Quote Originally Posted by Psycho4Bud
WASHINGTON - Sen. Barack Obama's refusal to wear an American flag lapel pin along with a photo of him not putting his hand over his heart during the National Anthem led conservatives on Internet and in the media to question his patriotism.
What does the flag lapel pin signify? I don't remember actually seeing them on anyone until 9/11, and then everyone wore them for some period of time as a symbol of patriotism and rememberence. After 7 years a lot fewer people wear them. I don't think it is a required item of dress for politicians, is it? I've never been very big on displaying symbols myself. There's nothing wrong with being roud of your country or your religion, but people who make a big deal of their religions or patriotic symbols generally come off as a bit sactimonous and holier-than-thou in my opinion, especially if they criticise you for not doing the same. This whole issue seems idiotic to me. It's like saying someone is not a good Christian because he doesn't have a "Jesus fish" on his car or he doesn't wear a cross around his neck. Being a good Christian or a good American has a lot more to do with what you do than what you wear on your jacket. I also object to the way the article said he "refused" to wear a lapel pin --- there is a big difference between not doing something and refusing to do that thing. I've never worn a lapel flag myself, but that does not mean I refuse to.

And what is the deal with the hand over the heart during the anthem? I was never taught to do that. I was taught to put my hand over my heart during the pledge, not the anthem.

Here's something I found on that topic:
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Barack Obama and the National Anthem

One expert quoted in the article says modern custom does not require a hand over the heart for the anthem.

This kind oof stuff is so moronic. This is one reason why I would never run for any kind of office --- the constant nitpicking about minor, isignificant chickenshit.