Why Right-Wing Americans Will Never Understand Barack's Decision to Ditch the Lapel Pin

I'm a former Marine Corps Sergeant and totally get where Barack is coming from and I applaud it.

The buzz generated by his non-conformity reminded me of the patriotic sensationalism demonstrated by Marine Corps Ball organizers year after year when we are forced to sit through Lee Greenwood's song "God Bless the U.S.A.". That song is so freakin' cheesy, pardon my colloquialism, and has nothing to do with any real issues or even Marine Corps history for that matter. It was a song written by someone who wanted to rip open the wallets of countrified, sappy patriotic types (In fact I can't help but wonder who is making money from those lapel pins, but that is another issue) and now it somehow symbolizes all that is great in America and is a regular feature at Marine Corps Balls and other on-base functions.

Whenever someone voices how much they hate that song, we might as well say that we hate "The Star Spangled Banner" when it comes down to the gasps and astonished looks on the faces of other attendees. I know for a fact I was not the only one who felt like we were being force-fed a big fat bowl of xenophobia along with our chicken or beef during those compulsory birthday dinners. I've been known to misuse the term propaganda when describing this situation to others as propaganda is usually force-fed to masses in a similar way.

Even the "pressure"� of placing my hand over my heart during the National Anthem is ridiculous - like how people stare you down if you choose not to. Choosing not to conform doesn't mean I dislike the United States, it just means I choose to follow my own intellect and free-will. (This country is still free, is it not?) I'm not some random blind sheep going through the motions because others expect me to (think about the Hitler salute on an extreme level). Instead I show my respect by being a good citizen via every day actions and being helpful to others as much as possible.

Not only do I love the principle of these United States, I also have a lot of compassion for all other countries and people in the world, both supposed enemies and allies. I wish everyone could be happy, peaceful and healthy without having to give up their traditions and conform to American democratic ideals. I also wish the world would be void of religious conflict. This will never happen because of paralyzing judgment and separatism, which can start from one seemingly insignificant action.

I see the world from an astronaut's point of view. Not many different, arguing countries with borders, but one world united. We are powerful here on Earth yet insignificant when compared to the bigger picture of the universe. Were we really put on this earth to fight for lifetimes on end and hate fellow human beings - even our own countrymen? Is that not a waste? Perhaps that's another reason why I feel so uncomfortable giving leverage to traditional patriotic behavior.

I felt this way long before the current administration, as a young Marine serving during peace-time when I really cared less about politics mostly due to age, but loathing the current president and his premise for the war in Iraq doesn't help soothe the irritation. Why should I be forced to show respect to an administration I'm disappointed by and embarrassed of? My opinion goes way beyond my dislike towards politics but it is an undeniable factor.

Patriotic elitists are just as bad certain hard-core Christians (not everyone - you know who you are) as far as narrow-mindedness, snobbery and pushiness. Ironically most citizens complaining about your missing lapel pin are undoubtedly both right-wing republicans/nationalists and Christians; these labels have a history of being intolerant to all kinds of different beliefs and ways of living.

How many Christians are literally frowned upon if they miss a Sunday or two or don't arrive to church in their Sunday best? It's the same as your fellow Americans looking down on you for not wearing a piece of metal shaped into a flag on your chest. How scandalous indeed! Do we really need to wear a symbol on our chest or fly an American flag outside of our homes in order to be reminded about being a good citizen on a daily basis? Is that really how decent people are supposed to prove their good intentions to others? I for one hope not.

The reason Barack gave for not wearing the pin was (transcribed from an Associated Press video), "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 testimony to my patriotism."

This attitude is so refreshing. Where have all of those smooth-talking, charming, lapel-pin-wearing politicians gotten us? Their mismanagement, lies, intolerance and sometimes general corruption have made the United States look like a bunch of elitist, know-it all hypocrites who feel the need to push our ideals on other countries, no matter what the cost. In my opinion, that's not what this country and our flag should stand for. Barack doesn't stand for the actions of previous administrations, so why not be different even if most citizens don't get it right away?

Despite being a former Marine, I would never wear that lapel pin (or fly a flag outside of my home) and I wonder how many other like-minded Americans, including former and current military members, would freely admit to not wanting to wear a superficial symbol or fly a flag to prove their good intentions to neighboring flag-wavers. I sincerely hope everyone can see the pettiness in this non-issue. It would be a shame if Barack wasn't elected due to this closed-mindedness. He already has my vote. This small (non)action reaffirmed why I believe in Barack one-hundred percent.