I saw this picture posted on Rus Thompson’s blog and I have to sound off on it.
How are we expected to give a man our vote for President of the United States of America when he doesn’t have the respect to put his right hand over his heart during our National Anthem?
Obama: No Hand on Heart for National Anthem
By Mark Finkelstein | October 20, 2007 - 16:50 ETDuring 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
Turns out that not wearing a flag lapel pin isn’t the only way Barack Obama chooses to show he’s a different kind of Democrat.
Have a look at the photo from the October 1, 2007 edition of “Time.” It shows Obama, Hillary and Bill Richardson at the Steak Fry of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) on September 17 in Indianola, IA during [according to the photo caption] the National Anthem. Richardson and Clinton have their hands on their heart. But not Obama. Does he perhaps believe that, like wearing the flag pin, the hand on the heart isn’t “true patriotism”?
“Time” ran the photo without comment. I haven’t seen coverage of this anywhere else in the MSM. Perhaps some enterprising reporter can ask the Illinois senator about his decision to spurn this American tradition.
Meanwhile, does Obama have some third act or omission planned to demonstrate that he’s not falling for those corny, old-fashioned displays of patriotism?
H/t reader J.S.
NOTE: The original version of this item, based on a reader submission, stated that the photo was apparently taken during the Pledge of Allegiance. I’ve now located the original “Time” image, whose caption states that it was taken during the National Anthem.
A “different kind of Democrat”? WTF does that mean? To me, it means he’s unAmerican. It means he doesn’t hold true to the words that define our Country as “the home of the Free”.
THE UNITED STATES CODE
TITLE 36
CHAPTER 10
The “FLAG CODE”§171. Conduct during playing The Star-Spangled Banner
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.
——————————————————————————–
§172. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of deliveryThe Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, ‘I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men 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 remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.
45 comments ↓
[…] post by Fed Up This was written by . Posted on Saturday, October 20, 2007, at 10:35 pm. Filed under […]
One Hundred Percent MUSLIM…
i believe that anyone who wants to be placed as the head of the us should be able to atleast FAKE that they are loyal to the american flag. this shows no sign of patriotism of respect to those who have fought and are fighting for the american flag and what it stands for.
He should be ashamed of himself. That shows his lack of respect for the flag and this country.
Gee…That seems too suspicious now.Wonder what plans he has for our country that he’s plotting in his head.I wasn’t going to vote for him anyways…especially now.
I just heard about it yesterday, then found the picture here. Horrible floods happen with just one tiny hole in the dam. Everyone should know this about Obama.
I just heard about the event yesterday. It is very scary to think just what Obama has in mind for our country. It only take a tiny hole in the dam to eventually become a horrible flood!
I cannot believe someone who lives in our wonderful country and shares in its benefits and freedoms would have such disdain for our beliefs. What happened to respect for Old Glory and what it respresents. It represents all the men & women who have served under it and many have given their lives. Old Glory represents every man, woman, and child in this country living and dead. How shameful for this person to shun them.
I can’t even believe that anyone would attempt to defend ANYBODY who does not salute the colors of the GREAT nation. They OBVIOUSLY have NO idea what the colors stand for!!!!! ANYONE who is not Red White and Blue to the core should NOT have the privelidge to live in the USA. The very fact that they have the right to defend someone who is not 100% Patriotic shows how great this nation is. We are a Free Nation, founded on Christian principles, and where men and women have fought and died for the Flag that you mock now by not saluteling it, and what it stands for. I think we need to load boats with these people and ship them somewhere besides here, Obama included. There should be something inside you that stirs you everytime you hear the National Anthem, and you should AUTOMATICALLY remove your hat, snap to attention, and your hand should immediately cover your heart, it should be as automatic as breathing!!!!!!!!
i’m glad he did it…this country isn’t ‘under God’…i recall when ‘under god’ was inserted…Christians raped and murdered thousands of black slaves, wiped out Indian cultures…Obama stands for what every American, Buddhist, Atheist and Christian and every kid in school has a right to do which is to not salute the flag…we’ve committed atrocities in Vietnam and now in Iraq and you think some little think like this spreading mean spiritedness helps…wow…way to go Barack…screw the Pledge to Allegiance…Allegiance to the right to express yourself how you wish…the picture depicts 3 robots and a black guy who thinks for himself and that’s what this country needs…lj
To put it simply John your an idiot! This country does not need another anti anything
Whatshed, I’ll thank you kindly to have some respect for others who comment on my blog, this is America after all.
What a bunch of HOG WASH! Really people, who would judge a man by a picture of him taken out of context. If you read the protocol all of the people in the picture are out of whack for not facing the flag. This was a simple instance of not being made aware of ceremony at the same time. He was in the midst of a conversation as the photo was shot. There are plenty of other photos of Barack on the internet with his hand over his heart saluting the flag and honoring our national anthem. Please…
Dawn, watch the NBC video and see if the picture is “out of context” as you state. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I don’t appreciate someone like Obama not recognizing the traditions of the flag ceremony. A conversation during the ceremony only incriminates him more for the disrespect. Did he think he was in the middle of a commercial and didn’t have to pay attention?
John, the “under God” phrase was inserted by the United States Congress when Eisenhower was president. It was a symbolic act, harkening back to when Lincoln referred to this during his Gettysburg Address. We have his handwritten notes where he added “under God” after “one nation.” I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable with our Judeo-Christian roots, but the obvious religious symbolism is all over everywhere. GADOCADWI.
I really think that people need to take a look at what this country was founded on. Some of these comments are very anti American. Not to say that Obama should be shunned for this but it was a pretty stupid mistake. Do we really want another ignorant president?
America is a Christian nation, founded on Christian principles. Most of the problems we have now are caused by getting away from those principles. If you dont want to salute the flag, if you dont want to follow the principles of this nation, go to Mexico…Iraq…Africa… just leave this nation, we are better off without you.
I HOPE SOMEONE CALLS HIM OUT ON THE FACT REGARDING OUR FLAG ON A NATIONAL TV DEBATE. THAT WILL TAKE HIM DOWN A PEG OR TWO. AS A VETERAN , I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR THIS MAN. WHO DO YOU THINK THE 58000 VETERANS LISTED ON THE WALL WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY WOULD VOTE FOR THEIR LEADER
I refuse to vote for a candidate as PRESIDENT of the United States, where I served for 7 years, who does not have the patriotism to salute his flag - the flag that represents the nation he wants to lead! Lead us where? I’m afraid to ask. If he does not stand for the national anthem and show respect for the flag that represents his nationality, he will not represent me and my family and friends are all saying the very same thing.
WHAT IN THE WORLD WOULD THE WORLD LEADERS HE WOULD MEET WITH THINK if he shows such disrespect to us? They will think he would even less regard for them.
Obama just needs to find another job where it is not showing disrespect to his employer with his behavior.
You’ll be a lot more disturbed in you read what hes written in a book and find out for sure exactly what he believes in.Our choices are lean but after this election the people who voted for Obama will live with the result for the next four years.Hey,if you vote for him please do not stand in line at the complaint dept!!
What is the book called?
you’re all absolutely right. anyone who has any different opinions can get on a boat like the protestants and get out! they could form a new country based on their own wanton freedoms and lack of moral and patriotic fiber. those bastards! im not saying this bit of sarcasm in support of barack, but damn. do you honestly think that we as a country have become so weak minded that we would let anybody evil into our presidential elections. have a little faith in your hypocritical system. we are humans, it is in our dna to question everything: our government, our leaders, our laws, and especially your precious flag. that flag is not the men and women living in america alive or dead. the people (posthumous or not) in america are the people in america. dont let what is basically a glorified logo represent this countries values. let our values stand alone without gimicks and logos, mottos and promises. we are americans, be proud, not foolish. you make way too big of a deal out of obamas decision. if he doesnt want to respect a flag, which is a custom that we made up (key words “made up”, its all in your heads), so what. im not saying i want a traitor in the white house, but i dont want a frightened little sheep either.
1. John is fuckin’ A. Why should Barack Obama saluts a flag that represented the oppression of his people for several hundred years.
America never was free, the hypocritical founding fathers owned BLACK slaves. Katrina confirms this, the new concentration camps FEMA is building confirms this. They had no problem lying and contradicting the Bill of Rights. The only reason we can speak is because the MAN can’t shut down the internet-and they’re trying that now.
Maybe then the Moralist Christian Bullshit is purged from the US Government, maybe then bullshit Drug and Gun Laws, maybe when the Police State is dissolved will America be ‘free’.
oh wait…that’s not going to happen soon.
“We have his handwritten notes where he added “under God” after “one nation.” I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable with our Judeo-Christian roots, but the obvious religious symbolism is all over everywhere. GADOCADWI.”
It’s not MY roots. My last name and original culture and religion was TAKEN from my. This isn’t my ‘God’. It’s the ‘God’ that caucasians imposed on us
I feel it is absolutely ridiculous that this muslim would even think about running for president of the US, when he doesn’t even have the common sense to respect our American Flag! I agree with John! I am glad he did it, not because I like him, but because hopefully it makes every single American think about their vote wisely. This is the biggest deal I can recall when voting for a president. The US would be miserable once a muslim takes office. God help us all if Barack wins this thing! If so, we would officially have no safe country any longer! Just imagine people!
I dont like Obama but I dont believe this pic is legit….Have we heard of photoshop? I sure have and a pic like that is easily made….I just dont think any man running for President would be that dumb…That is political suicide. If this were real how come there hasn’t been any damage control from Obama’s camp? I just think the pic is fake. Thats me though. I dont like the man but i dont think he is that stupid. Any one remember how the American public lashed out at Roseanne Arnold (or Barr whatever her name is) when she made a mockery of the national anthem?
Come on ppl do you really think a posibility for the democratic nomination would do that?
you are all fucking morons and shouldn’t be allowed to vote, let alone step outside your front doors and spew your ignorant, hateful bullshit. Try educating yourselves about the man before you jump on the ring-wing propaganda bandwagon. I believe that bandwagon is already weighed down by too many fools.
Wow. Just…wow.
So many of the comments here just make my heart ache. How can something so trivial as the position of a hand in one brief moment in time inspire such anger and hatred for a good man? He is a good man, as deemed by what he has done for others during his lifetime, not how closely he mimics the various secret handshakes that reveal one to be a “true patriot”. A man as terrible as you make Obama out to be would surely be taught that the best way to get to the top is to play along at every step of the game.
This is just a man!
Can’t you people see that in the grand scheme of things, this truly isn’t important? Have any of you sat down with someone of the Muslim faith and asked them what they think the definition of a “good person” is? I promise the answer is much like your own. Just because the words Muslims were raised with are not all from the same sources as Christians were does not make these people less human- meaning they are as capable as Christians (or any other religion or lack thereof) of compassion, kindness, reason, and love. Just as they are equally capable of mistrust, fear, cruelty, and hate.
These choices are ours to make, individually.
Dammit, we are all PEOPLE. Just humans in different shapes and sizes and colors. If you had to choose only one law for our country to abide by, what would it be? I would choose “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” I was baptized, raised, and confirmed a Christian, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t accept that this a huge and diverse world, a world that is one microcosm of a universe so vast and mysterious that we’ve only begun to comprehend it’s possibilities.
I personally feel that while we can use organized religion in whatever form as a guide, it still comes down to how secure we are with our own personal relationship with God, not how dominant our particular Religion is on this earth, that matters in the end.
Barack Obama speaks the words of a man who wants to help people. His adulthood has shown him to be an honorable family man, and a person with a strong desire to lift up those who are suffering. How is that bad?
Obama is not a Muslim. He was born to parents who met in Hawaii. He was named after his father, an African Muslim turned Agnostic. His caucasian Kansas born-and-raised mother and father were divorced when he was two years old. He was raised by his Agnostic mother, his maternal nonpracticing Methodist and Baptist grandparents, who raised him with Love and pride in his achievements. His mother was an anthropologist who collected religious texts of all faiths. It seems to me that this is the childhood environment of a man who would have learned a great deal more than most people about various religious beliefs, giving him the foundation to make a well-thought out decision about his own personal beliefs.
Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their 2 young daughters are members of Trinity United Church of Christ, a nondenominational Christian church in Chicago. He was baptized there and has been a member for over 20 years.
Why is there such fear of this man? Such hate?
Is it his name?
Is it his skintone?
Is it the generalized fear of the affiliation between any person with a name that rhymes with the name of an evil man who wants to hurt the USA? Or is it the fear of a man whose paternal forefathers’ religion was the same as that of the evil man?
And by “same” I mean including the range and scope of a religion. Because you all might want to remember- Despite both being “Christian”, a Catholic would insist on not being identified as a fundamentalist Pentacostal. There are many branches on the tree of Christianity; there are many in Islam as well.
Generalization is dangerous, and leads to ignorance.
It’s in Islamic belief that God sent Jesus forth to spread His Word and place compassion and mercy in the hearts of those whom he met.
Look it up. Check your sources. Go to the library. Facts are there to be found.
A person should be judged on their character and strength of convictions, both for good, and for bad.
But please don’t let fear overcome your sense of compassionate reason…
Oops. Damn, that’s ridiculously long…sorry
The pledge of allegiance was created in 1892 by a socialist minister, Francis Bellamy, for an advertising campaign. Bellamy said that the purpose of the pledge was to “teach obedience to the state as a virtue”. Both he and his cousin Edward worked toward a common goal of creating a socialized military, economic, and educational system. (At the time he wrote the pledge, schools were not government controlled). The Bellamy cousins wanted the government to impose military’s “efficiency” on every aspect of American society. This campaign was the origin of the modern military-socialist complex. Interestingly, President Eisenhower, who signed into being Flag Day, opposed the growth of the military-industrial complex but during the cold war, seemingly anti-religious sentiment (not signing the bill) would have been construed as pro-communist.
Francis Bellamy later lost his position as minister because of his radical ideas. Eventually he even stopped going to church in protest of the racism that came directly from the pulpit. When he first wrote the pledge it did not include “of the United States of America” or “under God”. He was bitter when “of the United States of America” was added because he hoped for a larger union. His grandchildren said that he would also have opposed the addition of “under God” since God would not have condoned racism.
In 1943 the Supreme Court ruled that “compulsory unification of opinion” violated the First Amendment and public school children could not be forced to recite it. In 1954, however, during the height of the Joe McCarthy anti-communism scare, “under God” was added to the pledge and the pledge continued to be recited. After this addition, the pledge implies both loyalty to the state and to God. In 1971 the Supreme Court ruled that the words “under God” inserted in the pledge for the express purpose of endorsing religion was unconstitutional. According to the Supreme Court, it doesn’t matter that students are allowed to refrain from saying the pledge. A 2000 high court opinion held that voluntary, student-led prayers at school football games are unconstitutionally “coercive,” because they force students into an unacceptable position of either proclaiming religious beliefs they don’t share or publicly protesting. 9/11 brought the issue into the limelight again. Though a lower court in 2002 challenged the pledge because it contained the phrase “under God” in direct constitutional violation, a 2004 Supreme Court ruling threw the lower court’s ruling out on a matter of procedure, without ruling against the specific violation of the separation of church and state. It was a hot issue they obviously didn’t want to tackle.
Collective, mandatory robotic chanting in government schools daily is not an expression of freedom. Where are our libertarian values of independence from the state or from a particular religion? Freedom of religion means any religion or even lack thereof.
No one in America can force us as citizens to abide by his/her ideology. Respecting the flag means respecting fundamental constitutional rights. To dissent is one of those fundamental rights.
Thank you Liana, finally someone with absolute common sense.
I’m sorry but if you won’t vote for Obama because of that picture, YOU wouldn’t be voting for him anyway. Half of you on this board are people who voted for Bush because he has good “family values”, anyone who has said that in the past 8 years makes me want to vomit.
But seriously, who cares if Obama was sworn in on a Koran, let’s see that’s called freedom of religion in our county. All of you people bashing Obama have so many hypocritical things in your articles because guess what, America is a great country because we have so much FREEDOM to choose what we want to do, and that includes putting your hand over your heart for a stupid song. It has nothing to do with paying your respects to the people of the past. Because you can honor them in many other ways.
I know that obama is promising a lot of things he probably can’t make happen like the republicans, but at least he’s better than that robot Hilary. and actually has a chance to defeat Mccain come November, which this nation really needs.
u guys are fckin stuupid. just because he doesnt put his hand on his heart for like one time doesnt make him muslim and IF HE SAYS HE’S A CHRISTIAN THEN HE’S FCKIN CHRISTIAN!! yall are just no life haters
das right, from da westside representin yall!
I DONT CARE WAT YALL LO$ERS SAY CUZ I KNOW HE CHRISTIAN AND HE RULES!! ay babey
Barack Obama says the Pledge of Allegiance often, since the US Senate starts every session with the Pledge. There is a YouTube video showing Obama leading the Senate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (with his hand to his heart), and there are pictures showing Obama holding his hand to his heart for the Pledge on other occasions. This confusion was the result of a picture showing Obama standing without his hand to his heart, next to two other candidates who are holding their hands to their heart. But the photo’s caption is incorrect, they are not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but rather standing for the National Anthem (which can be verified by watching a YouTube video of the event). This was during an informal, outdoor event for Democratic candidates. Although protocol suggests that the hand should be held to the heart during the National Anthem, observing any sporting event will show that only some Americans do so. But regardless of hand placement, most Americans stand respectfully during the National Anthem, which is what Obama was doing in that photograph. When his aides were asked about this, they replied that sometimes Obama puts his hand to his heart during the Anthem, and other times he does not.
If you had seen the video, you would have seen that he was the only one singing the national anthem.
I don’t put my hand over my heart during the anthem. In fact, I was only taught to put my hand over my heart during the pledge, and they are not one in the same.
It doesn’t mean we don’t respect our country. You people are ridiculous.
re:”#10 John” comment, demonstrates the uninteligent “art” of stupidity with a flare of democrat foolishness which highlight a lack of respect or appreciation for those of us who protected his right to be openly stupid. GOD bless America, please bless Him
back. I do wish that we had a candidate who says what he means and means what he says, and stands for truth.
Our great USA! If you can’t stand for it, leave it! If you can’t support what this country stands for, either good or bad, you (Obama) should not be trying to run for President of this great country. People want someone who will respect this country in all aspects of its beliefs.
well…..WAY 2 GO OBAMA YOU GOT MY VOTE
It was the Star Spangled Banner being “sung” and NOT the Pledge of Alligence!!! I think Hillary saw this as a photo opt and used it out of context. If you UTUBE it you will hear the singing by a black woman who cannot hit the high notes. I think he was just feeling uncomfortable ( as I was as well) listening to a horrible rendition of a song. YOU ONLY PUT YOUR HAND ON YOUR HEART when you say the Pledge of Allegiance which is not what they are actually doing!!!
While I have allowed this post to run its course of open comments, I would like to remind everyone:
THE UNITED STATES CODE
TITLE 36
CHAPTER 10
The “FLAG CODE”
§171. Conduct during playing The Star-Spangled Banner
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.
Last I checked, the Star Spangled Banned IS our National Anthem.
Hey! You racist bastards. When that picture was taken, the National Anthem was playing. It is not required that you put your hand on your heart during the National Anthem, just during the Pledge of Alligence. Get it right and stop trying to screw up the truth.
Don’t go throwing around the “racist” BS on my blog! And I ask that you mind your language. It might fly on other sites…. but not mine!
Better yet, look at the top of my post….
§172. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, ‘I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
This picture is fake. It was created using multiple layers and you can tell because however created it forgot a very small area from layer on between Obama’s left leg and the chair in respect to the flag and the grass field. You should only see the grass field instead you see a very little bit of the original picture. Also notice how Mr. Richardson is looking elsewhere!! The others have been placed in such a way where you cannot see their shadows. Smart but still stupid! Why would Obama not pledge his allegiance and blow the entire campain?
#30 the pledge of allegiance was created in 1892 by a socialist minister, Francis Bellamy… Absolutely so, thank you fellow American! It never fails to amaze me how these shocked and judgmental ignorants base their opinions on misinformation. Since the Obama “incident” I have become very aware of just how many people actually place their hand over their hearts ‘as suggested’. I have never been to any ball game or other public event where I can count more than fifty percent of the general public placing their hand over their heart. Does this make them any less an American? Absolutely not, it is what is in your heart, and not over it that determines your character.
Leave a Comment