Replies to 'A Barack and McCain...'

"I don't believe wearing a flag pin SHOWS any kind of patriotism...I personally find it pandering and insulting. I think that patriotism is show better through action and words than dress."

I respectfully disagree with the first sentence.  Wearing a flag pin or reciting a poem may be a genuine expression of patriotism and loyalty of one's country.  Who am I to question something that cannot be measured?  Why is it insulting to be able to show one's patriotism?  Isn't that a freedom of speech thing too?  If someone is patriotic, why be condescending to the gesture?  Especially if said individual is leader of the free world.

"And how is not wearing a pin a perversion of our national heritage? "

Not putting your hand over your heart is disrespectful, IMO of those who died and will die for the freedoms we have now and in the future.   We have had the flag for over 200 years, and showing respect for it and our anthem, and the pledge is ingrained into our children from a very young age (not as much now as in the past, though).  As Americans, it's important not to forget where we came from and how  we've prospered and will continue to do so.

"I don't see how wearing a little pin shows respect...I think that words and actions can show respect, but wearing a stupid pin is an EMPTY and MEANINGLESS gesture."

You and I do not have as big an effect on foreign and military affairs.  A mere show of patriotism is an action in and of itself.  It shows that those in Iraq now and those in the military at home, that what they value and what their leader values are congruent, and worth putting their lives at risk for- morale.   Why is a gesture automatically MEANINGLESS and EMPTY- and how does one determine that?  It's a symbol to leaders of other countries by the ultimate ambassador to the values that the entire country espouses, he's not just speaking for himself, he's a representative for the nation. 

I think the beauty of our country is our ability to do whatever we want and say what ever we want...and that includes wearing flag pins and reciting a little poem. Both are meaningless IMO. The ONLY reason for him to do either is to soothe those that get wound up about these stupid little things rather than actual issues."

I agree with the first sentence- but remember, that as the President, he represents EVERYONE, and his freedom of speech carries heavier consequences.  It's sad that we've lost the beauty of symbolism and the tacit message they create.  It's NOT just about the pin, the pin, the pledge, they're just the icing on a cake.  It can be interpreted as a Freudian slip, but look at the other points in combination with refusal to show respect- his support of the Obama's in Kenya staging a bloody coup to overturn the election, shady dealings with Rezko,  denying his Muslim heritage,  wanting to talk unconditionally with Ahmadinejad, the leader of Iran, and psychopath Holocaust denier (who would walk all over him in that case),   I don't agree with his foreign affair policies and his vast inexperience (there would be several better candidates).

"BTW, I haven't made up my mind...I am leaning towards Obama for now...but I have MUCH more to learn. Though, it is moot. I live in Utah, my state will go to McCain undoubtedly."

I think a lot of people have a pretty good idea of who they want.    Ultimately you decide who you think would best be POTUS.  I clearly don't like Obama, and I'm not a huge McCain supporter, but will probably vote McCain.  If Hillary had a shot, I'd support her over McCain, since she is technically more conservative than he is.  But to each their own.