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Flag should stay in our hearts instead of on our vests chests
A little pin has been causing a bunch of controversy lately.
What I'm talking about is an American-flag lapel pin that hasn't been showing up on the suit coats of candidate Barack Obama.
Obama was questioned about his bare lapel during a recent debate with the implication that it somehow meant he wasn't patriotic.
(It's interesting to note the questioner didn't mention that Republican candidate John McCain has also eschewed wearing a flag pin.)
This column isn't going to debate the other merits of Obama as a presidential candidate. He may or may not be the best choice when judged by other issues.
But anyone who uses a lapel pin as a gauge of whether or not they will vote for a candidate seems to be an unwise voter.
Now, I'm as patriotic as the next guy.
If you cut me open, I would bleed red, white and blue. I get a lump in my throat every time I hear the national anthem. I am proud of my country and of those who have served it and defended it. I also love our flag and what it stands for. It makes my blood boil to see it treated with disrespect.
And after giving it some thought, I'm not sure how respectful it is for a person to wear a flag pin on his or her lapel. I believe the significance and meaning of the flag is reduced when it is worn by someone who isn't in uniform. Often when someone x97 say a person trying to get elected x97 wears a flag on their lapel, I think it actually detracts from the flag. The practice does more to call attention to the person wearing it in a "Look at me! I'm patriotic!" manner than it is about honoring the symbol of our country.
As a proud American, I would rather that my flag was not treated with the same regard as a fraternity pledge pin.
I would rather that it wasn't emblazoned on T-shirts in the same manner as an "I'm with Stupid" decal.
I would rather that my flag wasn't stuck on the back of a truck next to a "Horn broken ... watch for finger" bumper sticker.
Instead I would rather that my flag was displayed in the manner prescribed by the U.S. Flag Code (see http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/04C1.txt) as the proud symbol of our nation's freedom and not as a cheap decoration.
Now I'm sure that people who have been using the flag in the above manner are not in their hearts being disrespectful. I think their "patriotic" gestures are mostly well-intended, but I do hope they will take a moment and learn about proper flag etiquette, since a symbol loses its meaning if it is not honored and protected.
Because, when it comes to showing your love for your country, I think it's more important to wear your patriotism in your heart, rather than over it.
