Sep 20, 2012
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The Obama campaign’s redesign of the American flag has generated a firestorm of controversy across the nation after the 50 stars were replaced with the president’s campaign logo. But experts in American flag etiquette said there’s one problem with Obama’s American flag – it’s not an American flag.
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Joe Davis, with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said it may resemble the flag of the country but “it is not.”
“The U.S. Flag today has 50 white stars in a blue field and seven red and six white stripes,” he said. “The flag at issue has no stars and only five red and four white stripes.”
“As far as the American Legion is concerned, it is not a flag,” said John Raughter, the communications director for the American Legion. “It’s political art.”
And while the Obama flag poster may be considered by some to be in poor taste — it is not in violation of the U.S. Flag Code — because it does not meet the standards of being an American flag.
The United States of Obama?
Obama’s version of the American flag is featured in two posters designed by artists Ross Bruggink and Dan Olson and offered for sale on the campaign website.
“Our Stripes: Flag Print” replaces the 50 stars in a blue field with the president’s giant “O” campaign logo.
The Obama campaign offered an explanation of the poster early this morning on the social networking site Twitter.
“A poster to say there are no red states or blue states, only the United States,” the campaign tweeted.
So if Obama’s version of the American flag is not an American flag, what is it?
“It’s political art,” Raughter told Fox News.
And as such he said it was up to the general public to determine if it was offensive.
And based on comments left on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook – the overwhelming consensus is it’s offensive.
“I don’t know why I’m shocked, but I am,” wrote one Fox News reader. “This stoops to new lows.”
Another reader offered this assessment: “One again, very shameful. This is a disgrace. Just what was wrong with the flag with the stars and stripes? Why must Obama create his own flag?”
“A good number of my family, including me and my twin sons, has served under the flag,” another wrote. “This is far beyond insulting. I can’t imagine anyone who considers themselves a patriot voting for Obama. Who does he think he is?”
The flag posters are being sold for $35 – along with Obama yoga pants, Obama martini glasses and coffee mugs emblazoned with his birth certificate.
FOX News Talk
It's a campaign image. I see nothing wrong with it, am not offended, and have no problems with it. The outrage is ludicrous. The real reason they don't like it is because they don't like Obama. It's that simple.
So are you a mind reader? You KNOW what everyone is think? You continue to act so pompous, it's really hard not to just law at you.
The simple fact of the matter, Todd, is that 'Flag motif' apparel is popular and very common at Tea Party rallies, as well as various permutations being used in campaign art for literally over 150 years. Until Obama "dared" use a flag motif as part of his campaign art. Then suddenly it's an earthshaking sing of disrespect.
So yeah, it's hypocritical, and more than a bit disingenuous. It boils down to "We don't like Obama, so we're gonna criticize everything he does, regardless of the validity of our argument."
I am an retired veteran. I find this so sicking because so many young men and women have have given their lives to protect this FLAG. any campaign adverts must be approved by our so called president. If he wants to have special flag go some where he can create his own flag i.e. the Dark Continent not in my country. I live in Germany and I plan on sending this article to the German news papers. I want to really help Mr. Obama in Germany. He not loved as he thinks here. The two wars the United States has fought here lately has cost more than 6000 + American lives so far for this Grand Old Flag, The Obama people should be ashamed with the present version they created to allow such a thing to take place. Now we know where Mr. Obama's real values lay! Not in the United States!
Crispulo, President Obama's campaign is not trying to change the American flag. It is an artistic logo for a poster. If you want to tell your German friends something, talk about the Nazi movement and Hitler before condeming campaign artwork to relect a U.S. President. At least be informed before you go to the German media or they too will laugh at you.
Wake up, I know Romney may have a logo too, but, it does not MOCK a nation's flag, and OUR nation's flag on top of all things. The President is the president right now, not just a citizen, and once again, showing the enemy how he does not care, and how weak he is. Why mock any flag, if he needs a logo, go ahead, but, why say our flag does not mean "united" which is what Obama stated about our his new flag – "This flag does not represent blue or red states, but a united state of America" – He just might as well be saying "The current flag is offensive to me" wake up! Vote for Romney.
Impressive
Apparently Republicans do not want a united nation. Romney waves a Cayman Island flag not an American flag when he sails his yacht. Wake up vote for President Obama.
the obama flag:
No stars.
Never try to get ahead under the obama regime unless you pay omage to the lordship. For as soon as you start to climb and your talents become brighter and you start to left yourself upward (the skies the limit). Boooooom! obama will knock you down and redistribute all you have accomplished.
Red for the $trillion defecit.
Red for the blood shead by troops and embassy staff worldwide.
Red for the blood sweat and tears shead by Americians, who try to make the US work, but that obama crushes with more taxes, obamacare burdens, union rule, corruption.
Red for blood of border patrols agents, who don't get backing from gov when making arrest.
White for purity of thought…..obama is so clueless.
white for divide….he divides whites from all other Americians in every respect…..ie.
race and white.
any color and white.
creed and white.
origin/immigrants/illegals and white.
age and older/younger whites.
etc…..pick and issue and obama can divide it by white.
Blue for how well his green eco is working.
Blue for how farmers feel about not allowing their kids to take part in family run farms,
Blue for how Americians feel about America, the left, the left media,
Blue for obama policies and how they ARE NOT for majority of Americians.
Blue for obama's total outright disrespect and lack of support for Israel.
NOvember NObama
Get on the Romney Ryan Prosperity thru Freedom Express.
How f%$#@ing idiotic is that……
Thought?
Thoughts?
@Max no I would not like it if Romney did it either. Both parties have all kinds of paraphernalia for sale, but Obama stepped over the line with this flag.
Good call, changing the title, Mr. Starnes.
Unfortunately, as far as I can tell the thing being sold, that all of this hooha is about is not even a flag. It's a poster.
And there goes my support for the Omerican Legion!
Think of it as a preview of the new flag the US will fly under Supreme Leader Obama's regime. Liberals will always let you wha t they are wanting to do if you are willing to listen.
A complete socialist style redistribution of wealth and the abandonment of that pesky document called the Constitution. Add to that no term limits for Obama like his good friend Hugo Chavez.
I am appalled at the gall this president has! Upon seeing this unforgiving sight, my stomach dropped! It gave me chills and gave me the feeling of "dictator" by his approval for this degrading art. Please America! Wake up to the avenue in which he is misleading so many naive individuals!
This is great artwork, for toilet paper.
What an ego!
His poster is emblematic of the hypocrisy of an Obama administration. While literally wrapping himself in the flag, he more than any POTUS has defecated more on our Constitution than any president in history…and I voted for the guy. Shame on me.
This flag is truly a representation of Obama's feelings about this country, that the fifty states do not and should not have individual laws and rights and that all should be governed (ruled) by one central all encompassing government.
Sleep well Comrades.
The thing with this is that it is not the US flag, but a replacement for the flag. He wants to replace who we are as a nation with his image of what he wants us to be.
Guys, nobody in the entire country is going to say "Man, I really liked <insert nominee here> and most of his policies and ideas for the future of our country, but then this FLAG came out, so now I'm voting for <insert other candidate here>." It's not going to happen. You don't have to throw a childish fit and think you're actually convincing anyone or contributing to the national dialogue. It's okay.
This just shows this President's arrogance. Who would ever dream of equating themselves with the flag in such a disrespectful way? True, freedom of speech says he can do it, but the consequences for this WILL be a b*tch!
Abraham Lincoln.
http://rlv.zcache.com/for_president_abram_lincoln_election_campaign_flag_poster-r1e303894dc9e478baa3034241ed4578f_ajym_400.jpg
Greg
I don't like anyone who thinks emblems like the f
Ag are for their own self-promotion.
Nothing disingenuous about it.
narcissism – noun (Concise Encyclopedia).
Mental disorder characterized by extreme self-absorption, an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a need for attention and admiration from others. First identified by Havelock Ellis in 1898, the disorder is named for the mythological Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. In addition to an inflated self-image and addiction to fantasy, narcissism is characterized by an unusual coolness and composure, which is shaken only when the narcissistic confidence is threatened, and by the tendency to take others for granted or to exploit them. According to Sigmund Freud, narcissism is a normal stage in children's development, but it is considered a disorder when it occurs after puberty.
This flag may be considered "art" by the American Legion but I consider it un-American. Is this to be the "new" flag of America? Is this his true vision for America?
dislike
dislike
What an asshole!
barry's flag is political art and porn is physical art. There was a time when we knew to take out the trash.
Sit down and shut up already http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/romney-newt-santorum-and-ron-desecrate-us-flags-with-their-faces–should-they-be-tried-for-treason/question-2518485/?page=2&link=ibaf&q=&imgurl=http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/3/1/0/1/3/4/7/American-Tea-Party-Revolution-Flag-72103302968.jpeg.
Sit down and shut up already http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/romney-newt-santorum-and-ron-desecrate-us-flags-with-their-faces–should-they-be-tried-for-treason/question-2518485/?page=2&link=ibaf&q=&imgurl=http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/3/1/0/1/3/4/7/American-Tea-Party-Revolution-Flag-72103302968.jpeg.
I hope people of America realize that symbol of the "sun rising in the west" is the very thing our military is fighting against. Islam is no friend to America and barry's doing this RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSE.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER I notice you're all over the place in first comments (and coming from an educational background no less) spinning your web.
No comment here? or is my other post?
Anyone see mr miller for what he is?
I hope people of America realize that symbol of the "sun rising in the west" is the very thing our military is fighting against. Islam is no friend to America and barry's doing this RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSE.
Oh sit down and shut up already. You know the saying about the pot calling the kettle…..
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/romney-newt-santorum-and-ron-desecrate-us-flags-with-their-faces–should-they-be-tried-for-treason/question-2518485/?page=2&link=ibaf&q=&imgurl=http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/3/1/0/1/3/4/7/American-Tea-Party-Revolution-Flag-72103302968.jpeg
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/romney-newt-santorum-and-ron-desecrate-us-flags-with-their-faces–should-they-be-tried-for-treason/question-2518485/?page=2&link=ibaf&q=&imgurl=http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/3/1/0/1/3/4/7/American-Tea-Party-Revolution-Flag-72103302968.jpeg
LOL. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.
Oh sit down and shut up already. You know the saying about the pot calling the kettle…..
Isn't a sign of distress an inverted flag? If so, I have a much more appropriate flag for 'The Obamassiah's' campaign:
http://www.boydbroadcasting.com/obama22.jpg
Isn't a sign of distress an inverted flag? If so, I have a much more appropriate flag for 'The Obamassiah's' campaign:
http://www.boydbroadcasting.com/obama22.jpg
You will have to buy it to burn it which means you will be supporting his campaign. This is called FLAG PRINT. It's not a redesigned flag. I do not see 13 stripes or 50 stars which represents the America flag.
http://rlv.zcache.com/for_president_abram_lincoln_election_campaign_flag_poster-r1e303894dc9e478baa3034241ed4578f_ajym_400.jpg
So what can we do about this. Here is a solution, come Nov 6th vote him out, or else he may change the Stars and Stripes to a Big Red Star.
This is a trator to our country no matter how you will look at it, I still say he was put in to destroy this country from the inside out.
UPDATE: The design in question seems to be gone from the Obama webstore. SCORE 1 FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!
Oh Please -
Todd Starnes is a lazy journalist just stirring up the simple thinkers the easy way.
As you can see by the majority of comments – It works.
Man-up you so called republicans and act as a Republic should. Focus on real issues rather than trivial items such as campaign art most likely designed by an intern – Not under the direct supervision of the President of the United States.
I am voting for Romney for many reasons – One of which is to try to bring some sanity and maturity back to the Republican party.
Just when you think that Obama can't stick the knife into the guts of the American people any further, he comes up with another insult, bigger than the lies he has told to the American people. Being a 100% disabled marine Vietnam veteran, I for one didn't fight for my country and give up my youth to see a lousy Socialist/Communists United States president desecrate and alter a flag that my brothers died for. You have some pair on you Mr. President. Life member, VFW.
The flag is sacred…PERIOD. Check out the federal code regarding What Obama is doing….."The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." (Flag Code, Section 8i) "The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature." (Flag Code, Section 8g).
Oh, so THIS: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/IDAaqtSzNVg/Large+Tea+Party+Rally+Held+Sen+Harry+Reid/jgPXVakwkbP/Jody+Black…is okay, but the the Obama campaign's new art is somehow mocking the flag?
Are you so blinded by your idealism that you must find some way to turn everything into some imagined insult? That's really pathetic.
And this: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4936795952_548b1ace6c.jpg , this is apparently okay, too?
Jesus, stop and think about things for one friggin' minute before shooting off at the mouth. There's a reason the rest of the country(and indeed, the world) makes fun of the Tea Party, and it's because of kneejerk idiocy like this. If you want respect for your ideology, you need to comport yourselves with dignity. The rest of the planet sees a bunch of cretins foaming at the mouth when you act like this.
News Flash: Not everything Obama does must be criticized because he's Barack Obama. People will take the Tea Party movement seriously when it starts acting like a logical, rational movement. Childish ranting wins no respect.
And this: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4936795952_548b1ace6c.jpg , this is apparently okay, too?
Jesus, stop and think about things for one friggin' minute before shooting off at the mouth. There's a reason the rest of the country(and indeed, the world) makes fun of the Tea Party, and it's because of kneejerk idiocy like this. If you want respect for your ideology, you need to comport yourselves with dignity. The rest of the planet sees a bunch of cretins foaming at the mouth when you act like this.
News Flash: Not everything Obama does must be criticized because he's Barack Obama. People will take the Tea Party movement seriously when it starts acting like a logical, rational movement. Childish ranting wins no respect.
So you're whining because there was a rally in Reid's hometown? So does Reid own the town? I have no idea what you are whining about and there's a good chance you don't either.
No, I'm pointing out that the lady whose picture I linked to was wearing an American flag sweater, with an American flag scarf, both of which are against AR 840-10. Unfortunately, that damned link, despite linking directly to the picture, resolves a new server session to the first picture in the series.
Sorry for the confusion.
What does this have to do with the Tea Party? Talk about foaming at the mouth. Just make up some crap and include the words "Tea Party" and I'm sure all your friends at the liberal media will swallow. You libs always attack the Tea Party because you believe you have the right to spend everyone's money. The only thing the Tea Party has every raised a ruckus about is the government over-spending.
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Large+Tea+Party+Rally+Held+Sen+Harry+Reid+jgPXVakwkbPl.jpg
That should link straight to it.
The point is, you've got a lot of Tea Partiers in here foaming at the mouth about Obama's alleged "desecration" of the flag, when, for anyone who served and *knows* the US Flag code, Obama's campaign art is actually perfectly within code, while, ironically, common regalia at Tea Party events are *against* flag code.
I mean, read some of the comments in here, man. It's silly…until you realize how many people actually buy so hard into the ideology, then it's depressing.
FYI, I'm a lifelong Republican who never voted Democrat…until this year. The Tea Party is wrecking my beloved party; politics is about doing what's best for the country, not just your constituency. Hell, they'd toss Ike out on his ear. They'd toss *Reagan* out–he raised taxes to a 39% top marginal rate! If we don't get our heads on straight, it's gonna split the GOP–we're gonna lose everyone that doesn't subscribe to an intransigent ideology, and that means we're gonna start losing every election.
The point is, you've got a lot of Tea Partiers in here foaming at the mouth about Obama's alleged "desecration" of the flag, when, for anyone who served and *knows* the US Flag code, Obama's campaign art is actually perfectly within code, while, ironically, common regalia at Tea Party events are *against* flag code.
I mean, read some of the comments in here, man. It's silly…until you realize how many people actually buy so hard into the ideology, then it's depressing.
FYI, I'm a lifelong Republican who never voted Democrat…until this year. The Tea Party is wrecking my beloved party; politics is about doing what's best for the country, not just your constituency. Hell, they'd toss Ike out on his ear. They'd toss *Reagan* out–he raised taxes to a 39% top marginal rate! If we don't get our heads on straight, it's gonna split the GOP–we're gonna lose everyone that doesn't subscribe to an intransigent ideology, and that means we're gonna start losing every election.
Lemme know if that linked worked for you; that page has a weird session ID thing where even after I cleared my cache, clicking my original link took me straight to the picture, whereas the first time I opened it on this PC, it took me to the Palin pic. They must be storing them server-side by IP or something. Did you see the pic I'm talking about?
Greg
Yes that link worked and I find her fassion sense to be in very poor taste.
I don't appreciate anyone disrespecting the flag for their own purposes. They certainly have the right to do it, but I have the right to not like it.
I think a president or a candidate should know better.
I know it's not just an Obama thing, but since he is president, I expect more from him.
The thing is, her outfit is against flag code. Obama's ad, isn't. Simple as that.
Oh, so THIS: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/IDAaqtSzNVg/Large+Tea+Party+Rally+Held+Sen+Harry+Reid/jgPXVakwkbP/Jody+Black…is okay, but the the Obama campaign's new art is somehow mocking the flag?
Are you so blinded by your idealism that you must find some way to turn everything into some imagined insult? That's really pathetic.
I feel like am the only one not name calling, kinda sucks. Is anyone else tired of stooping so low as insulting someones name? Call someone liberturd or consvafucks and everyone thinks that is okay, yet we call christians , christans without resorting to name calling on the title. Being liberial is not a sin, so can we have at least respect enough to use the proper words without insulting the persons standing and just attack what the standing stands for?
What makes me laugh is if some chick used the american flag as a bikini (which I have seen) , how many guys would find that disrespectful?
Probably a lot. But even so, the chick in the bikini wouldn't be the president of the US. You apparently don't know the the difference between a girl at the beach and the commander in chief.
Oh I thought we were talking about the American flag, I'm sorry.
We were talking about the president of the united states and the US flag.
If you think his actions are no more imports t than that of a college girl in a bikini then you are too far gone, and yes you should say your sorry for that.
I went to your site and also saw that both Bush's (father and son) and Mrs Bush and oh yea Sarah Paylin twice broke a flag code violation. Geez wonder why that was never mentioned?
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
I love it that the only defense ever offered for obama's bad behavior is to complain about someone else.
Why is that. Just why is it ok for one and not okay for others. Answer please?????
I don't think it is okay for any of them to disrespect the flag. But I don't see how pointing out the faults of those who aren't president makes obama's actions look any better.
Why don't you just compare him to Richard Nixon? Then he will look real good – maybe.
Obama himself stated " This new flag, with my symbol, does not represent blue or red states, but, a united state of America" How can anyone defend that? Obama clearly, thinks the current USA Flag divides America! WAKE UP PEOPLE! Adolf Hitler got Germany to love him before he turned his back on the Jews. This is not about the Obama Flag, so much as it has to do with what Obama, HIMSELF, said towards OUR American Flag!
Utter nonsense. The VFW is right. Use of flag facsimile goes way back. here is a one from Honest Abe. http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/primarysources/lincoln-hamlin-election.html
Why don't you all do a google image search of the flag and check it out?
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-562&va=american+flag+art
What hypocrites! You don't complain about fingernails and toenails painted with the American flag symbol, or those who wear clothing with American flag art distorted to conform to the human body, or Bank of America's new logo, or thousands of party decorations that use the American flag as a basis for entertainment. Americans are proud of the flag and use it in a myriad of ways to celebrate the glory of our nation. Yet thousands wave the Rebel and Confederate flag higher than the American flag. Are you complaining about that….NO! You are looking for things to bash Obama to justify your personal beliefs. That is your right. You support the First Amendment, but try to shame Obama for exercising his rights. What does that say about you as an American?
It's OK if Obama wants to paint his fingernails or toenails with flags – heck, I'm even glad he has finally started wearing an American flag lapel-pin. :0)
It's OK if Obama wants to paint his fingernails or toenails with flags – heck, I'm even glad he has finally started wearing an American flag lapel-pin. :0)
I got a flag pin too. But unlike Romney, mine does not have an elephant in the bottom right hand corner.
Eh, with everything else going on, even though I find it extremely egomaniacal, I'm not too outraged by it. The Obama administration has done so many thing that are deeply offensive, that I am staring to get used to them.
In other news, my name is Frank. I'm a 23 year old CONSERVATIVE ACTING STUDENT. Weird, right? I know. Haha. I have always been really passionate about politics, but I only recently started writing. I figured my Facebook friends were getting tired of hearing my political rants, so I started a blog. I would love it if anyone reading this in the comments section could take a look at my blog, give some feedback or even subscribe, if you like it. The address is franklypolitics.wordpress.com
My most recent column was just posted yesterday. Thanks for your time!
- Frank
Eh, with everything else going on, even though I find it extremely egomaniacal, I'm not too outraged by it. The Obama administration has done so many thing that are deeply offensive, that I am staring to get used to them.
In other news, my name is Frank. I'm a 23 year old CONSERVATIVE ACTING STUDENT. Weird, right? I know. Haha. I have always been really passionate about politics, but I only recently started writing. I figured my Facebook friends were getting tired of hearing my political rants, so I started a blog. I would love it if anyone reading this in the comments section could take a look at my blog, give some feedback or even subscribe, if you like it. The address is franklypolitics.wordpress.com
My most recent column was just posted yesterday. Thanks for your time!
- Frank
I normally do not respond to your posts but this one is silly. The Obama administration is absolutely not the first organization/group/person/whatever to use the USA colors or symbol of our flag as a catchy image. This is reaching,unnecessary, and just really dumb "news". There are bigger issues. I'm on my phone but if I really wanted to I am sure I could find many other examples of people/companies that do the same thing and less examples of people complaining about them.
I normally do not respond to your posts but this one is silly. The Obama administration is absolutely not the first organization/group/person/whatever to use the USA colors or symbol of our flag as a catchy image. This is reaching,unnecessary, and just really dumb "news". There are bigger issues. I'm on my phone but if I really wanted to I am sure I could find many other examples of people/companies that do the same thing and less examples of people complaining about them.
Well, yeah, that's why I said "eh". I think it's ego-y, but not the end of the world.
The flags that old Mittens has been using at his rally's are made in China…..