Of the first, Obama's actual explanation went as follows:
You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq War, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest. Instead, I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism. (ABC News, Oct. 4, 2007)
As to the second point, the implication that Obama has taken an ideological position against following protocol during the national anthem is misleading. He was caught on film one time singing along with the anthem instead of putting his hand over his heart, but on other occasions before and since, he was photographed doing the latter. An Obama aide offered this explanation:
Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't [put his hand on his heart]. In no way was he making any sort of statement, and any suggestion to the contrary is ridiculous. ("Inside Edition," October 23, 2007)Newer variant contains added falsehoods
As if to demonstrate that smearmongering is a team sport, additional fabricated quotes were appended to the message on its journey from inbox to inbox (see variant #2 above), along with the false statement that Obama had uttered these words during an appearance on Meet the Press, and the false attribution to (nonexistent) Washington Post reporter Dale Lindsborg.
Believe these lies at your own risk.
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Sources and further reading:
Obama Explains National Anthem Stance
Semi-News by John Semmens, 27 October 2007Barack Obama Drops U.S. Flag Pin
ABC News, 4 October 2007Barack Obama Refuses to Salute the Flag?
Urban Legends blogNational Anthem Controversy
MediaMatters.org, 24 October 2007Bogus Washington Post Reporter Featured in Obama Smear
Editor and Publisher, 16 October 2008
Last updated: 10/29/08
