Why didn't Obama salute the American flag?

[Joe Biden 2020]

I'm going to support Obama for the general election if he gets the nomination, but I'm curious (and I did forget) as to why he didn't/doesn't salute the American flag.

[Gabu]

What?

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Who cares?

[Wakie]

I'm going to support Obama for the general election if he gets the nomination, but I'm curious (and I did forget) as to why he didn't/doesn't salute the American flag.

I believe the explanation was because gestures like wearing a flag pin and saluting a flag are pointless.

[Keystone Phil]

Uh...he's a Democrat? Tell me why he would be expected to.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Uh...he's a Democrat? Tell me why he would be expected to.

Of course. All Democrats hate America. It is only fitting that they refuse to salute our flag or wear a flag pin.

[YRABNNRM]

OMG BECUZ HES A SECRET MUSLUM TERRIST!!111!!!

Anyway, I created a thread with some of my feelings on that matter here...
https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=68248.0

[CARLHAYDEN]

I'm going to support Obama for the general election if he gets the nomination, but I'm curious (and I did forget) as to why he didn't/doesn't salute the American flag.

Two things:

First, civilians don't salute.

Second, it is my understanding that the occasion was playing of the national anthem, not the raising of the flag.

[NHPolitico]

"This was not during the pledge of allegiance.... A woman was singing the Star Spangled Banner when that picture was taken.... I was taught by my grandfather that you put your hand over your heart during the pledge, but during the Star Spangled Banner, you sing!"

the video of the event

Obama does sing along at the end, fwiw.

He has also said in relation to not wearing his flag pin:

"You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest."

Obama thinks that patriotism is about more than symbolism.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

What a stupid, petty attack.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

""When fascism comes to the United States it will be wrapped in the American flag and will claim the name of 100-percent Americanism ... "

Strangely, it's unclear who actually said that first.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

""When fascism comes to the United States it will be wrapped in the American flag and will claim the name of 100-percent Americanism ... "

Strangely, it's unclear who actually said that first.

Looks like a re-hashing of something Orwell said about fascism in England. It's true of course; fascism is first and foremost nationalist.

[MarkWarner08]

Read this article: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2007/11/obama_nabbed_by_the_patriotic.html

[Gustaf]

""When fascism comes to the United States it will be wrapped in the American flag and will claim the name of 100-percent Americanism ... "

Strangely, it's unclear who actually said that first.

Looks like a re-hashing of something Orwell said about fascism in England. It's true of course; fascism is first and foremost nationalist.

Fascism is a sub-set of nationalism which adds love of the state and adoration of violence to the mix. So, while fascism is nationalist nationalism isn't fascist.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Fascism is a sub-set of nationalism which adds love of the state and adoration of violence to the mix.

State is clearly the wrong word to use; I don't think many Nazi voters loved the Weimar Republic.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

True o/c. But even nationalism, as opposed to patriotism, on its own is dangerous.

[Tetro Kornbluth]

""When fascism comes to the United States it will be wrapped in the American flag and will claim the name of 100-percent Americanism ... "

Strangely, it's unclear who actually said that first.

Looks like a re-hashing of something Orwell said about fascism in England. It's true of course; fascism is first and foremost nationalist.

It was "when Fascism comes to the US it will be wrapped in the flag and carry the Cross" and it was Sinclair Lewis.

[afleitch]

My question is not why he didn't but why everyone else saluted the flag? Unless your in the military or your the President (as Commander in Chief) you don't have to salute a banner to prove your merit as a citizen.

[Gustaf]

Fascism is a sub-set of nationalism which adds love of the state and adoration of violence to the mix.

State is clearly the wrong word to use; I don't think many Nazi voters loved the Weimar Republic.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

True o/c. But even nationalism, as opposed to patriotism, on its own is dangerous.

With state I wasn't referring to a specific state such as the current state of the fascist's homeland, but the idea of state. Many conservatives are, after all, genuinely hostile towards the state and its powers while any true fascist adores it. You can't wage wars without it, after all.

If you distinguish nationalism from patriotism then yes I think we're in agreement, actually.

[jokerman]

From what I heard they merely caught him at a bad moment, where he had been occupied and was just about to raise his hand before the picture was taken.

[Eraserhead]

Who cares?

[Joe Biden 2020]

Like I said, it won't deter me from voting for him in November, I was just mainly curious.  Although, I am still voting for Hillary Clinton on February 5.

[Eraserhead]

Like I said, it won't deter me from voting for him in November, I was just mainly curious.  Although, I am still voting for Hillary Clinton on February 5.

I thought you turned against the Iraq War?

[Everett]

It's none of your damn business where Obama puts his hands.

[JSojourner]

What a stupid, petty attack.

And typical of what we will endure ad infinitum from now until . 

How many "Obama is a secret muslim who took his oath on the Koran and refuses to honor the flag" spam emails have you gotten so far.  I'm up to seven.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Like I said, it won't deter me from voting for him in November, I was just mainly curious.  Although, I am still voting for Hillary Clinton on February 5.

I thought you turned against the Iraq War?

You do know there are other things going on don't you? I believe (I know bias will be accused) that Hillary has the most realistic plan for Iraq - Immediate withdrawral will NOT happen. But that's by the by.

On this topic - I agree that it's a total non-issue. When I lived in America and was at sporting events, I got death stares from people when I wasn't placing my hand on my heart and singing. I always stood out of respect, but it's not my national anthem, it's not appropriate. Even if it were, to do the whole "hand on the heart" thing seems SO pointless - it's so easy to say you're a good American when all you have to do is place your hand on your heart and sing...