Politics, the campaign, and instant patriotism
Last night, at what was luridly billed as the "Showdown in Philly," the subject of why Barack Obama doesn't wear an American flag lapel pin came up. The condensed version of his answer, which he also gave during the debate, was that a person's deeds and the content of his heart are what define a patriot, not what he wears on his lapel or his automobile bumper.
This is a difficult, subtle, and nuanced argument to make in a political atmosphere where oversimplification reigns. He'll catch some heat from the Republicans for it, assuming he makes it to the general election. A good counter to this attack is that a thousand lapel pins won't cover up for the sins of promoting a war while neglecting the care and welfare of the wounded soldiers who executed it.
CHAN LOWE has been the Sun Sentinel’s first and only editorial cartoonist for the past twenty-six years. Before that, he worked as cartoonist and writer for the Oklahoma City Times and the Shawnee (OK) News-Star.
Comments
The Graber campaign has received numerous complaints from veterans groups about the recent congressional action to have a co pay for veterans medical care and require means testing for services. Most of our congressional delegation supported these changes. Ben Graber has made it clear that those who wore the uniform and their families must be taken care of for their sacrifice on our behalf and he condemns any action to weaken the suppoort of our veterans.Graber will work to secure a veterans trust fund that will be immune from government water down policies when elected to congress. Bravo Chan for this article.
Posted by: Ben Graber for Congress | April 18, 2008 7:35 AM
I actually laughed out loud when I saw this. KUDOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lois_Lane | April 18, 2008 10:49 AM