Editorial: Liberals & Patirotism

It seems like these days the Republicans, but more specifically, the Conservatives are just jumping for joy at every little change they can manage to get their dirty little hands on to make people afraid of Liberals. So, what better way than to find keystones of American life and pretend as if Liberals hate such ideals? Although this shifty act has been going on for quite sometime, most recently it has hit one person the hardest: the 2008 Democratic Party nominee and my choice for the President of the United States, none other than, Barack Obama.

The first claim came from a fashion choice that the Illinois senator decided upon: not wearing a pin with an American flag on it. Let us pause here. Let us take a step back for a moment. Are people really going to stop supporting a candidate based upon their choice of dress? Really? (Link) Personally, I am not sure how wearing or not wearing the pin is going to make you a worse or better leader for our nation -- wearing it certainly didn't help Bush. Regardless, Barack defended his choice. In essence, he wasn't going to wear the flag like everyone else while our veterans return from our wars and aren't given the medical help that they need and deserve. Although I personally would have not done such a protest, I respect and can understand where Senator Obama is coming from.

The second attack stemmed from an email forward, shortly after the flag pin fiasco: (Source)

"Obama Explains National Anthem Stance

Hot on the heels of his explanation for why he no longer wears a flag pin, presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama was forced to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.

According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides,' Obama said. 'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'

WHAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this could possibly be our next president. I, for once, am speechless . . ."

This ridiculous email scam was debunked by the nice people over at Snopes.Com (For all of you who don't know, Snopes.Com is a website that has been debunking rumors, myths, and ubran legends since 1995 [link] ) Now, I'm not going to repeat much, since the entire article is up for you to read at Snopes.Com (Click Here), however, I would like to publicly state that this email is FALSE. Unfortunately, there are pictures online of Barack Obama without his hand on his heart. While I personally stand up, remove my hat, put my hand on my heart, and recite the pledge (with exception to the "Under God" part -- but we'll save that for another time), this is what most people do. For some reason, Barack Obama didn't. Now, he has since made sure that he says the pledge correctly, it is still not a huge deal. He has clearly said the pledge before correctly and he does now. He made a mistake. I understand where some minor criticism may stem from, but honestly, one slip up is not enough to turn most people away from a candidate. One slip up does not prove he does not love America. One slip up is not enough to prove he is a Muslim.

The third claim of anti-patriotism came from a comment made by his Cum Lade award winning, Princeton University and Harvard Graduate School graduating, Vice President of Chicago Hospitals, wife, Michelle Obama. (Link) Michelle Obama made the now-infamous remark, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my
country and not just because
Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.” (Link) Of course, her critics left off one critical word in her statement: "really". If it was not for this one word, then her statement would have been completely outrageous; it would have been appalling. But, with the "really" included in her comment, it puts everything into prospective: she is happy that people are now ready to change. Of course, this line hurts Barack's support from the older generations. For younger voters, the last eight years of Conservative tyranny have seemed like an eternity. For a lot of people, Barack Obama represents the strong change that these people have been waiting for.


Of course, these are just the recent attacks on Liberalism. To help out, I have taken the liberty of writing this following chart, which should clear up any other misconceptions. (UPDATE: The chart's HTML does not bode well with Blogger for some reason. Instead, enjoy it in diagram form!)

What They Say: "Liberals Hate America"
The Reality: Liberals see a country of opportunity and a land of freedom, yet they see it being misused by the Government. Liberals understand that not everyone is a corporate fat-cat and that not everyone finds happiness in accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior (For more information, please see "First Amendment"). Frankly put, if the America you envision for your children is an America that favors Caucasian, Heterosexual, Christan, males because they are "superior", then Liberals DO hate America. We see no need to hold on to the negative aspects of America.

What They Say: "Liberals Are Communists"
The Reality: This conclusion originates from the Nolan Political Spectrum (Link). In which, "Liberals" are labeled as "Left-ism" and "Conservatives" are labeled as "Right-ism". If you follow a more detailed Political Spectrum, if one travels far enough "left" you reach Communism. Despite the fact that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Al Franken are Communists in the same way that John McCain, George W. Bush, and Bill O'Reilly are Fascists. Yet, Communism has been made out to be something to fear. Something scary. Something "Un-American". So, clearly the Conservatives who will sink to any-low to sling mud on any non-Conservatives bank on this factor.

Now, before any confusion arises, I personally do not support or endorse Communism in anyway, but I do not have any type of prejudice for it.

What They Say: "Liberals Are Murderers"
The Reality: This comment stems from a common-place misconception that those who are "Pro-Choice" are also "Pro-Abortion". (The discussion of whether or not abortion is murder, will appear in a post sometime soon) Being Pro-Choice means that you support the right of a woman to choose whether or not she wishes to have an abortion. It does not mean that you personally would have an abortion or that you endorse the idea -- only that you are against criminalizing the act.


In other words, Liberals do not loathe America. We see a land of opportunity, not extending to its fullest potential. We see a great country, being ruled by, well, idiots. (See: "2000-2008") We see a Constitution with freedoms that are being abused. So, let me ask you:

Why conserve America, if America needs changes?