Barack Obama removes his U.S. flag lapel pin once more

Well, it's gone again.

Barack Obama's little American flag lapel pin, which a disabled veteran gave him Tuesday and the Democratic presidential candidate announced he would demonstrably don for the crowd of applauding Pennsylvania voters and assembled cameras, went missing for the big debate last night with Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia.

The nationally televised debate was the final encounter between the two Democrats before Tuesday's potentially decisive primary balloting in the Keystone State.

Last fall, as we recalled here Wednesday morning, Obama removed the flag lapel pin that he, like many in public and private life, had worn since after 9/11. The gesture called public attention to Obama's early and continued opposition to the continuing Iraq War.

After a national controversy erupted over the symbolic removal, Obama....

explained his reasonable view that pins on the chest matter less than what's in the heart. He had not worn the symbol since October.

And he was not alone in that act. The Republican presidential nominee-to-be, Arizona Sen. John McCain, a decorated war veteran and former POW, does not routinely wear such a pin either. Nor does Sen. Hillary Clinton, although neither of them used to and then stopped, claiming publicly there was some larger issue behind that choice.

A number of conservative commentators and bloggers suggested Wednesday that Obama's sudden willingness to wear the U.S. flag pin in working-class Pennsylvania was an attempt by his campaign to assuage another ongoing controversy. This one concerns the candidate's recent disparaging remarks at a San Francisco fundraiser about the thinking of small-town Americans who, he appeared to suggest, cling to religion and guns in bitter disappointment with their lives.

The fact is, countless voters at nearly every candidate's appearance proffer gifts to the campaigner or anyone seemingly associated with the candidate. Secret Service guards, who must keep both hands free at all times, refuse to be distracted by such gestures or accept anything and are very careful about who gets close to the candidate holding what in their hands.

Alert campaign staffers usually head off such gift encounters to avoid any embarrassment, politely accepting the pins, cards, letters, photographs, even cookies, pies and cakes, and promising to pass them on, which they sometimes do.

For Obama to accept the token himself and publicly acknowledge it was no accident. Some past campaigns have even helped to arrange such seemingly chance encounters to create positive publicity and photo opportunities, not unlike planting questions in a public forum.

And the veteran's presumably genuine gesture gave Obama the very public opportunity as part of his standard stump remarks to thank all the veterans present for their service to the country and then to put on the pin in front of them, which drew an enthusiastic ovation.

The actual wearing of the pin, however, lasted less than 24 hours. In last night's debate Obama dismissed it as "a manufactured issue."

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Matt Rourke / Associated Press

Comments

[tom jones]

Was it wrong for Obama to accept the pin from the veteran and put it on ? NO. Had he not accepted it OR not put it on, he would have been persecuted for it. Now he is being persecuted for not keeping it on for...how long??? until the end of his campaign ? Seems like a case of darned if you do, darned if you don't. Obama is not a panderer or an opportunist. He has basically said that he will wear the flag when he feels like it, not because he is expected to. His true patriotism is in his heart and his actions not on his sleeve (lapel)

[Angela]

Doesn't he get it? Over half of the country voted for Bush. Not all Americans are into nuance and long winded answers about something simple. His stance will only hurt him in the general election and I can't understand for the life of me why he is continuing down such a stupid path.

[Neo]

you Americans are a laugh. i'm going to decide who to vote for based on whether a candidate wears a flag lapel pin. so sad that you capitalists think i'm that thick. comon', you guys can do better than that.

[Neo]

you Americans are a laugh. i'm going to decide who to vote for based on whether a candidate wears a flag lapel pin. so sad that you capitalists think i'm that thick. comon', you guys can do better than that.

[Derrick Durroh]

I'm still not sure how Hillary one the debate, according to the polls. Given what questions were asked and how each candidate responded I had Obama winning. When Hillary was asked about bosnia she said, " I lied but lets get over that". When Obama was asked about being bitter he said, " it was taken out of context, I should have chosen my words better." His basic message, is that people are tired of unfulfilled promises, so they are comforted by something that makes them feel good. I think this is self explanatory. Some people when they are seeking comfort they eat, workout, play games, what ever the hobby is, it realy is a true statement. Obama was smart for not taking the bate of attacking Hillary about bosnia. This will divide the two candidates further. In conclusion, the debate was irrelevant to electability in november. ABC was doing it for the ratings. Keep controversy in air to get viewers. This is what happens when special interest is involved in politics.

[David]

Seems a little cynical coupled with an unflattering photo.

In addition to discussing Obama's motivations, perhaps we should look at your motivation in making a big deal out of this, using that photo and couching your words to imply something sinister where no evidence exists. It's innuendo. You're trying to connect dots that don't connect on their own.

And what is your goal with that? What is your motivation. Aha! You don't want Obama to be president, and if this helps question his integrity, maybe people won't vote for him.

The headline itself, "Barack Obama removes his U.S. flag lapel pin once more" is inflammatory and out of context with the rest of the story. If people read the headline, they're led to believe that Obama refuses to wear the pin and made some symbolic removal, which isn't true. Lying is not a tool in the reporter's toolbox.

This is yellow journalism to be sure, and the whole thing ought to be tossed out.

[Genna]

And right he is too.

Are you Americans not SICK to death of your own hypocrisy yet?

[Travis]

IT'S A FRIGGIN FLAG LAPEL! George Bush consistently wears one, yet I don't think we'd rush to call him a great defender of American liberties/policies. Agree or Disagree?

[James in SB]

Yep, a nation whose scribes and pundits are mired in an ongoing discussion about whether someone wears a flag pin on his or her lapel -- and why and when and for how long and what all that means and how we can parse that to evaluated a person's fitness for the office of president -- deserves exactly the kind of idiotic, symbol-kissing, mindless, inarticulate, unthinking, uncaring president we have right now. Apparently, you think this is what we want to hear about -- over and over and over. Not issues, but a pin on a lapel. A fricking lapel pin. Are you kidding?

[Christopher]

Andrew Malcom, your post was an exercise in absurdity. For example: "...like many in public and private life, had worn since after 9/11." Really? Many in private life? I live in a city of 4 million people and I've never once witnessed anyone with a flag pin on their lapel other than a television journalist or a politician. Wait, I saw a man wearing one at the airport once. Many years ago.

You are part of the problem.

[F Shoe Fitzwearit]

Obama's right. More media focus on tangential trivialities.

[jjmcgo]

Obama does really well with vacuous answers about "hope" and "change" and really poorly with responses to questions about his character, associations and allegiances.

[jjmcgo]

Obama does really well with vacuous answers about "hope" and "change" and really poorly with responses to questions about his character, associations and allegiances.

[Rey (American Canyon CA]

SHOW your patriotism people. Wear a flag pin and lets show the Chinese that they have our allegiance! What a joke!

[Chima]

Obama's mistake in this whole campaign is that he gives the American people too much credit and assumes they can see BS when it smacks them in the face. Sadly, the American people are idiots and are motivated by soundbites and not FACTS. The American people waste time obssessing over flag pins and patriotism, while flag-pin-wearing patriotic republicans have destroyed America.?

God help us all

[Seriously]

Umm, besides the misleading account of the pin removal, is this really a story? Wow, reporting really is in the game of fluff and crap. How about you list how the senators voted on certain laws and policies, and links to what people interpret that stuff as? Hell, even if you have to start off with fluff and crap due to your dumb boss, you could sneak in some intelligent stuff somewhere. Here let me help. Both Democrats vote for the environment (I think Obama is way ahead overall throughout the years though) and McCain hasn't recently helped the environment at all by some accounts (despite what he'd have you believe)... and the Democrats both were trying to vote against tax breaks for super rich oil companies.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/Barack-Obama-green-vote-47102504
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/47101/story.htm

Obama in particular seems to like the environment and wants to make some rules that will protect adults and especially babies and children:

http://presidentialprofiles2008.org/Obama/tab1.html

[D matthews]

IF NOT WEARING IT WAS SILENT PEACEFUL PROTEST AGAINST THE OIL WAR OF LIES THAT BANKRUPTED OUR COUNTRY.

WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG WITH THAT?

OBAMA LOVES AMERICA ENOUGH HE TOOK A LONGER ROAD WHEN AT HARVARD ,HE WAS IN A POSITON COULD HAVE HAD A VERY EASY SURE FUTURE INSTEAD.

LETS STOP THIS FLUFFY NATIONAL ENQUIRER KIND OF STUFF... AND GET TO THE .ISSUES, PLEASE!

[Regina]

Where is Hillary's flag pin.. Has she ever worn one? Noone has asked her that question...Media hypocrisy? OPPS, it may not go with her jewelry ensemble........

[ShaneBertou]

Just did a Google image search for "John McCain." No lapel pin to be found. Went to his website and *gasp* no lapel pin in his main photo OR throughout his photo gallery.

Did the same Google image search for "Hillary Clinton." Only three lapel pins in the first 10 pages of results. Went to her site and *gasp* no lapel pins to be found in any of her photos either!

Thank you L.A. Times for helping to make Mr. Obama's point for him. The media truly IS hellbent on distracting us from the issues.

[mark nickolas]

We just went through the AP wire archives and McCain has never worn a flag pin at least since he secured the GOP nomination on March 4th. Not once. We have photos for every day since. Check it out:

(Who said he did? We said he didn't, like Clinton.)

[bvila]

He didn't "remove" the pin... he wore a different jacket than the one to which he attached it...

There really are SUCH bigger issues than this that it's ridiculous... only those of you who are already decided against him (and are BITTER because you're finally realizing that the MAJORITY of Americans want Obama for President) get riled up over something so small and insignificant.

[Samer Kurdi]

This country is in serious trouble when this passes as news. You disappoint.

[Occasional Observer]

McCain and Clinton wear no flag pins, yet they get no flack for it. Why don't these people just come out and say what they'd really like to see: a big "N" on his lapel.

[Dan Casali]

"When facism comes to America, it will be draped in a flag and clutching a bible" .... Sinclair Lewis, 1937(?)

[Paul]

Ah, the power of terrorism, that can even make some Americans afraid to remove their flag lapel pins. How brave the "anti-terrorists" are, killing more Americans now than Al Qaeda did, rather than admit to a mistake.

[Cactusflower]

If patriotism is measured by whether someone wears a flag pin or not, we have reached the nadir of ignorance.

I find it interesting that Obama alone gets slammed for not wearing it.

[queequeg]

Any insistence that all Americans should wear a flag pin is a little too fascist for my tastes. Good for Obama for pointing out that this is "a manufactured issue." Too bad it's been manufactured by closet fascists.

Anyway, if I wanted a man who wears jewelry in the white house, I would have voted for cross-dressing Giuliani.

[Leigh]

Did he flip off the flag pin, too?

[Susan]

I would agree with Obama that this is a manufactured issue except IT"S NOT!

Wearing a lapel pin or not by itself means nothing. However, when we add up the picture here in context it has much more meaning....

William Ayers Weatherunderground terrorist association
Resko association
Project Hope Association
Rev. Wright, Louis Farrakan, Nation of Islam association
Grew up in a Muslim country
Went to a Muslim school
Has a black militant wife
Has been disdainful toward the Jewish people
Has been disdainful to American core values
Has been disdainful to middle America

I guess to Obama any issue he doesn't like is a manufacutered issue.

You know I taught teens how to be attorneys for a teen court program in my state. The cases were heard by our real Municipal Judge. One of them stood up and forcefully objected. The judge asked her why and she said, "B...b....b....because he's hurting my client." We all laughed. The judge said, "Sorry that's not good enough legal grounds for an objection."

Obama might not like the questions asked since they h..h....h...hurt him but too bad lightweight!

[roger thomas]

Obama's background with Wright, Ayers, Khalidi and Michelle (his wife) says it all to me.

[Susan]

This country is going to be in even worse trouble than it has now if this man is elected President! He is worse than Bush!

[Tobias]

Look there are a few things required if you are going to run for president. They may be a bit old and traditional but if you really want to be president then you wear a lapel pin and you don't associate with a whacked out reverend or a known terrorist. I'm sorry but it's really not too much to ask. Obama's reluctance just shows his contempt for the US and his arrogance. He thinks that he can do things his way and that we will all be okay with it. Well, I'm sorry but that's not how it works. Beyond all of these distracts the guy is not qualified to be president so all of this doesn't really mean squat. It is time to wake up! Vote smart, vote Clinton.

[Evista]

Barak Obama is so arrogant he thinks he can do and say whatever he wants and his lies don't matter.
The words of his Pastor don't matter. His handwritten message and signature on a Gun Control document does not matter.

The media have crowned him their King and he believes it, all he has to say is 'I love this country', like he is doing us a favor.
Meanwhile his wife stated this is the first time in 44 years she has been proud of her country.

He is so arrogant he gets angry if he is questioned, the look on his face at the debate showed his anger.
Gone was the face of a man who could make Chris Matthews legs tingle. His eyes had fire in them.

[Chris C.]

Obama's entire campaign is a manufactured issue.

[robin]

Obama has turned out to be just a "TYPICAL" pandering politician. Oh, I take that back, he is a little lower, since he claims he isn't.
I have counted 57 lies he has told so far in this election.

[Liv(id)]

Maybe he can't wear the pin because he's too upset. Let's all give a big collective boo-hoo that Obama FINALLY got a taste of what the general election will be like. He's upset that he's had to withstand a WHOLE 45 minutes of interrogation on his anti-American, anti-white, anti-patriotic leanings. Now let's tell this most junior senator that a lot more is in store, and it will hit his wife and kids too. All he needs to do is ask Senator Clinton. ((Isn't her hair funky? What's with the hair bands? Is her voice appropriately feminine for a woman? What (he-he) did or didn't she do in the bedroom that CAUSED Bill to stray? Should a wife stay with a husband who strayed? Did she lie or misstate her experience in a war zone over five years ago?)) Hillary's been under a misogynistic microscope for 17 years, and she's still standing for America and the downtrodden.

It's sad to see Obama can't withstand 45 minutes aimed at him without the safety of the information monopoly powers that have shielded him so far....But maybe Reverend Wright told him to remove the pin...........

[No Answers]

I don't really think that this crap is about a label pin, when the man stands with his hands by his side as the National Anthem's is being played show what kind of heart he has and I would look further into his religious background, you may also want to read about who and what the Anti-Christ will bring and where he will come from.

The one other thing is straight forward- the politicians are not totally the blame for our economy, because we are giving the United Stated away little by little, and we have a infrastructure terrorist right before our eyes and no one see it, if you have gas so high that you can't get to work, diesel so high that truckers can't move food to the stores, airlines will not be able to fly and trains will not be able to move the commerce good, and the illegals draining the systems, and others from around the would getting setup in business with not a cent in their pockets (these are our great elected officials at work) It's right in front of you and I really don't think that either candidates can stop of change the course of the train wreck that our great country in heading for.

[I SPEAK]

Barack Obama is the one who started the no flag pin issue and the video of him stating that he would not wear became combined with the photo of him standing in front of the flag and not placing his hand on his heart and not singing or taking the pledge, ETC. It's a VERY big problem for MANY Americans and it was aperfectly acceptable question.

Barack Obama had an opportunity take the question as a GIFT but he flunked--he could have cleared it up for good. But he FLUNKED. He's terrible under pressure. A glass jaw. WIMP.

[I SPEAK]

Obama flipped the bird?

I watched the video and it is obvious that it is exactly what he did. He did it in one of those "street" ways we know people do it. The crowd knew he did it. Obama's smirk on his face says it ALL.

Is he just going to get away with this also? He also "brushed his shoulders off" like JAY-Z--you know the guy who did the Big Pimpin' song, with the music video of a whole bunch of nalf naked girls on a yacht and JAY-Z's boys holding champagne bottles at the crotches while dousing women's faves in frothy champagne...you KNOW what I mean..?

Obama is flipping the bird, brushing his shoulders off, doing Annie Oakley standup comedy, and all the while talking badly about small town USA and typical white people and FLUNKING at the debate and he is a MESS.

Barack Obama is not presidential material. AT ALL.

He is SO IMMATURE.

Americans demand that Barack Obama be vetted by the mainstream media. He is not immune to scrutiny--he can't destroy journalists lives for asking him hard questions. We AMERICANS will not stand for that!!!!!!!!!!

This is AMERICA and we have a right to VOTE AND LEARN about the person who wishes to lead our country.

WHO IS BARACK OBAMA?

[Jimmy]

Why does this surprise anyone? It is crystal clear that Obama hates white-Americans and is anti-American. Why should we think any differently when his best friends are Rev. Wright, Tony Rezko, and William C. Ayers?

He is a looser in my book which is why I am supprting HIllary.

[Patrick]

Mr. Obama has misrepresented himself to the people of this country. Fortunately, the American people are realizing that Mr. Obama is not the person he pretends to be. Hillary Clinton will be a great President. She will fight for the welfare of all of us common, average, working class people

[carmen zayas]

Label pin - stupid issue, we shouldn't even be talking about it.

then again, a young man with no extensive experience, no history of making a big difference, should not be fighting someone as experienced, as tough, as brilliant, as well-prepared as hillary for the presidential nomination. yet, here we are.

Barack has not said ONE word as the media lambasted Hillary (and her family) and his supporters made sexist demeaning remarks about Hillary - but then has the audacity to whine when in ONE debate he actually gets some questions? C'mon. Grow up.

Barack is not qualified to be president, period. not now. Even a longtime advocate for black rights like Andrew Young said it. Thank God he has the honesty to say the truth - "Obama will make a good president ... in 2016."

Even long term minority and black advocates like Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, Dolores Huerta, etc., etc., support Hillary.

They are applying for a job - to be president of this country. Like any job - proven history, ability, experience, intelligence, knowledge of the issues you will be faced with, all count. greatly.

As a human resource professional for 20 years I applaud Mr. Obama's ability to talk a good game. he is inspiring. But like a lot of job applicants, the gloss wears off quickly when you see how his credentials match up against his opponent. It's no contest. she is the best qualified.

She is the real change.

the only reason Barack is still in the race is because the media and Oprah's millions have done everything possible to make him the golden boy - the rock star.

Hopefully the super delegates will do their job and vote for the BEST candidate.

Hillary should not, and will not quit - she can get the nomination (as much as he can) and will actually win in November - most importantly she is the best qualified to be president.

Go hillary!!

[dave]

OBAMA TOOK HIS FLAG PIN OFF BECAUSE IT WAS BURNING A HOLE IN HIS AMERICAN- HATING, MUSLIM CHEST! DUH!!!
READ THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS PEOPLE, IT'S ALL IN THERE!!! GET READY FOR THE HOLY WAR, ITS JUST GETTING STARTED

[Janice]

America is finally starting to see Obama and what he is really about. This man cares nothing about America. America has values and if someone does not recognize these values then they should leave and go to another country. It is about time that we took our country back. Displaying our flag, holding our hand over our heart while saying the Pledge of Alligance, praying to our God, going to church, singing God Bless America, standing at attention when our flag passes, and honoring those who have served our country are things that we should place strong in our hearts. This is an American. And these are the only ones who can be called American. Hillary stands for these things and she should be the next President. Obama exposed is what is is. So quit whinning.

[Caution-Road washed out !]

Atrophied pride in American values- Robust tolerance for
desecrating pastors, Chicago slum lords and bomb planter
Ayers,welcoming of endorsements by conspiratorial Soros financed extreme left rabble-rousers and other
Judas and traitor Hanoi Jane and this most recent gesture
of vulgarity.......HELLO ? Looks,sounds and feels like a
sub-prime candidate to me. Hope and change we can
believe in ? Yeah... right

[carl]

I agree it does show us more about Clinton than OBama. It shows us that she does pick up on elitist attitudes. Obama said he knew groceries were going up because the last time he was in Whole Food’s argula had went up. How many middle class families shop at Whole Foods? They are at Food Lion hoping for a sale on hamburger or chicken. Is this relating to middle america. Don’t get me wrong I love Whole Foods, but I am a single male, who makes 6 figures. I know Hillary is a lot richer than me and probably Obama, but I don’t hear her being that out of touch. The problem is he will eaten up in November by the Republicans. He can not win. The states is has done well in are republican states. We can all wish and hope, but that will not get the democrats back in the White House. And if he should win do we want someone with his lack of experience and knowledge being President. He will the the equivalent of a democratic George W Bush. We need someone with leadership skills, who can start on day 1. Who knows where the restrooms are at. In 8 years he can run again. But we need someone to get us straight in the world.

[Gloria Cordova]

It appears that Sen. Obama considers anything he chooses to dismiss as a "manufactured issue," a "distraction," and "politics as usual." This is a pattern he consistently demonstrates. Well, the pattern doesn't go unnoticed! I, among the viewing public, take notice. Sen. Obama needs to give us more credit and recognize that what he is labelling as manufactured, distraction, and politics as usual is, in fact, informations which we voters need and want to know. I would like to see Sen. Obama stop dismissing and answer such matters when asked for example about his questionable relationships.

[1950democrat]

Obama manufactured the issue himself -- in 2001 by making a big deal about not wearing one. LIke Bush in 2000, making up some kind of 'principle' about every little thing.

[Joe]

Unfortunately, the lapel pin is just a small part of the deception. The manufactured candidacy of Barack Obama is larger than life. While researching the candidates, I saw plenty of the past problems with Clinton - the Clinton White House was bogged down with the Health Care disaster, Travel Gate, Whitewater and Lewinsky, to name a few. Obamas controversies are just begining. Tony Rezko trial is coming very close to the Senator. After a nearly 20 year relationship with a corrupt individual from a state where the Combine is part of the politics in Chicago as well, you have to wonder not if, but when Obama will be implicated. Besides the Rev. Wright, some of Obamas choices for advisors are puzzling, Tom Daschle - Bristish Petroleum Advisory Council Member, then theirs the Oil Moguls Robert Cavnar and George Kaiser. Seems like he's got plenty of Oil people to help out once he's in Office. Looking through opensecrets.org the list of oil company executives and their spouses is long, along with lobbyists and their spouses, banking industry executives and spouses. Obama doesnt take money from PACs or Lobbyist Firms directly, he takes it from them individually. What else is he telling the Elite Wealthy Donors behind close doors? "They're not only bitter, but they're fools, too?"

[Emmi]

The lies, the connections, the ghetto gestures, the arrogance, the unpatriotic words, the disdain for whites and for middle America, the racist wife...

These are only but a few reasons that Obama should step down, now. If he manages to steal this nomination because of the disenfranchisement of millions of voters and/or corrupt caucuses, the Dems will lose the White House to the republicans come November. Mark my words.

This man is not fit to hold the highest office of the land, much less a seat on the senate.

[anne white]

FLIP, FLOP, will the real Obama please stand up?

[Mary O'Bryan]

My fellow Americans, we need to be careful what we are doing here. I know I still have my doubts and I am confident that millions of you do as well. Let's tread wisely here as the campaign comes to a close. Please think about the seriously before you vote as we have serious times ahead of us. We need the best possible choice for President. I believe that is Hillary. Thank you.

[yael]

typical Obama

[Geri Wiltshire]

Obama has more problems than whether he chooses to wear a flag pin or not. He is tied to unsavory characters and refuses to denounce them. He is a man that is far too weak to confront anyone, How then can he confront terrorist and evil foreign dictators if he can't confront his evil minister? When all is said and done, Obama is too weak to be president and may be worse than that, he has not been vetted by the media or anyone for that matter.

[Jason]

Newsflash The Americans believe a flag represents an America we are proud of. Anyone not interested in the American Flag should not be in America, or represent America.

[Hillary AllTheWay]

The more I have learned about Obama made me switch my vote to Hillary. She has been in the frying pan many times and I am sure she will run a more honest position as President. The more I learned about Obama the less I like. Hillary seems solid on her agenda's. Hillary is like
"The Little Engine That Could". She's got my vote by far. If Obama wins, then I go against my party and vote McCain.

[sjc]

What does it say about a man who only chooses to and can only elevate himself by misleading, slandering, and misrepresenting his opponents many admirable accomplishments and efforts? What does it say when he engages and encourages mass-propaganda-like character assassination? The man cannot brag about his own merits - why?? Because he has none. Tell me. WHO is being bamboozled??! The constant (still!), insidious reference to Tuzla is pathetic. It has been blown way out of proportion. Senator Clinton has acknowledged her mistake, and apologized... SEVERAL times. But the media and obama campaign saw they could inflame ignorant voters, so they just keep dragging it up. Its unfortunate they don't realize how pathetic and desperate they come across. Instead of constantly and incessantly carping on the inconsequential negatives of Senator Clinton, why don't they tell us something of positive substance about obama. ??!! I challenge you and ask why you continue to do nothing but tell us about what is WRONG with Senator
Clinton and tell us what is RIGHT with Barack Obama!!!

[Confused]

I just don't get it. Why can't he do both. It seems silly to run for the highest office of the United States and not wear one. No one ever questioned what was in his heart, the flag is simply a symbol of that. Between this and giving Hillary the finger I am seeing why he appeals to teenagers. Pick your battles Obama, your "statement" is simply that. The republican machine is already calling you unpatriotic and referring to what seems to be a series of anti-American snafus. Your patriotism is being challenged, and like a teenager you are cutting off your tongue despite your face. I am voting for Hillary on the 22nd here in PA. Obama is simply too inexperienced and as a result renders himself unelectable.

[NANCY RILEY]

“As I’ve said about the flag pin, I don’t want to be perceived as taking sides,” Obama said. “There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.’ If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.”

[Sam]

To be honest, I don't really care whether or not Senator Obama wears a flag pin. I don't think many other people care so much about the actual flag pin either. They care about its symbolism, or more specifically, the symbolism of not wearing it.

The flag pin is raised in an attempt to figure out who Senator Obama is and what he stands for. Since he made a point of not wearing it, when his refusal to wear it is combined with the statements made by his spiritual adviser, Rev. Wright, and by his wife, it raises some concerns regarding his views of the government and his fellow Americans. It begs the question of whether or not he sides with far left wing radicals who believe our country is to blame for essentially every wrong imaginable.

When he calls for change, some of us wonder exactly what he means. Does he just want to change the government? Or, does he want to make more extensive changes to our society? Does he like small town Americans, or does he think we all need to be enlightened?

[M. Everett]

I would prefer leaders who concentrate on the job at hand instead of retreating into mindless flag-worship. It's interesting how political correctness began with the left, but like a highly communicable disease has now infected the right.

[PA Voter]

Pandering again. If his stance is to not wear them, then perhaps he should have said thank you and put the pin aside... Just shows once again that what we're getting with Obama is just a show. Vote for Hillary or McCain!

[robert bloodworth]

In my opinion you cannot separate the politician from the person, in the politicol sense a public person must be an open book. That is why I do not uncdertand why the media has not scrutinized O'bama and his past and since the media is constantly dragging Bill Clinton into the figh as if he were running for President then Michelle O'bama must be under the public miscroscope also. I will only mention events that are either public record or spoken by O'bama. Number one I think his relationship with such a threatening individual as Rev. Wright has never been reported on correctly. The O'bama's had a very long history with this man and his Church. I know the excuse everyone wants to use is the generations of Racism endured by the Bllack community, well every ethnic group that has come to America has had to endure several generations of "Racism" until they assimilated into the American culture so why has Black American's continued to play the Race card from the pulpit as well as the stump. If Hillary had belonged to that Church and had not left the minute those remarks were made she would have been crucified or stoned alive by the media but there seems to be no sense of fairness or moral correctness in the media for this election. Hatred is Hatred no matter what reasons are used to justify it. O'bama claims he was not aware of what was being said well that tells me he is either lieing or has an intelligence level we do not need in a President of the United States. Second O'bama told a very bold and outright untruth or to put in in plain english lied when he and Sen. Clinton were interviewed on compassion that he respected life and danced around the issue, I have problems with my friends who claim to be pro life and who also think the death penalty is justice there is a dichitomy there that cannot be reconciled. Same with O'bama he has voted for, spoken in favor of and in the Ill. statehouse, and held hearings on how to make partial birth abortions legal as well as all second and third trimester abortions as the the mother's right, but claims the death penalty should be abolished because it is racist there a,gain is a dichotomy that he will not be able to reconcile. He lied and misled the voting public. The dignity and respect for all human life whether an embryo or in a jail cell is the only way to reconcile the position. The media again has not uttered a word concerning Michelle O'bama's Princeton thesis where I am appalled at the attitude of one race white, black or asian is superior , in her thesis she clearly lays out that it is time to force the white race in servitude and she had nothing but disdain for black community leaders who wanted to assimilate into the American culture.
I'm tired of eight years with a puppet President , I am not about to vote for O'bama who is a puppet and elitist, Hillary Clinton is not about to allow herself to be anyones puppet. So if O'bama gets the nomination I and my family up and down the east cost have decided to for the first time in generations vote Republican.
So if you think that Clinton dropping out or endorsing O'bama will make it easier for the media to stack the deck your very wrong. O'bama will be chewed up by the Republican machine and as far as "slash and burn" tactics that you claim are being used by Clinton , well sometimes you have to make some noise to get some attention because she realizes that he media decided 6 months ago to "crown" O'bama no matter how unethical that had had to be in spinning "news reports" they have to be.

Sincerely,

Robert Bloodworth

[susan Jensen]

Not that any of us are extreme patriots but his removal of the lapel pin is just one more example of Obama's shifting identites with each new crowd. Like when the pope came Obama reminds the people he went to catholic school. When he 's with christian fundamentalist he touts his protestant christian beleifs. When he's with the well educated he talks about harvard.
As a contrast with Hillary who's Hillary with whomever she is with

[Peter]

The amount of rage and crazy talk on this blog is amazing. The rage should be focused on the fact that there is an administration in office, posing as patriots while dismantling the constitution they swore to uphold; calling torture necessary, despite the clear evidence that it has two very predictable outcomes: unreliable information and danger for our soldiers in captivity; pretending that we can wage a tidy war (have we all forgotten the repeated claims that it would be a quick war that would be paid for by the oil revenues) without asking the country to share the sacrifice - then taking care of the necessary sacrifice by putting the country trillions of dollars in debt while giving the wealthiest (and coziest) friends and supporters of the policies tax breaks in the billions.

Some people think the war has gone badly for the neo-cons; the resulting impact on the economy / fuel prices is an unexpected mess. Perhaps the war has gone perfectly: If you are tied up with the likes of Bechtel, Blackwater, Haliburton, the oil companies, it's going great! Rising fuel prices as far as the eye can see, record profits (in time of war? when consumers are treated as oil junkies by the oil company pimps?); the bankrupting of the government so that all those nasty social(ist) programs will have to be cut - like benefits to returning soldiers and their families; creating the perfect never-ending war - the war on terror - where there is no nation to defeat, just a constant need for weapons manufacturers, mercenaries and companies like Halliburton that has a permanent no bid contract to keep rebuilding what we help blow up. No. I think Bush and Cheney and their co-patriots are truly excited about their accomplishments.

And people are calling flag pins an issue of patriotism.

You could tattoo the flag on W, Cheney and the rest of the facist (yes - the term is appropriate since it means the wedding of the state and the corporation - sounds like the current set of policies) - tattoo the flag on these men and it doesn't make them patriotic. Their policies and pronouncements have killed 4000 of our brothers and sisters - terribly injured 200K+ young Americans, and done it while raking in massive amounts of profits for their corporate cronies.

Here's the corker - McCain says he supports an seemingly endless occupation (the war ended several years ago - let's call this what it is); continued tax cuts for the super wealthy; and a solution to the subprime loan scandal that puts the blame on consumers rather than the unregulated predatory loan practices.

If you are truly angry about what's going on for the majority of us Americans - get your focus back on the REAL issues. Make sure the past 8 years are not a lesson lost on us. Make sure the truth about McCain's associations, legislative history, ties to corporate interests and Constant War view are known by everyone you know.

This election is a turning point in our country - turning further onto this dead-end path of the past 8 years, or taking back our democracy, saving our constitution and proclaiming that we will never let an administration do this to America again.

Peter

[Peter]

Susan - Yes Hillary is just Hillary with whomever she's with. Like chuggin' beers with the guys in the bar. And taking shots of Crown Royal (Canadian? Elitist?) for the cameras. Oh and that silly thing she did of making up a story about sniper fire that she then says she was embarrassed to have to admit wasn't actually what happened. It was scripted, and Tim Russert showed her repeat four times before the video footage proved it to be a bald faced lie. Yes. A lie. She hasn't used the L word because that would be too revealing.

A lie is when one deliberately tells something that isn't true. Repeatedly.

Yep. She's just Hillary whomever she's with.

PR

[kROCK]

Hey, once you get your "street creds" through Jeremiah Wright, you can toss him aside, right, "Barry"?

Similar to ignoring the Black Caucus Convention in Louisiana after he carried the black vote in that state.

One can only assume that you are drinking the ever-flowing Kool-aid that pools at the feet of Messiah Obama.

Does Obama take money from lobbyists? Resoundingly YES

Does he have ties to a controversial bigoted pastor and member of the Weather Underground (to name a few)? YES

Has he voted very differently from Sen. Clinton in the Senate? NO

Have you ever googled "Larry Sinclair", sir?

Curious how men are calling for Hillary to drop out, when if the tables were turned, and Obama were just a 100 or so delegates down, not a single Obama supporter would agree with encouraging him to quit the race.

What happened to fair and apt reporting in this country?

This article, and the nasty comments further prove this country has further to go in relation to abolitioning sexism over racism.

[United]

He won't wear a flag pin, not in protest of the Iraq war but because by NOT wearing it, he is sending a signal to his uber-liberal, "America is bad" supporters.

This fits perfectly into the fact pattern that is emerging about BO. It is not an isolated event nor are the recent remarks by BO that appeared to describe rural Americans as embittered, xenophobic and overly religious is not an isolated event.

It is part and parcel of a fact pattern that gives clear visibility into his world view and the world view of his radical associates. The pieces are all fitting together - the 20-year association with America-hating Rev. Wright; the longtime association with Bill Ayers, former head of a domestic terrorist group (The Weather Underground) and his wife's reference to America as a "mean" country - to give us a clear sense of how out of touch BO is with the values of mainstream America.

How can someone with such a cynical view of heartland America seek to lead this nation?

[littlequeenie]

What is the big deal?? SO WHAT if he isn't wearing the flag pin - no one else at the debate was wearing one either?? I just don't get all these stupid questions about a flag pin!!! What has a flag pin got to do with a person's character?? Doesn't Dubya wear a pin?? The war criminal? The shredder of the constitution?
OK, I STOPPED WEARING A FLAG PIN ON THE DAY WE INVADED IRAQ. Just stopped. Dug it out the night of the last presidential election, sure that this country could not re-elect the village idiot. But we did. So I am still not wearing one. If that makes me unpatriotic, then that is your problem. I've served on several volunteer boards in my community and hope to become more involved in my local democrat party b/c I want to help make things better here. One can love this country and still criticize it for its faults. And I voted for Obama in Feb b/c I think he is this country's best chance.

[Cindy]

Obama loves this country, lapel pin or not. It's just easier to doubt his patriotism because of his background or his name. Many in this country come from diverse backgrounds and are very patriotic. Sometimes more so than those of us who have been here for generations. The all-American stereotype is a white person, who loves baseball and apple pie. We just went through 8 years of that! It’s time for a change in this country. Stop electing people who fit the American stereotype and vote for someone who really cares about bringing change to Washington and this country. As he said in the debate, "there's no other country in which my story is even possible. Somebody who was born to a teenage mom, raised by a single mother and grandparents from small towns in Kansas, you know, who was able to get an education and rise to the point where I can run for the highest office in the land, I could not help but love this country for all that it's given me."

[Lynda W.]

I'm confused as to why this is so hard to figure out. Obama saw people doing things like wearing flag pins after 9/11 and calling that patriotism instead of actually doing anything to help the country. He said: Not me; I want to be judged on my actions. THAT is a true patriot. He didn't say he objects to flags or pins or gifts from veterans. He said he objected to people using symbolism to get them out of having to do, sacrifice or commit to anything difficult. He was making a statement against political slackers and bet-hedgers, not against the flag. Slapping on a pin that was Made In China doesn't especially show love of country, but running to be the President of the United States most certainly does.

[Lynda W.]

I'm confused as to why this is so hard to figure out. Obama saw people doing things like wearing flag pins after 9/11 and calling that patriotism instead of actually doing anything to help the country. He said: Not me; I want to be judged on my actions. THAT is a true patriot. He didn't say he objects to flags or pins or gifts from veterans. He said he objected to people using symbolism to get them out of having to do, sacrifice or commit to anything difficult. He was making a statement against political slackers and bet-hedgers, not against the flag. Slapping on a pin that was Made In China doesn't especially show love of country, but running to be the President of the United States most certainly does.

[Shootingsparks]

Who own this paper....are we talking about flag pins when HRC wants to force feed us CAFTA??? Please, LA Times, quit trying to keep America stupid....shame on you
Where's the beef???

[Susan in NC]

1. Why is no-one asking why Sen. Clinton doesn't wear a flag lapel pin?
2. At the next ball game you attend, please count the number of people who don't hold their hands over their heart while the National Anthem is being sung. Do they all pray to Allah and hate America?
3. Would you rather have a president who wraps himself/herself in the flag and destroys the country or one who says....my love of country is deeper and more meaningful than what I wear on my lapel.

[robinia]

SUSAN of NC !

Good observation...I don't see Hillary wearing a flag on her lapel !

Or does her marriage to Bill means that she doesn't have to wear one?

[Katy]

Please could we have an article about who gave Bush authorization for the Iraq war? That is what all these stupid distractions are about - about NOT talking about the real issues which would bury Clinton and McClain, both who have supported the war and all of Bush's policies.

[R. LYNETTE COPELAND]

The individuals "sitting around their kitchen tables" trying to figure out how they will pay next month's bills:do you think they're wearing American Flag lapel pins, or wondering why they're not wearing them?

[Gloria]

The real Rev. Wright
By Ronald Kessler
Sunday, April 20, 2008

In his speech on race, Sen. Barack Obama tried to explain away his longtime minister's denunciations of America by saying that for blacks of his generation, memories of "humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away."

But an examination by Newsmax.com of the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.'s background reveals that Obama's characterization of his former pastor's upbringing is mythology.

Described by Obama as his sounding board and mentor for more than two decades, Wright was born in Philadelphia in 1941. He lived in a racially mixed section called Germantown, which consisted of homes on broad tree-lined streets in northwest Philadelphia. The owners then were middle-class families.

For 62 years, Wright's father, the Rev. Jeremiah Alvesta Wright, was pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown. He was one of the first blacks to receive a degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

Wright's mother, Mary Elizabeth Henderson Wright, was a schoolteacher. She was the first black to teach an academic subject at Roosevelt Junior High, the first to teach at Germantown High, and the first to teach at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She became vice principal of Girls High in 1968.

Rather than attend the more racially mixed Germantown High School at 40 East High St., Wright traveled a few miles to the elite Central High School at 1700 West Olney Ave., graduating in 1959. Opened in 1838, Central High has a distinguished past and admits only highly qualified applicants who are privileged to attend from all over the city. It is comparable to the Bronx High School of Science and Boston Latin School, both public schools known for academic excellence.

When Wright attended Central High, the student body was 90 percent white, according to students who attended around the same time. At least three-quarters of the students were Jewish. Former students of the period say racial tension did not exist. Bill Cosby, who attended the school until transferring to Germantown High, has referred to Central as a "wonderful" school. In contrast to Wright, Cosby has denounced blacks who take refuge in self-pitying victimhood and seek to blame whites for problems in the black community.

"Central High was a marvelous academic environment," says Tod Mammuth, who graduated in 1965 and is now a Philadelphia-area lawyer. "You had to have high academic credentials to be accepted and a high IQ score. Many later said it was more rigorous than college. We had no racial friction."

In college, "I was so far advanced from the normal kids, it was almost unbelievable," says H. Yale Gutnick, who graduated from Central High in 1960 and is a Pittsburgh lawyer. "In my freshman year, I didn't have to do anything. I had already read most of what we had to read in English class, and I was equally advanced in the other academic areas."
The 211th class yearbook described Wright as a respected member of the class.

"Always ready with a kind word, Jerry is one of the most congenial members of the 211," the yearbook said. "His record in Central is a model for lower class (younger) members to emulate."

Saying Wright can be compared to the school handbook's description of "an educated man," the description said Wright was "the epitome of what Central endeavors to imbue in its students."

Next to a photo of Wright wearing black-rimmed glasses, the yearbook listed seven extracurricular activities, including junior varsity football, band, school orchestra and swing band.

In contrast to Wright's comfortable upbringing, Morton A. Klein, who also attended Central High around the same time, lived in a poor, virtually all-black section called West Oak Lane.

"Four times a year, we would go to get big boxes of used clothing that was our wardrobe for the year. I never resented it. I was thrilled with my clothes," says Klein, who was an economist in the Nixon, Ford and Carter administrations and is now president of the Zionist Organization of America.

"We never went out to eat," says Klein. "We had no car. We did not go to summer camp or take vacations. I had dozens of black friends. We played in the street every day. I remember my childhood as wonderful, and it certainly did not breed hatred of America. I loved America."
In contrast, the man Obama describes as being like an uncle has blamed America and whites for starting the AIDS virus to kill off blacks, training professional killers, importing drugs and creating a racist society to oppress blacks.

"The government gives them drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law, and then wants to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, not 'God Bless America' -- God damn America," Wright has said.

In a similar vein, Michelle Obama has said she is proud of America for the first time. And Obama has recently said Americans in small towns are "bitter" and cling in frustration to "guns, or religion, or antipathy to people who aren't like them. ..."

In his speech on race, Obama sought to evoke sympathy for the Rev. Wright. He described a "lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one's family. ..."

Obama said this was "the reality in which Rev. Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late '50s and early '60s, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. ... Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Rev. Wright's generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years."

In retirement, Wright will continue a life of privilege that dates back to Central High. As a retirement gift, Wright's Trinity United Church of Christ is building him a million-dollar home abutting Odyssey Country Club and Golf Course in the nearly all-white Chicago suburb of Tinley Park. The home sits on land the pastor purchased in 2004 for $345,000. In December 2006, Wright sold the land to his church, which took out a $1.6 million mortgage on the property. In April 2007, the church applied for a building permit for the brick and stone structure.

Wright's new home has 10,340 square feet of space, about four times the size of a typical suburban house. It includes four bedrooms, an elevator, an exercise room and a four-car garage.

Rather than being a victim of oppression of blacks, as Obama has claimed, Wright is a symbol of the American dream. Rather than meriting sympathy, he exemplifies what my friend Fox News contributor Juan Williams describes as black leaders who orchestrate support for themselves by manipulating blacks into seeing themselves as victims, creating a black "culture of failure."

Obama's attempt to excuse Wright's hate-America rhetoric by deceptively describing his personal history and his failure to condemn him as a bigot speak volumes about the candidate's own character and fitness to lead the country.

Ronald Kessler is chief Washington correspondent of Newsmax.com

[Paul]

What a depressing sample of "American" opinion here. Destructive people hallucinating conspiracies and evil intent, bubbling with more effective hate and fear than Bin Laden himself.

Tell me, who's killed more Americans now, Bin Laden, or Bush? Bush et al doesn't even care enough to keep count of the number innocent civilians killed, which we've outdone Al Qaeda on by at least 10 times over. For what? To kill terrorists that weren't even there before Bush opened the door for them?!

Even that, I don't call "evil", because people believe they acted with good intentions, to "save America". Terrorism has terrorized them, and is winning the hearts and minds of good Muslims who hate us even more now. You think you can kill them all? Millions of them? How STUPID, and dangerous, and getting closer to being genuine, historic "evil" every day.

Meanwhile, "Bin Laden, dead or alive" is all but forgotten, and Afghanistan is deteriorating. Way to go, "patriots". Wear that pin proudly, no matter what!

[JosephMax All America]

Gloria .... U ROCK !!! AND WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT That NAZI evil " Rev " Wright / Wrong... And just for an add on, what do lawyers do to someone that is sitting on the witness stand in court ???

They tear apart thier background and those they assoiciate with, and Obama called this guy an uncle to him... With 20 yr's Assoiciating with him... Not hard to figure out !! Again WELL SAID - Gloria,well said !!!!

And yes I think it is wrong for him to refuse to wear our flag on his chest... Our colors rep us as a nation and people,and if he wont stand as one now... Then let him stand alone as a loser.... !!! DNT TREAD ON ME !!!

[Kiko]

Obama recently introduced legislation into the Senate to ban toys with high amounts of lead in them. Those flag pins are made in China and probably full of unhealthy lead. It would be hypocritical if Obama DID wear a flag pin. Kudos to Obama for sticking with his original plan.

[bruter]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/04/barackslapelpin.html#comment-111089628

NEO!

Certainly the future president-knows better than us what it wants to do and it's his job personally. I'm not American, but I see a good future for America as the leading force which will always have a leading role in world history. The plan of Mr. Obama certainly is composed of a team profesionals who decide what is the most proper.