Nov. 5, 2006
Don't Demean This Flag!
Andy Rooney On Why He Thinks People Shouldn't Wear The Flag
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Andy Rooney On Flag Pins
Andy Rooney discusses how politicians constantly wear pins of the American flags. He says wearing the flag as a decoration is demeaning because it represents the most cherished values of the country.
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(AP)
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There's a silent little war going on in this country. It's between people who wear the American flag in their buttonhole and people who do not.
Every night on the evening news, you see people - politicians mostly - being interviewed or giving speeches wearing a little metal American flag. Are they suggesting they love America more than I do?
If a politician running for office has an opponent who wears a flag, he usually thinks he has to wear one too. He's afraid people might say he isn't as patriotic as his opponent is.
President Bush always wears an American flag. Would we think he was un-American if he didn't? His father wore one sometimes, didn’t wear one other times.
I think politicians wearing the American flag are a fairly new phenomenon. Politicians weren't wearing them as much just a few years ago not as much as they are now.
President Bush didn't wear one when he was governor of Texas. I don't remember seeing Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy or Dwight Eisenhower wearing one. We did come across a picture of Nixon in the 70’s wearing a flag. Maybe he started it.
I've always wondered if a politician, who wears a flag when the cameras are rolling, wears one on Saturdays when he's home alone in his old clothes. Or is he only patriotic in public.
Women politicians don't seem to use the flag as decoration like men do - maybe that's because they have no good place to hang a flag. Or they don't want to put a hole in their dress with the pin.
I suppose it isn't a very popular opinion I have but I don't like to see a politician - or anyone else for that matter - wearing an American flag. Using the flag as decoration is demeaning to it as a symbol.
The American flag may be the best symbol ever designed. It's perfect. It represents our current 50 States and the 13 original colonies. It's both attractive and meaningful and it stands for who we are. That's a lot to ask of a piece of cloth and the American flag does it magnificently.
It should not be used as a bumper sticker.
By Andy Rooney © MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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See all 97 CommentsI wear a U.S.A. Flag lapel pin each day on my collared shirt. I served in Desert Storm in our U.S. Army. I will always remember that over 6,000 Marines in World War Two died on Iwo Jima before and after the Flag was raised on that Island. I'm glad that you have the freedom of the press to express your opinion. God Bless America and I will continue to wear my U.S.A Flag pin with pride and hope all will wear the Flag with Honor for all current service members now serving in our Armed Forces.
In rememberance of all who served.
Please e-mail me your comments.
Life Membership V.F.W.
Honor Degree M.O.C.
Veteran U.S. Army Sergeant
Rob Whitehead
your piece on the flag pin was well timed. They frequently remind me of Samuel Johnson's quotation about an appeal to patriotism being the last refuge of the scoundrel.
At a local political debate last week, my assemblyman's opponent chided him for not wearing a flag pin. My representative apologized and explained that he overslept that morning, and absent mindedly left his pin on his pajamas.
Keep up the good work. It is appreciated.
Regards,
Chuck Poole
mbhomes
I enjoy your segment very much, while I don't always agree, I do much of the time.
Just a opinion on the comments about our flag,I do agree with most of what you said but I do wish that every one in America would wear something that says boldly that I believe in the USA, what better way than with a symbol as great as the American flag? We cannot carry around the real thing so this seems to be second best, and, I wouldn't belittle the flag by wearing it at home while mowing the lawn buit would be proud to wear it as a bage of honor anywhere else.
Thank you sir,
*** Sanders
Georgetown, Texas 78628
mbhomes
I often agree with your commentary but tonight I was slightly offended. You claim that the flag is being displayed as a "bumper sticker" when worn in public. I whole heartly disagree. I wear this pin on ocassion when I feel intense pride and support for our country's underlying fundamentals. I do not see this as a "jump on the band waggon" type of support but would encourage each and every citizen to do the same when they reflect on the prividlege of living in this great nation. Maybe if every citizen took some time to consider the privledge we have been given we would be better translators of the fundamentals we try to co convince others to adopt.
Displaying the American flag, whether it be a lapel pin, bumper sticker or flying in the breeze,is a beautiful symbol of freedom known worldwide. Isn't it better to display it with pride rather than seeing it burned?
Thanks
Manuel Marini
Thanks
John
I have a flag bumper sticker with what I think is a very worth while message: "These Colors Don't Run . . . The World". So I have to disagree with Andy on this.
I'd like to also say Andy was getting to look a little down in the mouth a while back. Now it looks like something has erected his looks and even his spirits. Good for you Andy old boy!
I find your editorial on the use of flag pins etc. to be troubling at best. This type of display for our flag might have begun with Nixon,however it took on a greater meaning and greater following after 9/11. As a man who walked out of the dust with my coworkers that day and lost 12 friends in the rubble, I think you are missing the point. I believe you are a man from the generation that Tom Browkaw wrote about,a man that, like my father fought in WWII and a man that loves this country, all things that would suggest a different opinion on the subject of flag display. You also happen to be my neighbor, a man that discourages requests to help local causes, a man who dosen't open his door to children on Halloween and a man who answers a greeting of "Hey Andy" at the train station with " I don't know you and I don't think I want to"......enough said. I think it is time you got with the program and tried to understand the people that are wearing these American Flags. They, like you, believe in its history and its sanctity and are proud to wear it at all times just as our troops wear it at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Todd
Rowayton, CT
I think your comments on the flag is all off base. I think you truley insulted alot of brave men who wear the flag today as a symbol pride and honor. I really like the way you showed Opra and Clinton when you talked about people who dont wear flag, you are showing the truth in the story, why didnt you just have a campain button with Clinton for president on?
Proud to be an American in Dallas.
Thank you for so frankly stating what I've noticed since September 12, 2001. This is a classic example of "fear=control", using our great symbol of freedom against our own people.
In the months following the terrorist attacks on our soil, almost everyone began wearing and plastering the flag on anything and everything for fear that not doing so would be "un-patiotic". Arab-owned gas stations and party stores were giving away free flag stickers like they were going out of style - and they did it out of fear. Fear that their neighbors might suspect them of being sympathetic to terrorist causes. It became the norm. TV stations had the flag embedded into their logos while the newscasters placed them on their lapels. This is not an act of patriotism, it is an act of fear.
Define the good with symbolism - cram it down their throats.
Define the evil with a face - keep it on the loose.
For to capture the face would bring an end to fear, and a man without fear is a man uncontrolled.
Thank you Mr. Rooney.
Thank you for so frankly stating what I've noticed since September 12, 2001. This is a classic example of "fear=control", using our great symbol of freedom against our own people.
In the months following the terrorist attacks on our soil, almost everyone began wearing and plastering the flag on anything and everything for fear that not doing so would be "un-patiotic". Arab-owned gas stations and party stores were giving away free flag stickers like they were going out of style - and they did it out of fear. Fear that their neighbors might suspect them of being sympathetic to terrorist causes. It became the norm. TV stations had the flag embedded into their logos while the newscasters placed them on their lapels. This is not an act of patriotism, it is an act of fear.
Define the good with symbolism - cram it down their throats.
Define the evil with a face - keep it on the loose.
For to capture the face would bring an end to fear, and a man without fear is a man uncontrolled.
Thank you Mr. Rooney.
Thank you for so frankly stating what I've noticed since September 12, 2001. This is a classic example of "fear=control", using our great symbol of freedom against our own people.
In the months following the terrorist attacks on our soil, almost everyone began wearing and plastering the flag on anything and everything for fear that not doing so would be "un-patiotic". Arab-owned gas stations and party stores were giving away free flag stickers like they were going out of style - and they did it out of fear. Fear that their neighbors might suspect them of being sympathetic to terrorist causes. It became the norm. TV stations had the flag embedded into their logos while the newscasters placed them on their lapels. This is not an act of patriotism, it is an act of fear.
Define the good with symbolism - cram it down their throats.
Define the evil with a face - keep it on the loose.
For to capture the face would bring an end to fear, and a man without fear is a man uncontrolled.
Thank you Mr. Rooney.
Thank you for so frankly stating what I've noticed since September 12, 2001. This is a classic example of "fear=control", using our great symbol of freedom against our own people.
In the months following the terrorist attacks on our soil, almost everyone began wearing and plastering the flag on anything and everything for fear that not doing so would be "un-patiotic". Arab-owned gas stations and party stores were giving away free flag stickers like they were going out of style - and they did it out of fear. Fear that their neighbors might suspect them of being sympathetic to terrorist causes. It became the norm. TV stations had the flag embedded into their logos while the newscasters placed them on their lapels. This is not an act of patriotism, it is an act of fear.
Define the good with symbolism - cram it down their throats.
Define the evil with a face - keep it on the loose.
For to capture the face would bring an end to fear, and a man without fear is a man uncontrolled.
Thank you Mr. Rooney.
Did you fall on your head? If not than perhaps, maybe you should. Almost every member of our family has served in the military, men and women alike. Those of us who didn't, stayed home and flew our flags, wore our flags, and desplayed our flags in every way possible, and will continue to do so in honor of every one who died for, worked for, and continues to work and die for our right to do so. Unfortunately that gives you the same rights so you can go on displaying your ungratful attitude. Our flags are painted on our barns, the bottom of our pools, the roof of our corn cribs , the tailgates of our pick up trucks, the gas tanks on our motercycles, the fenders of our chidrens bikes, and on and on and on. If it wasn't for people like us, who do things like that, every ones children would grow up as unpatriotic as you have just presented yourself to be, and there would be no one interested in fighting to preserve your right to display your ignorance in such a blatent fashion. I used to be a big fan inspite of the fact once in a while you would stick you foot in it. Well now I think you have stuck both feet in it just about up to your chin.
Donata
and about 200 million other people
This is what I%u2019ve been telling friends since 9/11! I think that too much flag waving is kind of third-worldish. I also noticed the spike after September 11th. It's just something we%u2019ve got to get used to until this whole patriotic thing dies down. I consider myself fashionably conservative and to see all the flags used for something more than what I was used to before 9/11, especially when used for profit, makes me mad!
This is what I%u2019ve been telling friends since 9/11! I think that too much flag waving is kind of third-worldish. I also noticed the spike after September 11th. It's just something we%u2019ve got to get used to until this whole patriotic thing dies down. I consider myself fashionably conservative and to see all the flags used for something more than what I was used to before 9/11, especially when used for profit, makes me mad!
This is what I%u2019ve been telling friends since 9/11! I think that too much flag waving is kind of third-worldish. I also noticed the spike after September 11th. It's just something we%u2019ve got to get used to until this whole patriotic thing dies down. I consider myself fashionably conservative and to see all the flags used for something more than what I was used to before 9/11, especially when used for profit, makes me mad!
for many years (pre-9/11), it was a patriotic "no-no" to wear a flag un less part of a military uniform. Simply put, it is a desecration.
Do you want to support your country?
Vote.
Volunteer.
Help your neighbors.
Do your best to help America become more energy independent.
And stop driving those god-forsaken-gas-guzzling Saudi/AlQueada-mobile Hummers.
Don't support fascism.
God Help America.
I for one disgree with you on the wearing of the flag pin. Since 9-11-01 I have see a return of patriotism in America and am glad to see the symbol (our flag) displayed. I wore the flag on my Air Force flight suit while serving my country and I wear a flag pin on my business suit. I am proud to display it. I believe you have right to you opinion. I listened to it and can not restrain myself from commenting on it for your comment sickens me!
John H. Motsch
Edgewood, NM
Many of us wear and display the flag as a symbol of our patriotism, love and gratitude for the many opportunities and freedom this country offers us. No matter whether it is a bumper sticker or lapel pin worn by a politian it should be encouraged not discouraged. Buy yourself a pin,Andy,your %u201Clapel%u201D looks vacant.
Sounds like if you had your way,those of us that proudly display a representation of our flag would be subject to citizizm or maybe arrest by the Rooney Bahavior Police. It is amazing to me that you use your forum to reach the American people in such a negative and narrow minded way.
You used to be funny, what happend?????
As a military officer having served two tours in Iraq, another in Central Asia, and 3 tours in the Balkans, I have PROUDLY worn the US flag on my uniform. I'm sure my brothers and sisters in arms, both past and present, would feel the same sense of pride.
Now he's running for local public office and his campaign photos show him standing in front of a waving American flag. Because I'm a VET, if this weren't so sick it would be funny. Sounds like a typical politician to me.
Non-Vets have a hard time understanding what Flag Waving is all about.
I wear the American flag as a proud American.
I have the greatest respect for our flag.
To me it's not a piece of jewerly, it's a symbol
of freedom. The freedom that my father, like many
others have gone to war to defend.
You should be critizing those Americans that
burn the American flag in protests. I believe
that burning or stomping on the American flag
should be a crime. When a person wears a flag
in support of our Nation and our troops thats
being Patriotic.
God Bless America. God Bless our Troops.
God Bless you.
Dear Mr. Rooney,
I just watched tonight%u2019s edition of 60 Minutes and I am very disappointed in you. Like you, I am a veteran. I fly my flag at home every day with an understanding of the respect it deserves.
I won%u2019t claim to wear my little metal flag every day on my lapel because I don%u2019t normally have a lapel anymore. I am enjoying retirement. However, in my former life when I used to dress, I was proud to wear my little metal flag for all to see. I don%u2019t remember ever being challenged by those from the political right or left for its display. Now, when I travel or am otherwise fairly well dressed, I continue to wear my little flag. My wife bought me a shirt from Lands End with a nice flag embroidered on it. I wear it often.
I am dumbfounded by your use of 60 Minutes time to berate the display of our flag . I would think you could find issues more deserving of your acerbic criticism.
Steve Mills
Palm Coast, FL
Dear Mr. Rooney,
I just watched tonight%u2019s edition of 60 Minutes and I am very disappointed in you. Like you, I am a veteran. I fly my flag at home every day with an understanding of the respect it deserves.
I won%u2019t claim to wear my little metal flag every day on my lapel because I don%u2019t normally have a lapel anymore. I am enjoying retirement. However, in my former life when I used to dress, I was proud to wear my little metal flag for all to see. I don%u2019t remember ever being challenged by those from the political right or left for its display. Now, when I travel or am otherwise fairly well dressed, I continue to wear my little flag. My wife bought me a shirt from Lands End with a nice flag embroidered on it. I wear it often.
I am dumbfounded by your use of 60 Minutes time to berate the display of our flag . I would think you could find issues more deserving of your acerbic criticism.
Steve Mills
Palm Coast, FL
Dear Mr. Rooney,
I just watched tonight%u2019s edition of 60 Minutes and I am very disappointed in you. Like you, I am a veteran. I fly my flag at home every day with an understanding of the respect it deserves.
I won%u2019t claim to wear my little metal flag every day on my lapel because I don%u2019t normally have a lapel anymore. I am enjoying retirement. However, in my former life when I used to dress, I was proud to wear my little metal flag for all to see. I don%u2019t remember ever being challenged by those from the political right or left for its display. Now, when I travel or am otherwise fairly well dressed, I continue to wear my little flag. My wife bought me a shirt from Lands End with a nice flag embroidered on it. I wear it often.
I am dumbfounded by your use of 60 Minutes time to berate the display of our flag . I would think you could find issues more deserving of your acerbic criticism.
Steve Mills
Palm Coast, FL
I know what it means to fight for freedom. And until you know what I know...I'm wearing whatever the heck I want. After all, I fought for that right.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
Though I wear the flag on my uniforms as well It is worn on the left side above the heart. Using the flag as a DECORATION IS demeaning to it as a symbol. Using this symbol as a piece of clothing (t-shirts, underwear, or a patch to cover a hole in the jeans) is, to me, a showing of disrespect. Could it be that Mr. Rooney has a point that the lapel flag is being used as a political statement rather then showing respect.
It should not be used as a bumper sticker."
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT YOUR REMARKS ARE VERY RESPECTFUL. I BELIEVE THAT THOSE WHO TAKE ISSUE WITH YOUR POSITION ARE STILL UNHAPPY THAT YOU ASKED A LEGITIMATE QUESTION ABOUT OUR PURPOSE IN IRAQ; A QUESTION THAT MOST AMERICANS HAVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR BUSH AND RUSH TO ANSWER:
YOU'RE DOING JUST FINE WITH ME! HOWEVER,
B USH AND R USH
BOTH LOVE TO G USH ==
THEIR NAMES THE SAME
WE SPELL THEM %u2026LAME ==
THEY PREACH AND SCOLD,
THEIR LIES ARE OLD.
WE DON'T BELIEVE
ONE THING THEY'VE TOLD. ==
ITS UP TO USH
TO MAKE THEM SHUSH ==
CAUSE WHAT THEY GUSH
MAKES FOLEY BLUSH ! ==
BUT LETS NOT HUSH
THAT ONE'S A LUSH ==
THEY MAKE A FUSH
AND TALK PURE MUSH ==
SO KISH MY TUSH =======
PILL POPPIN' RUSH!
IF I WEAR THE FLAG I FEAR OTHERS WILL THINK I THEN SUPPORT THIS MISADMINISTRATION'S POLICY AND THAT, I MOST DEFINITELY DO *NOT*!
WHEN WE ARE NOT LETTING OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS DIE IN IRAQ FOR A LYING CAUSE, THEN I WILL AGAIN WEAR AND FLY THE FLAG PROUDLY, BUT NOT NOW AS IT SENDS THE WRONG MESSAGE.
I SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BUT NOT BUSH!
Your comments on the wearing of the flag pins was right on. Keep up the good work.
Jim Mathers
Livermore, CA
Can you tell me where the country of "America" is? I always here the expression "American Flag". I fly a United States flag at home every day since 9/11. I hear people say they are "Americans" but then aren't Canadians and Mexicans "Americans" also? We all live on the North American Continent! I'm just trying to figure out where this country of "America" is!
Larry Bushaw
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
Please retire soon. Dan Rather was smart. Please follow in his foot steps.
Thanks
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