What we see in HoosierArmyMom and others of her ilk is a preference for, as you put it, rote responses to demonstrate patriotism over any actual ideas. It is the latter that Mom could discuss, but chooses not to.

I dislike this observance “argument” because it can strike close to home, too. I have had students who, for religious reasons, didn’t stand to say the pledge as it is announced over the PA system each morning in my school. They are certainly in the minority, but that lack of activity can put them in the majority of students who are regularly bullied or shunned for their differences.

I make it a point in the first weeks of school to remain seated myself from time to time so that I can explain to my students that the only punishable offense during the pledge comes from disruption, and disruption would be punishable in things from instruction to individual reading time to fire drills. Want to continue finishing your forgotten homework during the pledge and moment of silence? Do it—just don’t disturb anyone who is participating. Want to stand and listen rather than recite? No problem. Want to recite everything except “under God”? Feel free. Walking down the hall when the pledge comes over the PA? Stop and face (through the walls) the flag in front of the school if you wish, but if you do not, don’t disturb anyone who does. Have an armload of books with no nearby surface to put them on? Don’t worry about the hand over the heart if you’d like to participate.

If we erase from our history everything except rote patriotism, we do not get today’s America. If we today demand rote responses to demonstrate patriotism, what do we get for tomorrow’s America?

Sometimes I say the original pledge silently to myself: “I Pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” And while I remember it, I also remember that the original salute included movement: hand over heart until the word “Flag,” then straight arm pointing (palm up replacing the original palm down) at the flag. That movement was dropped, of course, when the “best” example of rote patriotism impacted the world.

One actual issue — according to Obama, not according to fevered imaginings based on not following the herd — are that Obama feels the commander of the National Guard ought to have a seat with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to recognize that a half million Guard and Reserve have been called upon in Iraq and Afghanistan, the greatest number since WWII. So, I ask myself: do I want him to wear the pin or to fulfill that goal? I see a voice for that group of honorable veterans as a higher good than an inexpensive pin, hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions?) of which are made in China.

Now, with the hand over the heart during the national anthem deal, I don’t imagine that you charge through the stands at sporting events decrying attendees with their hands at their sides as unAmerican. I imagine that you might realize that the protocol you’re citing is in the code for Patriotic and National Observances, which isn’t really the case at a barbecue (where the incident happened). Even so, since there are other photos of Obama with his hand over his heart during the national anthem at other events, I guess you might have to say that he’s always moved to stand respectfully but doesn’t feel a jingoistic need to assume a ritual arm position.

How American! Freedom of expression!

Main Entry: pro•to•col
Pronunciation: prō-tə-käl
Function: noun
A code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services)

reference the U.S. Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 171 for the proper protocol:

“During a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed
(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention
facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; (B) men not in
uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold
the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;”

Aren’t Presidents supposed to be aware of and follow protocol?? Especially if they are working on foreign policy?

Folks, we are seeing meaty play his regular game…..make accusations and then refuse to discuss.

Come on meaty…..no answer? You afraid to talk about actual issues?

2-1 meaty refuses to answer…any takers?

True story;

I was on a plane from D.C., sitting next to us was a girl editing obama vids on her laptop. She turned out to be obama’s video editor. After engaging her on her candidates lack of experience and socialist position (and making her visibly upset, judging by the smile that didn’t reach her eyes) I wished her candidate well in attaining the nomination.

She visibly perked up and the smile finally rewached her eyes as she said thank you. I finished with “Yeah, he’s gonna be a lot easier to beat than hillary. She scowled and stormed away.

Nicely done Meathead, you proved our point

http://saynototheleft.blogspot.com/2007/11/do-you-really-want-to-vote-for-this.html

Wingers like HoosierArmyMom obsess on the lapel pin question precisely because they are unwilling or unable to discuss matters of substance.