Advertisement | Now, Senator, About Your Jewelry …Bob Schieffer Wonders, Why So Much Emphasis On Flag Lapel Pins As A Sign Of Patriotism?WASHINGTON, April 20, 2008  ABC News anchor Charles Gibson received much criticism for focusing much of this week's Democratic debate on peripheral issues, like whether wearing an American flag pin reflects a candidate's electability. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) 
(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? By Bob Schieffer | Advertisement  Kerry: McCain's Judgment Is DangerousSays Republican Candidate Is A "Changed Man" For Siding With Bush On War, Economy, Energy |
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