can't back hero's. Barack and Michelle are proud of the USA. He is going to be one of our greatest Presidents'.

I think the founding fathers would be in awe over how well our great country has adapted to the complexities of this world - which they couldn't even have dreamed of. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA. I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU - ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, ALWAYS WILL BE!

Yes, those that owned slaves would be really disappointed in how this country treats people today. Another riveting piece of news CNN.

It makes no difference to me if a candidate wears a flag pin. If they do, I would hope it was made in the US.

Happy 4th of July to CNN and to those who participate in the daily political ticker.

Why is Obama so Wishy Washy on every issue?

Thanks

I think the media is making a mountain out of a mole hill.

I guess that's what happens when 24/7 becomes re-runs and something has to fill in the empty hours.

It's a shame. There are a lot of newsworthy happenings in the world today. A flag pin or not a flag pin is so trivial compared to starvation, unemployment, home foreclosure, human rights violations, murder, etc.

A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SHOULD WANT TO WEAR/CARRY THE FLAG

THATS 100% RIGHT.