As you’ve probably read here, Sweetie and I enjoyed Glenn Beck’s show this past week. Part of it included Glenn mocking the politicians who dress like hunters and try to sound like they’re not inside the beltway.
Glenn dressed the part. He wore cargo pants, twill shirt, a shooting vest, and orange hat. And he had 5″ by 7″ or so flag on his vest. As he ended his mocking shtick, he said that were he running he would not wear a silly little flag—but have a much bigger one. And with that a giant flag descended. We all loved it.
So what’s the flag problem? Is there a substantive problem? Or is this merely the fluff of ruffled partisan feathers? Well, I’m as easily ruffled as the next person, but I think there is some substance. So I said yes in poll below. What do you think? Is the patriotism of a candidate a substantive issue this election? in any election?
I think it is important that the person who is going to lead this country also be a cheerleader of it. So overt patriotism is a part of the cheerleading.
I want the President to be aware of the problems and address them, but to be like any leader in any industry and put forth a positive vision for the country. I think that President Bush has done that well enough – not as well as President Reagan, but better than Presidents like Carter and Clinton and even Ford.
What Jen said…a leader inspires, motivates and encourages others to act. As human beings, we are inspired, motivated, and encouraged by the spirit that comes with patriotism. Proudly waving The Flag is the equivalent of a cheerleader’s pom poms.
Hey Gwynne, thanks for the visit, comments, and the blogroll link.
Pssst, there’s more to come on this….
I read this post in the morning and have been thinking about it throughout the day. The problem I’m having is the definition of patriotism. According to Merriam-Webster, patriotism is the “love for or devotion to one’s country.” However, when people discuss patriotism, it seems they are more concerned about how someone expresses his or her patriotism.
I believe that the President should have a devotion to the country, but I don’t believe he has to wear a flag.
Hey Tim, thanks for the comment. I plan for another post, but in the meantime….
Does how one express his patriotism reveal anything about the depth of his “love for or devotion to one’s country”?
Someone’s expression of patriotism goes give insight to their “love and devotion” to their country. However, why is wearing the flag worth so many “patriotism points.” Can’t someone express their patriotism through their actions instead? Shouldn’t someone’s actions and beliefs be used to gauge someone’s patriotism and not the symbols they wear? It is a lot easier to wear a flag than to express your patriotism through actions.
I like what Jen said as well – overt patriotism is necessary from those who lead a country. If someone running the country isn’t willing to wear the symbol of that country then to me it seems like there may be a problem.
I do think Tim has a point, to a degree. The degree, in my mind, being the average person. I firmly believe that a regular citizen Jane can be highly patriotic without needing to walk around with flags waving on their lapel. However, if you are in or want to be in an elected office of a particular country then you should be wearing the symbol of that country (or state). Does this actually impact your actual patriotism? No. But it does say to anyone who looks, “Hey. I love this country and I’m not afraid to say so, whether or not you might find that offensive.” Should there be actions as well? Absolutely. But if you’re wearing the symbol then there’s no question that your actions were motivated by patriotism rather than them happening to be actions that could be mistaken for patriotism when really the impetus behind them was greed.
Given that our President doesn’t wear a crown or a uniform, I think a small lapel pin isn’t inappropriate to portray his devotion to his country; especially when he is campaigning or speaking to other national leaders. Symbols have meanings. They can be manipulated but that does not lessen the meaning behind the symbol, it only demonstrates as to how low a person is willing to demean himself to achieve his own personal ends. Especially if he has “never had pride” in his country before.
Hey Tim,
I like your phrase “patriotism points” and used it in the next post.
And Beth, I think you’re right. We don’t need a requirement for citizens to wear a pin and prove their patriotism. And I guess I really don’t care whether a representative always wears one, but Obama’s response to a question about the pin was not sound. He couldn’t refuse to wear it and get elected. But initially he sounded like he wanted Americans to accept him as one who wouldn’t wear the flag.
Hey Sis! Welcome to my new endeavor.
No, you don’t say! Symbols have meaning? like words mean something? Is that a rightwing conspiracy thing?