- For one's country.
The more I pay attention to political battles ensuing in the media, the more I'm convinced people have "patriotism" all wrong. Recently I read this article, which suggests two main points for why Obama is unpatriotic: He doesn't wear a US flag pin and he knows a guy that used to be in the Weather Underground.
Really?
If that's all the dirt they can come up with then I'd have to say the guy is a saint.
The flag pin: Obama is a multi-cultural man, and I personally commend him for being such. By representing one country's flag, he is shunning another. Wearing both flags would set off a media firestorm, so the only option is not to wear any. That only shows that the man is a genuine patriot who will not sell out one part of his identity to gain favors with another.
The W.U. dude: I guess the obvious assumption made here is that the Weather Underground was unpatriotic. Granted, their methods were over-the-top. The philosophy, however, was very much aimed at improving this country. They aimed to further the goals of equality and peace in this country, a struggle very much in effect today. Even their bombings were somewhat benevolent; aimed at symbols of the government (a la "V for Vendetta") rather than people. They often placed warning calls before a bombing, causing all employees of target buildings to be evacuated. In contrast, religious fanatics in this country don't think twice about bombing abortion clinics full of living, breathing, human beings.
Now, I have to ask... are these media figures and pundits just playing the fool?
Many of them grew up during the civil wars of the 1960's and 70's; were themselves a part of the counter-culture. Can it really be that they've forgotten? No. I think it's much more likely that they've committed to an ideology, thus forcing themselves to use deceptive devices (i.e. convenient omission, reaction/emotional exaggeration, flat out bullshit, etc).
When you play the fool you do two things: sell yourself out and sell yourself short. It seems like Barrack Obama refuses to sell out his values, and is under fire as a result. It's sad to see genuineness viewed as a shortcoming. Hilary has been faking and fooling her way through almost every media appearance since she was first set back-paddling. And despite the fact that Obama is more genuine, it seems like he has less of a chance to beat McCain.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Pro Patria -
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9 comments:
'Patriotism' is most often used for political purposes - and usually by the least patriotic among us. I put some thoughts down on it at http://javajones.wordpress.com/2006/11/04/42/
Let me know what you think.
Cheers!
Ahhh yes, I read that one before. Right on the money. I guess the overall point is that no one really knows what the hell is what =)
I agree with you. Obama's biggest problem for his whole campaign is the bigotry he has to face due to his multi cultural background. He definitely is a saint or one who did a great job paying someone to cover up his dirt lol. I love his realness and its sad people (well some) cant recognize that he would be one of the first presidents not to BS us.
If McCain wins the presidency we are all in big trouble. The man is wayyy to old. If Rice really is his VP I really am scared for the state of America.
Hey 1/3!
Thanks for agreeing =)
I think wiht McCain we're getting the old "switcheroo." Because it's a very real possibility that he will be unable to finsih the term. I wouldn't be even one bit surprised if his VP nomination was the October surprise!
Flag pin? Really, let's get to the real issues. It sounds like a snow job by the McCain brigade. The Republicans are very calculating and shrewd when it comes to campaign tactics. They want to detract from the nightmare they have created at home and overseas. McCain in the White House is the same or worse than Bush, if that is humanly possible. Yes, and the Vice President candidate is key. Scarey times. I don't think McCain would survive his first time in office. At this point, we honestly need to support any Democratic candidate.
I love how people always focus on the silliest things whilst ignoring the greater issues at hand, and never is this more prevalent than in politics :)
Cougar - Yea, I don't know if McCain can handle the stress. I mentioned in an earlier comment, that his VP pick might just be the October surprise.
I almost hate the fact that the Dems are so evenly divided. Nothing destroys he whole house faster than a civil war.
Darwin - I think that's because if people actually stopped and thought, they would realize that these are just people like everyone else. God forbid that should ever happen, right? =)
Have you read Michael Moore's endorsement of Obama? Interesting....check it out.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080422/ap_en_ce/people_michael_moore
"My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate."
That's very interesting. It kind of goes against the whole personal charisma that Obama's built up. Kind of anti-climactic in a way, since some people will take it as "I like what he's about, but not the man himself." Thanks for the link =)
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