Barack Obama Explains Why He Didn't Follow Protocol During the National Anthem-Fiction!

Obama Pin eRumor:

We have noticed that the President began sporting the traditional US Flag pin on his lapel shortly after taking office.  The photos above were taken from the White House web site. The photo above on the left was taken from the video of a press conference  as President Barack Obama addressed the media regarding the BP Oil Crisis.   The image on the right was taken of President Obama delivering a weekly address on January 24, 2009.    Notice the US Flag pinned to his left lapel.  

Obama Explains his Failure to Salute eRumor:

It is true that Obama was photographed at a campaign event in Iowa failing to hold his hand over his heart in salute of the flag during the National Anthem.  CLICK HERE for that story.

But this particular eRumor, which quotes him as saying that the American flag is "...a symbol of oppression" and that the National Anthem "conveys a war-like message" is not true.

The alleged quote is from the pen of columnist John Semmens of The Arizona Conservative.   He writes what he calls "Semi-news -- A Satirical Look at Recent News."   It was in that column on 10/27/07 that he wrote the text of what has been circulated in this email.

It's satire, not an actual quote from Obama.

Other versions of this eRumor have been circulating the Internet including one popular variation about an account from a Meet The Press program that aired on NBC on September 7, 2008. During the interview U. S, Air Force Retired General Bill Ginn allegedly asked candidate Obama why he did not follow proper protocol and salute the flag during the playing the national anthem.   This is also fiction. 

Hot on the heels of his explanation for why he no longer wears a flag pin, presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama was forced to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.

According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides," Obama said. "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it."


WHAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this could possibly be our next president.  I, for once, am speechless

Version 2

PLEASE READ AND FORWARD WITHOUT CHANGING OR ADDING A SINGLE WORD

WOW!!! MUST READ OBAMA'S BELIEFS ON FLAG  and, he, like ABC news reporters does not wear American Flag lapel pins, as the wish to appear neutral, neutral to whom, and for what?
 
 MY God! I hope every one is listening, before it is to late.
 
 Subject: Wow
 
Perhaps there are SOME out there who are beginning to get 'the picture'. The following is a narrative taken from Sunday Morning's televised 'Meet The Press'. and the author is employed by none other than the Washington Post!! Yeah......the Washington Post of New York and Los Angeles Times fame!! Must say that I'm dually impressed..................
 
 From Sunday's Televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. Obama Explains National Anthem Stance
 
 Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
 
 The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code,
 
 Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention
 facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It'
 
Senator Obama Live on Sunday states, 'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said. 'There are a lot of people in the world  to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine'. Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America.
 
 WHAAAAAAAT the Hell !!!
 
 Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it right. This could possibly be our next President.
 
 I, for one, am speechless.
 
 Dale Lindsborg,
 
 Washington Post

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