What's a flag pin? Why would anyone wear one? What does it look like? Is it part of formal dress in the US ?
There's an utterly mystifying 'issue' about whether or not Senator Obama wears one of these things. Are senators supposed to wear one? It's somehow tied in with patriotism, so if a senator takes his off, is that like his burning the flag would be?
It seemed, at first,that the pin was akin to a cross or crucifix worn by some Christians ( in Britain they are usually Catholics), but it must be more important than that. Nobody would call someone unchristian or not a true Christian if they didn't wear a cross (or would they, in America?)
You may gather that , whatever it is, we don't have anything quite that like in Britain. We do have metal 'lapel badges' used as name badges by shop assistants or issued, occasionally,to show that the wearer is entitled to enter some reserved stand at a golf tournament or (horse)race meeting, but that's about it with metal badges. The only 'badge' which we might expect to see a public figure, or any broadcaster, wearing is the paper poppy for charity worn on the anniversary of the Armistice of World War I. If they didn't it would be a little surprising,because that's the etiquette for such people, but never a matter of adverse comment .(The BBC expects everyone who appears at that time to wear one, and has the dressers pin one on everyone,of whatever country, who appears on any programme !)
And, of course, here's how Britain grew its empire with the cunning use of its flag:
Do you have a flag? By clicking on this link you certify that you are at least 18 years of age and have no objections to adult humor and mildly offensive language
Posts: 7623 | Location: in the backwoods of North Carolina | Registered: 06-07-02
It is a simple and inexpensive way to publicly proclaim one's patriotism. Politicians fail to wear one at their peril. It's rarely seen to be the "last refuge of scoundrels" that skeptics might well suspect. That Obama fella sometimes looks away and fails to place his hand over his heart when others are paying homage to "Old Glory"; you can't be too careful. His Christianity isn't fervent enough either!!!!
