Obama Says Flag Flap a Dirty Trick

To use Bill Clinton’s analogy regarding how the other Democrats are “piling on” in their attacks on Hillary….Obama’s enemies are trying to “Swiftboat” him.

because hillary has had very ruagh debae, she sent her supporters to find little mistake that obama does, like romney, clinton would compare obama to osama because anything that will take him down it on her benificial. for example for me president clinton has use the compareson of the 2004 election to the last debate that is shame for great dems leader to say!!!!!!!!!!!! don’t tell mama I am for Obama

If one goes to a baseball stadium and the Star Spangled Banner is played, 60,000 or so will put their hands on their hearts.
I do not think this was from any Democratic. I belong to all of their email lists and have not received one yet.

Ya know if the candidates were as concerned with how to handle the problems of our country it might help — let’s get out the the bush/Rovian way of running an election — that just bankrupt a good country economically, emotionally
Elections should be run on the merits of the contenders not on their foibles.

Obama is a patriot and I trust him.

Obama is not the candidate that I would like to see win the nomination for president. He does not have the intelligence, ability or experience. Obama may be young in age but he is not John F. Kennedy by no means. Kennedy was a highly educated individual and had qualified experience to become president. Edwards cannot make it either. No matter how much both of them try to bash Hillary. Plus I can’t imagine Obama or Edwards discussing world matters world leaders. World leaders would think America is playing some kind of a joke. United States need a well qualified person to become president and Hillary already has that being the first lady for 8 years. What does Obama and Edwards have? Nothing!!

When I was in school and in scouts in the 1950′s, we were explicitly instructed to stand at attention when the anthem was played – NOT to place our hands over our hearts which was reserved for reciting the Pledge. I wonder when the standard changed, and whether Obama is simply following the form that he was taught.

To Marrianne Peppitone. Where did you get your facts about Obama’s education, intelligence, etc because NOBODY agrees with you? Actually, many of the top people in the national security, diplomatic and other very experienced policy people in government WANT Obama to win the presidency.

Obama is right, there is no point in putting you hand over your heart for the Anthem, you are not pledging or promising anything.

As a military member, when in uniform one salutes during the National Anthem and places ones hand over their heart when played or removes their hat and places it over their heart. Not arms crossed. Still seems anti-patriotic to me.

To Mariann Pepitone:
“Kennedy was a highly educated individual..” Yes, he went to Harvard, just like Obama.
“Obama does not have the intelligence.” Yeah, he only went to 2 Ivy League schools and was only the president of Harvard Law Review. How could anyone write that with a straight face?
Did you ever notice that all some Hillary supporters ever do is quote polls? They never point to her positions or votes. Could it be that her actions and votes don’t jibe with the positions she espouses on the campaign trail and that they really don’t know what she stands for?

I love seeing conservatives leave our flag out for months until the flag fades, gets crapped on by birds and finally tears. Then, there are the flags attached to car that are so taddered they have been reduced the threads. Conservatives are special. They can desecrate our nation’s flag with appear immunity. Am I the only person in America that’s as had it with conservative’s hypocrites?

It isn’t just customary to put your hand over your heart when you hear the national anthem, it is part of the US Code (aka law): Title 36 Chapter 3 section 301:
(a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

Chad,
Chad, the guy is auditioning for the job of Head of State. Knowing how to show proper respect for the National Anthem is kinda a pre-req for the job.

As a Certified Meeting Professional I know that the standard is to salute toward the flag OR the music during the national anthem. I guess I am about as liberal as you can get, however I do have to ask how a senator or a presidential candidate did not know this? Which is worst, Obama’s lack of knowledge or John Edwards lack of cross-cultural sensitivity by wearing a coat and tie when every one else in that 3rd world meeting was open collar. Both are now off my radar.

During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. — United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171

to Mariann Pepitone, I am 39 years old and, I don’t know what schools or sporting events you have gone to but, we have always be instructed to salute the flag accordingly. As a kid, I saluted the flag during the National anthem (hand over heart) and as a Police Officer, I have saluted with right hand to my forehead. As a first generation child of Communist Cuba’s immigrants, I have learned to LOVE my country first and foremost. Regarding the post about Hillary’s experiance as a lawyer and first lady, LET’S NOT FORGET FILE-GATE and more importantly, her defense of the BLACK PANTHER TERRORIST GROUP as a young LAWYER. She mananged to stir controversy as a junior lawyer and First lady (God help us a Presdient). As a woman, I have no respect for her when she forgave her HUSBAND’S ADMISSION to extra-marital affairs..guess you wanna further your politcal career..what about her LIES about her daughter JUST PRIOR AND DURING 9-11??? And, finally to Mike Johnson about the display of a tattered and worn flag. I agree it is sad…the American flag, when tattered and worn deserves a proper FIRE disposal, with dignity and honor. But my wishes would be WORLDS AWAY from the beliefs of Hillary the future socialist a.k.a. ‘just burn the dumb thing and be DONE WITH IT..”

National Anthem Protocol: When the National Anthem is performed in public, it is customary for American citizens to stand and face the American flag, if one is displayed, in an attitude of respectful attention. If no flag is on display, it is customary to stand and face the source of the music in the same respectful attitude of attention as if the flag were on display. People are also encouraged to remove their hats during the performance. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, military personnel, fire service, and law enforcement officers in uniform normally salute during the national anthem from the first note and hold the salute until the last note is played. Civilians who are citizens of the United States often salute by placing their right hand over their heart.

It is part of the US Code for a person not in uniform to place his hand over his heart. It is not a huge matter reflective of a person’s patriotism or qualification to serve.
But, of course, in a presidential race that doesn’t matter. Small things have big impacts. Ask Clinton about her campaign stop at a restaurant and the big news her staff’s failure to tip made.
On YouTube there is a video of a 7-year-old kid belting out the anthem like a pro. Check it out, then read the comments. Nearly all of them made reference to the people in the background who were fidgeting or did not have their hands over their hearts.
Whether this stuff should matter or not isn’t the point. It does matter. Obama should know that. It’s not always the best candidate who wins; often it’s the best campaigner.

The Flag Code.
§ 171. Conduct during playing National Anthem
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
Obama, not dirty tricks. Just you, who turned in your flag blaming others for your failure not to respect the flag, again.

Interesting, I never put my hand over my heart during the National Anthem either. As for that rendition, I could hardly tell that it WAS “The Star Spangled Banner”. Incidently, I didn’t see John Edwards’ hand over his heart either. Funny TIME nor anyone else commented on that!

Hillary and Obama: For starters, face the flag, not the singer. Harkin and the other candidates are shown correctly facing the flag at the right end in the video–it is that very large red, white, and blue banner with stars behind Obama and Hillary. If Gramps Obama said to sing then sing. It is hard when the singer is that stylized but one tries anyway. It is not like standing for the song at a ball game while trying to get the attention of a hot dog sales guy. There is no reason one cannot sing and place a hand on the heart both at the same time. When a person has reached the level of a US Senator, just go to your own reception desk, pick up the Marine Corps flag etiquette book your office gives to the tourists, and READ it and then you will know what to do.

Isn’t BO a lawyer? If he is, he ought to go back to law school. Check 36 U.S.C. Sec. 301 (“National Anthem”):
(b) Conduct during playing
(1) when the flag is displayed-
(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
yada yada
(2) when the flag is not displayed., all present should face the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
BO is a poor example of an American.
No vote for you!

Barack Obamas Sex Life

A mystery might be solved.
We have all wondered why Barack Obamas campaign has been so bad. It has been so bad, incompetence alone does not account for how bad the Obama campaign has been.
From the outset Barack Obamas campaign has willfu…

I watched the video. That was ABSOLUTELEY the WORST rendition of the Star Spangled Banner I have EVER heard in my ENTIRE life! It was terrible.

I am not a fan of Obama, but he did nothing wrong. You place your right hand over your heart during the PLEDGE OF ALLIGENCE not when the National Anthem is played. During the Anthem you stand at attention if not in uniform, which is exactly what Obama is doing. If anyone appears to be unaware of the correct behavior it’s the others. i.e Hillary. Whoever started this either deliberately misinformed with the caption of the photo, or is ignorant and doesn’t know the difference between the Pledge and the Anthem. Never attribute to malice what may be plain ignorance.

Dear wassup, What’s a legal citation? A traffic ticket? Thank you for letting me know that my opinion doesn’t count (I kind of wonder why though). There is no “coded law” defining proper behavior in this case, i.e. You won’t get arrested for not placing your right hand over your heart during the Pledging of Alligence or standing at attention during the National Anthem. No law. It’s called proper etiquette. I think you misunderstood my position. I am not voting for Obama.

I think there are more important things to key in on during an election time other than whether a person puts their hand over their heart during the National Anthem.
Petty politics is whats drags this country down. Lets focus on the bigger picture such as the war, no health care, education, people living in poverty, etc.

Code or no code, law or no law, custom or no custom, it is not a big deal. There is certainly no consistency in the hand over heart “rule”. Like Obama’s grandfather, I was born and raised in Kansas and in our public schools, the taught custom was to put your hand over your heart when reciting the pledge. We learned the words to the Star Spangled Banner in elementary school (all 4 verses!), sung it regularly in music class and we did not place hands over hearts while singing. That’s been my approach for my entire 50+ years and no one has ever even said anything about it to me. I’ve seen plenty of people of all ages and in different parts of the country take a variety of approaches during the anthem. Some sing, some don’t, some don’t even stand quietly. Many don’t put hands over hearts while many others do. Most, but not all, do remove their hats/caps but many simply hold the hat at their side. Rule or no rule, there is no uniform consistency or standard that’s widely known or adopted. But really, this item is so far from being important that it’s laughable. Real patriots are those who insist that candidates have real substance, insight, and intellect, are willing to tackle serious problems in meaningful ways, and are genuinely interested in listening to, learning from, and leading their countrymen to greater things. Outrage and indignation about protocol hair-splitting is another fine example that sizable portions of the population seem to have their priorities way out of whack. By the way, I don’t know yet whom I will support in the election, D or R or other, but I sure won’t be either energized by or put off by small potatoes topics like this. There’s a lot more important stuff to get exercised about.

Please look up UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 36, CHAPTER 10, § 171. Conduct during playing.
” During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.”
Just go to any military installation and you will see EVERYONE stop where they are and what they are doing when they hear the national anthem being played. Anyone on foot faces the flag if visible or the sound of the music if the flag is not within their line of vision. Vehicles STOP ALSO. EVERYONE salutes the flag; out of uniform, with the hand & cover over the heart, and those in uniform salute military style. NO ONE MOVES until the sound stops. I was in the US Navy and had to do this. Even civilians had to do it on base. As a civilian with a US Army husband, I had to do it. It is called respect to your country. Anyone that is an American citizen that does not do this does not deserve to be here. I consider that to be a form of treason.
The 2nd Amendment provides the anti-American the excuse to not salute.

If Obama is to prove he’s such a good candidate for a leader in this country, he should know that the poles are against him because of his Muslim background (Everything that this country is shedding blood for here and around the world). So why wouldn’t he be a good politician and put his hand over his heart like he has seen other Americans do during the national anthem….like at ALL the sports? He needs to be a little smarter than that. You can fumble over words and get a good laugh as president, but you better show some patriotism if you want to get elected.

He’s showing neither pride nor patriotism for our country.
He was taught, “during the Star Spangled Banner, you sing!”? Well, he is not singing or placing his hand over his heart. This is not a matter of tradition, it is blatant disrespect. And this is when he’s trying to get votes!! I’m petrified of what it would be like if we let this guy in office. My first time voting will be in ’08 presidentials, and he will NOT be receiving my vote.

Zounds….hair splitting it is!
If evrybody who wants to take this ridiculous issue and disect it, I suggest you do your homework.
This has gotten out of control.
Read more about the man and you may learn a thing or two about him.

I think Obama is one of the Annunaki (a lizard species from planet Nibiu)

America is full of petty, racist morons. They desreve George Bush.

During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. — United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171

Obama (like most of us) has more than ONE grandfather. Obama is referring to his MOTHER’S father, who was instrumental in raising him. (Read his book sometime.) His so-called Muslim grandfather (i.e., his father’s father) was dead before Barack was born, so he never knew him. What evidence do you have that Obama’s Muslim grandfather was ever violent? And you do know that he was African, not Arab, right? What makes you think he was raised to “hate Christians?” Other than your assumption that all Muslims hate Christians. Jeez, read something for a chancge instead of listening to Rush and other idiots.

This position is not just a position, it’s our president. You must put your hands on your heart if you love America and Obama has another agenda as Oprah.

Is nobody else bothered that the behaviors while the anthem is playing is codified? I’m in the legal field and didn’t know that. Is there a punishment laid out somehow?
Personally, I do as Obama does and sing the anthem, as does almost everybody at every sporting event I’ve ever been to. Frankly, I’m not sure what I’m more bothered here by, the fact that this is codified, or the fact that this is how people are trying to choose their next President…

If it had been Hillary, Edwards, Romney, Paul etc. This would have been all over the news about how terrible this was. But, Hussein Obama does it and everyone wants to let it slide because: How could he do anything wrong, he is so likeable!!! Come On People!!! Wake up!!! Is it true that everyone working at Fox news is republican???

A vote for Obama is a vote against Hillary simply because she is a woman! There is no comparison between Obama and Hillary. Obama is wet behind his ears, he lived in Indonesia and has Muslim ties. That is all we need in our country at this point in time. I saw a clip from an interview the other day with his Kenyan grandmother that she hopes that once he is elected President, he will send aid to Kenya for schools, education, medical care, etc. Well, we have our own poor in this country, and I would hope that before we help the rest of the world we take care of our own!

How was this a trick? “This was not during the pledge of allegiance,” Obama said of the picture taken at Senator Tom Harkin’s, D-Iowa, annual steak fry and first published by Time. “A woman was singing the Star Spangled Banner when that picture was taken.
Actualy according to the US Code they all were wrong! The Democratic Party is a mess…
U.S. Code collectionmain page faq index search
TITLE 36 > Subtitle I > Part A > CHAPTER 3 > § 301Prev | Next § 301. National anthem (a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem. (b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem— (1) when the flag is displayed— (A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; (B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and (C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and (2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

This is so out of control. PPL need to learn a thing or two about this man and see what he is really about until they start judging him. It is horrible the way ppl think of a man just because they want another candidate to win. I would never do that in my natural born life. Just wanted to say again ppl need to LEAVE THAT POOR MAN, OBAMA ALONE. I think it is bad to judge ppl if you don’t even know what he is about plus accusing him is another think but. LEAVE OBAMA ALONE whoever sent those messages I wonder what those ppl would feel like if it was them that were looking bad in front of thousands no millions of ppl!!! :)

It ismsad to think that so many people would rather read and tell lies about someone else, We are not to Judge others, that is Gods Job. I will not Vote for Obama or Hillery, Spreading lies and rumors about someone else just to try and win an election or anything else is horrible and says nothing good about the american people or the way we vote for our Government officials, The Politicians do more than thier share of disgusting things to make thier opponets look bad and at this time they are apart of the same party.
I am ashamed of the way Americans act during times of voting, no wonder our Government is full of unscrupulous politicians, We should be listening to the reasons why the candidates want to be in office and what they hope to accomplish if voted in and then choose the one that we believe will better our country, candidates that lower themselves to sleazy tactics should not be allowed to run for office. Our Government officials should be of the highest of Morals, Honesty and work ethics; They should also have the education that each office warrants so that they know how to do the job, and as we vote in our new President the House and Senate should work hard to do whats best for the Country and the People that voted them in, and they should listen to the people who they are supposed to be representing. Because you cannot get 4 billion people all together to make laws and pay bills and decide what to do, We vote for a representative to speak for US, not to speak for themselves and what they want. I believe that almost every single Politician is in office to further thier very own interest, (what proof do I have?) Just look at the laws that they have and keep trying to pass, they vote for thier own wages, raises, retirement and medical benifits, and they passed a law that it is legal for them to LIE, they vote which ever way the highest bidder wants so that they make millions from special interest groups and big business’. Look at all the scandals involving Politicians, It’s sickening. I know we are supposed to have the best Governing system but our Politicians have found ways and are looking for more ways to take advantage of the people that put them into office, who they are supposed to be looking out for. I didn’t mean to keep going on and on but one thing led to another.

Well, if we DO listen to Obama and what he says he was brought up to do… then why doesn’t it appear that he is SINGING? I don’t believe that I should trust a person who defends himself by another lie.

First off, the woman who sang should have been arrested for showing disrespect for the song. I would have put my hand over my mouth to stop from hurling. I’m sure those posting against Obama on here are Republicans, who somehow have corned the market on patriotism. Everyone must wear a flag pin, support the troops no matter what, don’t question authority (government). Love how all the Rush and Hannity kissers profess to be such greater Americans than those libs, how we must return to the great days of Reagan. Repubs need to get off their high horse; if you have done such a great job why is there such a long line of dirty laundry from these last 8 years? The best candidate you can come up with is someone (McCain) who finished second in 2000 to arguably the least popular, competent president of the last 100 years? Conservatives year for the good old days of Apple pie, like the 1950s! Yeah, segregation, women in their right place in the kitchen, those were the best of times. Dems on other hand want our government, the model of efficiency, to solve our health care woes. Yes this is all incoherent ramblings. Debates like these, about topics of is he patriotic or not, add to the dumbing down of this country. we focus on garbage like this. we bicker about who loves their country more, red or blue. My guess is that half the troops fighting over there are Dems, and every time a conservative bashes a Dem, isn’t that an attack on that troop and their beliefs? We are one country, start acting like it

How can you call patriotism childish. My husband is in the U S Navy and I am as patriotic as they come but you bet you ass I’m on my way to Japan for the next 4/8 year if Obama wins this election. Obama knows how to preach and has offered “change” to the American people, which sounds great under our circumstance but he is way to risky. One minute hes saying he was raised as a Muslim/Catholic/atheist (his book) to being a down to roots christian. Look up is church “down to roots” means you must be of African descent to attend this church. The real issue at hand is Obama can be leading the Senate in the pledge allegiance to refusing to hold his hand over his heart for OUR nation anthem. Our country is not a childish matter nor something Obama should have laughed off.
By the way, Ruth back on Nov 7th stated that the US Military code says that you do not put your hand over your heart during the nation anthem.
Sorry Hun, EVERY branch of the military salutes during the national anthem

Re: post of bnelson44:
Quote: “It isn’t just customary to put your hand over your heart when you hear the national anthem, it is part of the US Code (aka law): Title 36 Chapter 3 section 301: …”
First, this is protocol for official ceremonies, not a law in that must be obeyed or you are punished. The rest of the code uses the word “should” rather than “shall.” Otherwise it would be violating our right to free speech. (Remember free speech?)
Second, this code was just adopted in 1998. So whoever’s saying they were expected to do this as a child is lying. Unless they’re 10 years old.

Well I guess everyone in the photo was wrong accouding to the code listed above Hillary should have been facing the flag!!

you still should of put your hand on your heart! it shows respect!!!

Wonder how obama sings with his mouth
closed. mmmmm?

United States Code, 36 USC Sec. 301, states that during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” (United States National Anthem) when the flag is displayed, everyone except those in uniform should stand at attention while facing the flag with their right hand over their heart. Those in attendance who are not in uniform should remove any headwear with their right hand and hold it at their left shoulder, with their right hand held over their heart. Individuals in uniform should show the military salute during the first note of the anthem and stay in this position until the last note. If the flag is not displayed, people in attendance should face the music and respond as if the flag were present.[10][11] The US Code was amended in 2007 to state that US armed forces personnel not in uniform, and veterans may also salute during the playing of the national anthem.

When i was in school we would have to sing the star spangled banner right after the pledge every single morning.In my school we would put our hand over our hearts for the plege but put it down and stand respectfuly for the star spangled banner.I see nothing wrong with what Obama did.

Yes, we’re in two possibly unwinnable wars, our economy is in freefall, our international reputation is in tatters, our current government thinks it’s OK to torture people in secret prisons and three Supreme Court justices will probably retire in the next four years… but let’s all focus on one snapshot of a man not making a gesture in front of a piece of fabric.
WAKE UP, AMERICA!!!! Or you’re going to ride this swiftboat right over the waterfall!

I’m 72 years old and from a child growing up during World War II I was taught to always place my hand over my heart when the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegience were played and recited. I guess that here in West Virginia we live by different standards than a lot of the country. Do what you think is right and that way you will have a clear conscience…..right or wrong.

even though i’m 15 and really have nothing i can do about the choices of the americans that voted for Barack Obama, it seems very ignorant to run for presidenry..and still not plege aleigence to the flag? Somone that is supposed to be an american role model not only not pleage to the flag, but at the same time raise the american flag at the same level as an campaign flag. i think that americans should be looking for more than just “a change”, because change isnt always isnt what is right.

I am a Christian and a conservative democrat. (Yes I exsist.) I am honored and proud to serve with Obama. I have every respect for him and I am so happy he won. God lives on both sides of the party line.

I spent 6 years in the military, and you put your hand on your heart DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE and NOT DURING THE ANTHEM. If you see a military re-enlistment at a bal game (Yes, people do that all the time!) The immediate command will all go and enjoy the game. At the anthem, you will notice that they ALL STAND AT ATTENTION and NOT PUT THEIR HANDS TO THEIR HEARTS during the anthem.