Now, Senator, About Your Jewelry …

Bob Schieffer Wonders, Why So Much Emphasis On Flag Lapel Pins As A Sign Of Patriotism?

(CBS)  Weekly commentary by CBS Evening News chief Washington correspondent and Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer.

---

I watched the ABC debate the other night when the question came up, again, about why Senator Obama doesn't wear a flag pin in his lapel.

Since no one asked me, here's my thought on all that.

I think it is a nice thing if people want to wear a flag on their lapel.

But I believe it more important to keep the flag behind our lapel — in our hearts.

I feel the same way about wearing my religion on my sleeve; it fits better for me on the inside.

When I go to see our local baseball team, I do wear my Washington Nationals baseball cap. But am I less a fan if I don't wear it to work?

The truth is I have been known to wear a red, white and blue, stars and stripes tie on the Fourth of July. Am I less patriotic when I trade it for my Santa Claus tie at Christmas?

Patriotism is no more about signs or pins than religion is about reminding others how pious we think we are.

No, the proof in these puddings is not the signs we wear but how we act.

Wouldn't that also be a better way to judge our presidential candidates than by the jewelry they wear?

---

E-mail Face the Nation.

[observantx]

Mr. Shieffer:

AMEN.

There is far too much phony patriotism. Slapping one of those yellow ribbon stickers on my car or wearing a pin really doesn''t prove if you are patriotic. In fact, I see those facile, easy acts substituting for real patriotism.

Real patriotism is getting off your fat behind to go vote. Real patriotism requires thought and research into our government''s policies and behavior. Real patriotism requires pointing out when the emperor has no clothes.

Ultimately, real patriotism means you think and act as a citizen of the United States of America first, and as a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Christian, Jew, or whatever other identifiers we carry around, second. Real patriotism requires we act for the greater good of the greatest number of our people, not for our own selfish hot button single issues.

So far, in this campaign, the insignificant has been magnified out of proportion and the critical ignored. The last debate was the pinnacle of that error. Let''s have real debates about real issues and cease this prattle and yammering about "patriotism".

[yourstruely-2009]

Mr. Schieffer, your comments at the end of Sunday morning%u2019s program (Face the Nation, Apr 20, 2008) disgust me. Your commentary regarding Mr. Obama not wearing a lapel pin of our flag; and comparing it to you wearing your baseball cap to your teams baseball game is both shallow and deserving of an apology to the listeners of CBS and in a larger sense to the people of this great country of ours. If you%u2019re going to be a pro-obama supporter, so be it, but don%u2019t tear down this country%u2019s patriotism by compare it to your liking of a particular baseball team. ***-it, Mr. Schieffer, Obama is not trying out for the 1st base position of your favorite ball team; he is running for president of our country, a country many have given the ultimate sacrifice for. In my opinion you are extremely shallow in your thinking, and probably in action too, and I%u2019m very glad to know you are considering retiring in the very near future; it truly is time for you to go%u2026%u2026.

[duvie3]

Dear Mr. Schieffer: Thank you so much for your sane commentary on candidates'' jewelry. I am almost 70 years old and my vote has not counted in Texas for the entire 20 years I''ve lived here. I caucused for Senator Obama and, unlike the stories Clinton told, entered slightly scared of how I would be treated. Nothing at all happened and no one caused any disturbance of any kind, save a few Clinton supporters who tried to dismiss us. That lie about the TX caucuses, along with the stupidity about lapel pins has so pained me that I can''t watch the talk shows, read the blogs, or accept that many of my fellow Americans will vote for someone who tells them bald-faced lies over & over(Tuzla)for personal political gain. This is truly no longer a country for old men or old women. May the youth of America, supporting Obama, change the the tone, the civility, the honor of this country. I am so sad about the state it is in. I hope you are not alone in the journalistic world. We need more with your decency and good sense. Thank you again.

[mrjonessr41]

Just another fine example of Politics as usual . It appears to me that Washington always wants us to see things and think the way THEY want us to think, like Sheep. Obamea talks TO us not AT us and that would be change enough for starters.

[nadodi]

Some of the greatest exhibitors of patriotism by pinning flags and medals on their coats were the leaders of the Soviet Union. Where are they now? Where is Soviet Union now?

[element51]

Mr. Schieffer brings up some very good points. As I have watched this campaign progress, it has been puzzling to me that even though I follow things very closely, I still am not clear on the candidates stances on the important issues like health care, the economy, the war, education and other issues that affect all of us. I am well versed on Obama''s pastor, his jewelery wearing habits, people who did some stupid things when Obama was 8 years old and other such nonsense. The attacks from Clinton have been far worse than Obama''s attacks and it seems like the media are there to keep things stired up. In the beginning I was if favor of Hillary but it seems to me that she now has Karl Rove operating behind the magic curtain. I have listned to Obama and I have done hours of research and I have yet to find any evidence that he is a secret agent for Al Quada or has ever plotted to over throw the government. There is an X-weatherman from the 60''s who lives in his neighborhood who at one time gave a fundraiser for Obama, which Obama didn''t even attend, and now it is all over the net that Obama has had multiple meetings with this guy plotting to attack the government. Let''s focus on the real issues instead of dragging up issues that have little bearing on the really important things.

[xlib]

So, we Republicans can expect no more questions on our stand on evolution or our religion. OK?? Can we expect the same? Really libs, think about it. Question after question on our stand on evolution, religion torn apart and scrutinized. Yet, don''t dare ask the empty suit a question.
Double standard as usual.

[psentman]

The whole issue about flag jewelry is an attempt to distract people from the real issues. Stop allowing the politicos to use your emotions to keep you from thinking. Of course, patriotism is very important, of course, religion is important. However, how are you going to pay for gas when you haven''t had a raise in five years? What''s going to happen to social security? Why are we raising a deficit to pay for a war that''s going nowhere? Those are the questions that really need to be raised and both Republican and Democratic candidates need to be pressed for answers as to what they will do. The American public very often allows the media and politicians to whip them into a non-thinking frenzy. As a result, here we are with resources wasted in a war, an out of control mortgage market, loss of employment and rising inflation. Please start using the brains God gave you.

[walker1209]

I don''t give a rat''s *** whether or not he or any other politician wears a *** lapel pin of the flag; it is just not that important to me. I am only interested in his record/lack thereof and the policies he espouses. These phony issues are what go us GEORGE WALKER BUSH folks!!! If after examining his record as a State Senator in Illinois, people want to still vote for him that is their perogative. But let''s cut out this foolishness!!! I guess real issues are just too much for most Americans and the American media to handle.

[ashlander1]

To Bob Schieffer -- Thanks so much for your eloquent and SANE comments on the flag pin "issue." I hope they''ll be widely heard and heeded!!

[rufisgufis]

This country is not about a flag pin; it%u2019s not about a flag; it is about a citizens right to burn that flag in protest. Anyone who thinks wearing a flag pin makes them patriotic is sick. It%u2019s like a baby that cries, not because it%u2019s hurts, but because it wants others to think it hurts. This country is about the right of a person to get up and put forth an opinion that others might totally disagree with, and you have the right to protest it . That is what America is about, that is what we should celebrate. Our military fights for our Constitutional right to burn that flag if we wish. It%u2019s called freedom of speech. The right to express ourselves any way we wish.

[psentman]

The whole issue about flag jewelry is an attempt to distract people from the real issues. Stop allowing the politicos to use your emotions to keep you from thinking. Of course, patriotism is very important, of course, religion is important. However, how are you going to pay for gas when you haven''t had a raise in five years? What''s going to happen to social security? Why are we raising a deficit to pay for a war that''s going nowhere? Those are the questions that really need to be raised and both Republican and Democratic candidates need to be pressed for answers as to what they will do. The American public very often allows the media and politicians to whip them into a non-thinking frenzy. As a result, here we are with resources wasted in a war, an out of control mortgage market, loss of employment and rising inflation. Please start using the brains God gave you.

[singingrick]

So many Republican criminals and perverts wore their flag lapel pins right up until they went to prison or were forced to resign from office. Wearing a pin is certainly no sign of real patriotism.

[rushlimpdrug]

Thank you Mr. Schieffer.

This is commentary that is loooong overdue.

This is one reason I refuse to watch the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Leno the comedian wears the flag on his lapel while telling jokes and making light of the days news.

Is that really necessary?
Wear a flag on the Tonight show?

Thank you again for something that needed saying.

[cbsblogger]

I''ll make a claim that is far more true than false, especially when it comes to politicians.

Those who wear either their patriotism or religion on their sleeve are much more likely to be insincere and phony than those who don''t make a big deal about it.

[psentman]

The whole issue about flag jewelry is an attempt to distract people from the real issues. Stop allowing the politicos to use your emotions to keep you from thinking. Of course, patriotism is very important, of course, religion is important. However, how are you going to pay for gas when you haven''t had a raise in five years? What''s going to happen to social security? Why are we raising a deficit to pay for a war that''s going nowhere? Those are the questions that really need to be raised and both Republican and Democratic candidates need to be pressed for answers as to what they will do. The American public very often allows the media and politicians to whip them into a non-thinking frenzy. As a result, here we are with resources wasted in a war, an out of control mortgage market, loss of employment and rising inflation. Please start using the brains God gave you.

[psentman]

The whole issue about flag jewelry is an attempt to distract people from the real issues. Stop allowing the politicos to use your emotions to keep you from thinking. Of course, patriotism is very important, of course, religion is important. However, how are you going to pay for gas when you haven''t had a raise in five years? What''s going to happen to social security? Why are we raising a deficit to pay for a war that''s going nowhere? Those are the questions that really need to be raised and both Republican and Democratic candidates need to be pressed for answers as to what they will do. The American public very often allows the media and politicians to whip them into a non-thinking frenzy. As a result, here we are with resources wasted in a war, an out of control mortgage market, loss of employment and rising inflation. Please start using the brains God gave you.

[Abudu]

Bob Schieffer is just as bias as the rest of them and you all. He makes no comment about the fact that Hillary Clinton was not wearing a flag lapel and neither were either of the ABC buffoons.

[gretagreen]

Absolutely, Mr. Schieffer!

On the Colbert Report, Stephen and Obama put "Distractions" ON NOTICE. Good idea for us! No more distractions and shiny cat toys. Tell us how we''re gonna keep our house and job and social security, and a strong military, and strong dollar, and good schools, and good libraries, and decent roads, etc., etc., etc.

[Abudu]

Bob Schieffer is just as bias as the rest of them and you all. He makes no comment about the fact that Hillary Clinton was not wearing a flag lapel and neither were either of the ABC buffoons.

[barefootboy9]

I don''t think the pin is that important but would be nice if all candidates wore it. This is not the issue to me as much as the people Obama has associated himself with in the past and who his friends are. His friends are anti-American and I could never vote for him. As for as Bob Schieffer I never cared for him anyway. He is a far out liberal and he is one reason I quit watching CBS news back when Rather was there. Because of him a a few more is the reason CBS news is rated behind ABC and NBC and Fox News. It is not because of Katy, it is other people like Schieffer.

[barefootboy9]

I don''t think the pin is that important but would be nice if all candidates wore it. This is not the issue to me as much as the people Obama has associated himself with in the past and who his friends are. His friends are anti-American and I could never vote for him. As for as Bob Schieffer I never cared for him anyway. He is a far out liberal and he is one reason I quit watching CBS news back when Rather was there. Because of him a a few more is the reason CBS news is rated behind ABC and NBC and Fox News. It is not because of Katy, it is other people like Schieffer.

[cbs4me3]

Poor Bob. He has lost it, and I usually agree with him. Hillary is modest in jewelry, so why bring this up? We are talking about public leaders, especially running for president, to wear the flag pin. Leaders wearing the pin reflect loyalty, sure, but so much more. They instill in voters, and particularly the young, that this is a most important office but also a most important country. By wearing the pin, this symbolizes more than it being a pin; it represents a truly remarkable America. So Bob, get off your jewelry kick and remember the pin AT THIS ELECTION IS NOT A SILLY NOTION, as you depict. Really, you have missed a beautiful opportunity to deliver a powerful message and you missed miserably.

[actiscenei]

For those who must wear a pin (because NOT wearing one would be anti-American, of course), why don''t you have a bumper sticker or lapel pin or tattoo saying "I love my children," so we all know. Otherwise, by your own logic, you must HATE the children you brought into the world. Shame on you for bringing unwanted children into this world!


Or do you "love" your country more than your children?

[actiscenei]

Newt Gingrich wore a wedding ring, but that didn''t mean he loved his wife.

[cfin5]

It''s not whether a pin is or is not worn in public that folks question Mr. Schieffer. It is in fact the comments made by Barak, his wife, and his pastor coupled with shunning the pin is why folks don''t trust him anymore. If these bummer points were made public early on in his campaign, I''d say that it would have been Barak that would have dropped out instead of Edwards.

[demsdebreaks]

cfin5, do not be deceived by the ''Swift Boat'' sound bites. The infamous words spoken by Obama''s pastor that have everyone in a snit? They were a direct quote, words spoken by the former American AMBASSADOR to IRAQ, Edward Peck. Listen to the entire 36 minute sermon. As for Obama''s ''cling to guns'' remark, again, listen to the entire recording.

And the flag pin nonsense? We are turning into the 3rd Reich if we think a flag pin / arm band will identify who is a patriot and who is not.

As for Michelle Obama''s comment that she is not proud of America? I know exactly what she meant. Again. Listen to the entire speech before you vote-by-soundbite.

This is how we ended up with George W. Bush. Clinton is playing by the Karl Rove handbook. And she is even going over and above what I think Karl Rove would do to win. She is kneecapping the starting quarterback with the hopes of getting her 15 minutes on the field, and doesn''t care if it means the other team will win.

[susanwastate]

Thank you, Mr. Schieffer, for pointing out how silly this whole flag pin nonsense is. How does wearing a bit of metal made in China demonstrate American patriotism? Senator is the most amazing statesman this country has produced in decades. We will indeed be fortunate to have such a man as our next President!

[kittykatty2]

I did a random eyeball survey of 100 people just come from church to eat lunch at Cracker Barrel to see how many wore American flag lapel pins. Not one person was wearing one. Oh, and the ages looked to be from 35-70. Do you think that means anything? If you do, then you need to go get some professional psychiatric help.

[kittykatty2]

DemsDeBreaks, Hillary Clinton could NEVER top Karl Rove; she might equal him, but she''ll never top him.

[tbweb]

Good show again today Bob, you get a lot done in 30 minutes, it makes me wonder what you would be able to cover if your show had an hour! Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell has always had a reputation of being fair and balanced, I think Gov. Rendell is once again being true to his fair nature, I was starting to wonder about him of late, I think his strong support for Sen. Clinton was starting to cloud his sense of fairness, which seems to have returned. Religious values and American Patriotism can not be measured by fake outward expressions or jewelry, well said, these are matters of the heart. There are a lot of fakes out there Bob, that''s why it was nice to see Uno, a real dog finally win that dog competition, and why I hope when you finally retire CBS doesn''t replace you with a fake news dog! :)

[randynason]

Absolutely! To wear your patriotism and heart on your sleeve and not practice what you preach is so... Republican.

[ramos937]

I do not wear a flag pin. I do not salute when the national Anthem is played. I am a service disabled veteran; my brothers are veters (two died in the service of their country); two of my sons are veterans. We all love the USA. Am I, and my family, unppatriotic?

[yoyo1198]

Finally....someone with some iota of intelligence....thank you, Bob.

[omega39-2009]

In the recent past, those that have worn those flag pins with exuberant bravado have turned out to be the biggest traitors to this country and her citizens.

[Netterz]

I think it has more to do with the things Obama does and says that bring his loyalty to America into question, the lack of him showing his patriocism by wearing a lapel pin, which has been a long standing way that political officials on all levels show there faith and loyalty to America, is a WAY to open the door on his feelings of this country. His comment ofsaying that the flag is a sign of oppression to many people,, just doesnt hold up with alot of voters. Lapel pins have always been a sign of honor, in many clubs and especially the military.

[truth-hurts]

Shame on you Bob Schieffer for ignoring the real

issue (and you know it too). No wonder you''re still a

second rate anchor. Face it you guys, America IS

smarter than you think!!

[cyberus-2009]

Its just another another example of how out of touch the media is.
Gibson made a comment recently about middle class families *making $200,000 a year* !!!!!!!!!! What does he consider poor? Anyone making less than $100k?

[pepperwood2]

It was simply brilliant of Mr. Gibson to point out that Senator Obama was not wearing his Flag pin.

While we''re on it Charley, George, & Hillary ( the three hecklers) were''nt wearing theirs either.

I think you''ll find that Senator Obama wears his on his Heart. Hillary has her''s on her Medal of Honor that she was awarded by Bill in Bosnia. SO SAD!

[truth-hurts]

Obama wears his medal on his heart....I''d really like to see that.....

[truth-hurts]

Cyberus, Yes , Many people in this country make $200,000 a year that are still Middle class. That should tell you how filty rich the upper class is.

[canucit]

Bob,

I agree with your sentiment about the flag pin. Patriotism, like religion should not be worn on one''s shirt sleeve for it can easily be knocked down. Folk need to look at the bigger picture and not succumb to tunnel vision.

[element51]

DemsDeBreaks....Good common sense post. I think you are right on. You can take a speach made by anyone and remove bits of it to make it sound any way you want it to. That''s the problem. People are falling into the "sound bite mentality" and that is exactly what got George the second elected...twice. One can only hope that when the monemt of truth comes common sense will prevail but that sure is a lot to hope for. If this keeps up, there may as well not even be an election since the democrats will be so divided that McCain will win by a landslide. Then the reps can say that they have a mandate from the people and really go to town. Hello, Iran!

[thisandthat1]

Charlie Gibson SHOULD HAVE asked Hillary how someone with $109 million dollars tries to tag another candidate with being an "elitist"?

[xlib]

thisandthat1-being an elitist is more about attitude than what you have or don''t have. The empty suit looks down on people, such as those who live in rural area. He is an elitist. Again, attitude determines ones elitism.

[xlib]

kiitykatty-sure hill can top rove any place any time. No one is more vicious and mean than the madame.

[xlib]

actiscene-you bring up newt?? Funny, ole bubba wore a ring and did a fair amount of catting around. Why, some women accused him of rape. So, why bring up Newt??Is he running for something?

[romeyda]

Agree 100% with Bob comment of the flag issue
Many in my generation are tired if this type of politics!!!!
Lets focus on Solutions
Oil and the direction of the dollar/Euro
Iraq civil war
Gun crime
Healthcare
Housing Market
CBS put Bob in PRIME TIME

[xlib]

hey, singinrick, I wear the pin as many other nurses in the VA hospital dio Geez, don''t think I''m going to jail.
Funny how you libs label all Republicans into one bunch yet when one of your own like, say, bubba, studds, frank, jefferson, spitzer sc%^w up it''s just the individual. Why is that, singin??

[anappleadae]

What does Old Glory mean to you? You''ll hear as many different answers as individuals giving them.

For me our Flag is the symbol of the Constitution of the United States of America. Nothing more and certainly nothing less. We, each and every one of us are the direct embodiment of the Constitution. There is no line where we end and the Constitution begans.

For Obama; he just doesn''t get it. Its not his jewelry or his hand over his heart; it is his cavalier ''no big deal'' additude.

There is an absolute reverence about the Constitution, especially for veterans. This veteran would not choose to have Obama along side in a fire fight. That is why I will vote for McCain purely for National Security reasons.