Cross-Posted at Democrashield
Today, Barack Obama is being attacked by the right-wing noise machine. His latest dreamt-up offense? Not wearing an American flag lapel pin, which apparently makes him unpatriotic.
Of course, anyone with $2 in their pocket can wear an American flag pin, regardless of what they believe. In fact, how many politicians have worn that pin while tearing down nearly everything this great country stands for?
Patriotism isn't defined by what we wear--it's defined by what we do. And through his actions, Barack Obama has shown us what true patriotism is:
Patriotism is standing up for our Constitutional rights against a corrupt, power-hungry White House.
Patriotism is bringing our troops home and making sure they're taken care of when they get here.
Patriotism is standing up for America's working class, giving them living wage and a good standard of living.
Patriotism is making sure Americans have access to health care regardless of their income.
Patriotism is standing up to polluters to preserve this beautiful country for future generations.
Patriotism is securing our borders while helping immigrants become citizens.
Patriotism is fighting for clean, open government that's held accountable to the people.
Patriotism is helping Americans keep their homes by standing up to predatory lenders.
Patriotism is standing up to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorist groups.
Patriotism isn't wearing a $1.75 American flag lapel pin made on a Chinese assembly line.
So, Barack Obama doesn't wear a flag lapel pin. But you know what? Neither does Mitt Romney. Or John McCain. Or Mike Huckabee. Or John Boehner. Or Mitch McConnell. Or RNC Chair Mike Duncan. And neither did Newt Gingrich. Or Tom DeLay. Or Bill Frist. Or even Ronald Reagan, for that matter.
So let's put this half-baked smear to bed once and for all, because America deserves better than right-wing gutter politics.