To the others.
"What I was saying was Saluting a flag doesn't not make one a patriot. Its your actions that do. People think that saluting the Flag makes you a Patriot, it doesn't.
Politicians often use symbols of nationalism (like flags) as political smokescreens to steal civil liberties. This happened in the USSR in the 1920s, Germany in the 1930s, and its happening right now in America (if some of you would wake up). This is why I dont give them much creedence.
I couldn't care less if Obama refuses to salute the flag, as long as President he protects the constitution. The point is you can stand at attention and salute the flag for a century and it won't have a single impact on the country. It is meaningless symbol. I am not saying to stop doing it, but understand you are not contributing anything tangible to the nation. As Redneck said, patriotism is primarily about SUBSTANCE, not theatre. Thats what I was trying to say.
If you don't vote, don't pay your taxes, refuse/skip out on Jury Duty, refuse to be drafted into the military, etc. Thats being unpatriotic.
Some of you all should look in the mirror".
"
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OK., MMarsh. Nice post again, understood. But guess what. You and I disagree again.
First - respecting the flag demonstrably IS an ACTION. That alone may not be a man's measure, but sure as eggs are eggs Patriots respect their flag, and their country, and their countrymen , and their traditions, and those who went before building and defending those things. The national flag is a precious treasure, earned in blood by those who were prepared to give their lives for Patiotism.
Therefore it follows that someone who seeks high office but does not demonstrate loyalty to the flag and other symbols , to show how highly they hold their country, is certainly not worthy of that office and should look for votes elsewhere for other jobs - the UN for example.
Similarly, if they hold principles which do not accord with the upholding of such symbols, then that should disqualify them from such candidatecy.
Why should anyone object to their national symbols? As far as their nation is concerned, that is unpatriotic, and should not be rewarded with votes.
Do you consider nationalism a dirty word?
As far as the quoted regimes of Germany and Russia were concerned, I believe they created their own symbols, theatre, etc., made to measure for their mind games, and it does not seem to me that USA fits that bill at all today.
So standing to attention for your flag and anthems is certainly not meaningless, - excepting only, to quote you, to monkeys. And it does indeed make an important contribution - inspiration and encouragement and appreciation of what your country means to you.
As JFK said ..'Ask not what America................'.
So IF Obama doesn't DO national symbols of loyalty and respect, then that would be a warning signal for me, and he would never get my vote for that job. Of course, I realise, as a Brit, that my take is irrelevant in this case.
Right - Help me down off this soap-box please.