Obama Orders US Military to Stop Flying the Flag in Haiti

The President of the United States ordered the military stationed in Haiti, for a large humanitarian effort, to stop flying the American flag at the bases of operation.

On January 12, 2010, Haiti was devastated with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. During the first week, 70,000 bodies were removed from the rubble. It was estimated that over 200,000 people died and more than 1.5 million were left homeless.

The U.S. responded, as per her norm, in a manner that is unrivaled in the world. Washington flew 10,000 troops to the country and repaired Haiti's main airport to facilitate additional and sustained relief efforts. Millions of US dollars immediately poured into the region.

Click here to read about the Navy's Mercy class hospital ship, USNS Comfort, and her response to Haiti.

Many nations responded and with national pride and a simple sense of identification hoisted their flags at their respective bases.

Haiti Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive opined that Old Glory installed at the US base of operations at the airport, appeared as if the United States were taking over the airport. He relayed this concern to US Ambassador Kenneth H. Merten, and the ambassador agreed.

French and Latin American leaders claimed the US was occupying Haiti, here and here. Venezuelan President (dictator) Hugo Chavez claimed the United Statesdetonated a weapon that caused the earthquake in Haiti.

Those petty nations that suppress Freedom in their own countries simply exploited a disaster and the press in order to spew their anti-American rhetoric.

Haiti's expression of concern for America's response was only regarding the display of American identification and pride, not aid or support.

The Obama administration reacted to the criticism:

The Obama administration says flying the flag could give Haiti the wrong idea, "We are not here as an occupation force, but as an international partner committed to supporting the government of Haiti on the road to recovery."

The Obama administration ordered the US Flag to be removed from all military points of operation.

The president, as per his norm, back pocketed national pride. There was plenty of room in that pocket as the American checkbook remained out and open.

During the presidential campaign much was revealed about Barack Obama's patriotism. Much of the news was massaged by the media and discounted by supporters that allowed their ideology to trump their own Patriotism and sound reasoning.

In October 2007, at an event in Iowa, Barack Obama was the only candidate that refused to salute the flag and instead struck a fig leaf pose during the National Anthem.

Also during the campaign it was revealed that after the 9/11 terror attacks, Barack Obama out of protest to theUS response removed his American flag pin.

He stated, "I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest." Obama added, "I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism."

One thing is loud and clear, to anyone half paying attention, Barack Obama has indeed shown his level of his Patriotism.

The other nations, including those that criticized the US, continue to fly their respective flags in Haiti.

Sources: embedded in content.