Comments on: Poll: Founding fathers would be disappointed in America

By: Phil Rauen

Phil Rauen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:41:36 +0000

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?

By: Phil-Little Rock

Phil-Little Rock — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:01:14 +0000

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!!!

By: jimmy velman

jimmy velman — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:42:37 +0000

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.

By: Rob indetroit

Rob indetroit — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:42:06 +0000

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.

By: Crush Rush

Crush Rush — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:37:26 +0000

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

By: Marie Everett

Marie Everett — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:36:56 +0000

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.

By: saga4obama

saga4obama — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:36:10 +0000

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

By: Heide

Heide — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:35:23 +0000

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

By: Giovanni

Giovanni — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:31:07 +0000

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...

By: Rob indetroit

Rob indetroit — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:29:37 +0000

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.

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:26:11 +0000

Explains Obamas sudden need to wear one?

By: WoMaN4McCain

WoMaN4McCain — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:25:51 +0000

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.

By: aware

aware — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:22:27 +0000

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).

By: jason

jason — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:22:11 +0000

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.

By: United States of America for Obama

United States of America for Obama — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:18:39 +0000

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!!!

By: Mauri

Mauri — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:16:58 +0000

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

By: Ron- democrat turned independent via HILLARY then obama

Ron- democrat turned independent via HILLARY then obama — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:16:07 +0000

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.

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:14:26 +0000

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.

By: Mauri

Mauri — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:13:50 +0000

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.

By: BROOKLYN

BROOKLYN — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:10:33 +0000

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...

By: John WA

John WA — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:08:23 +0000

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.

By: Mk

Mk — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:07:50 +0000

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.

By: Ron

Ron — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:05:10 +0000

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.

By: Concerned

Concerned — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:01:18 +0000

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!

By: THE O

THE O — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:57:25 +0000

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

By: to Nat

to Nat — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:51:49 +0000

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.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:51:06 +0000

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

By: Connie

Connie — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:47:27 +0000

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

By: Logan

Logan — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:46:58 +0000

Love my country, hate my government.

By: Clark

Clark — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:46:11 +0000

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.

By: Nat from Toronto

Nat from Toronto — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:45:08 +0000

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.

By: they would be upset

they would be upset — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:44:28 +0000

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?

By: DJ Los Angeles

DJ Los Angeles — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:41:44 +0000

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.

By: Tom in CA

Tom in CA — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:38:20 +0000

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!

By: Connie

Connie — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:36:21 +0000

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

By: mitchell hussein martin

mitchell hussein martin — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:34:37 +0000

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.

By: Larry Buchas

Larry Buchas — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:33:06 +0000

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.

By: Proud American

Proud American — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:28:24 +0000

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

By: maria

maria — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:28:16 +0000

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.

By: Enough Already!

Enough Already! — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:28:13 +0000

Math Wiz:

Very well thought out piece.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:25:03 +0000

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

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:24:06 +0000

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

By: Iroko Nija

Iroko Nija — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:23:36 +0000

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.

By: Pepou

Pepou — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:21:41 +0000

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

By: James, Redlands, CA

James, Redlands, CA — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:21:40 +0000

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

By: Iroko Nija

Iroko Nija — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:21:39 +0000

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.

By: JB

JB — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:21:15 +0000

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!

By: Last honest Man

Last honest Man — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:20:48 +0000

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.

By: Ken

Ken — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:20:07 +0000

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.

By: pete

pete — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:19:45 +0000

"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."