For eight years we've had an administration that has wrapped itself in the flag while it subverted the Constitution. So, I am especially annoyed when our candidates for president are confronted with questions about why they don't wear a flag lapel pin instead of being asked what, if anything, they will do about this administration's illegal acts! (Note: Hillary Clinton wasn't sporting a flag pin either, but only Obama was asked this question.)
I don't hate the flag or flag lapel pins. I am amused by those super patriots whose flag pins are made in China. However, I really despise the right wing's use of the flag to cover up its seditious agenda and acts.
For eight years, we have also suffered under cowardly Congresses that lacked both brains and heart. It has been all the more disappointing that Democratic control has not significantly reversed the situation. The Democrats have not lived up to their oaths of office either.
Since last night's ABC News inexcusably stupid debate moderated by Beavis and Butthead Gibson and Stephanopoulos, I've been pretty steamed up. It's not the first time in this campaign season and it probably won't be the last. Since then, I've managed to put myself in a better frame of mind like I usually do.
My "secret" beneath the fold.
Nothing these days is so empowering for me as clicking the send button on my latest $25 contribution to Barack Obama. Here, you can do it too. To me, it's more than a way of getting even. It's a way of getting ahead. Click ... and the anger melts away. But I did more than that. I made an additional in-kind contribution to Obama. (An in-kind contribution is the donation of "stuff" instead of money.)
I sent Barack Obama a made-in-the-USA, sterling silver (he's got class, ya know!) US Constitution lapel pin. Hey Barack, I hope that you'll wear it now and then, or even every day. It's a great conversation starter -- especially for someone as knowledgeable as you are about Constitutional law.
We Americans need to have a fearless conversation about this -- now -- in this very campaign. Tell us what we must do to restore habeas corpus and the Bill of Rights. (Like Keith Olbermann, I've been concerned about the death of habeas corpus.) Have an adult conversation with us about why it's essential that we do this.
Your primary responsibility as our president is not (as W often wrongly asserts) to defend us from our enemies. It is to protect and defend our Constitution.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
I'll do everything in my power to ensure that you are the man who takes that oath next January. And I'll hold you to your promise, too. In the meantime, I'd be honored if you wear the pin now and then.