Obama's Patriotism Questioned?

It is sad to have to admit to this, but I am no longer surprised at the depths to which the radical right will go to discredit its opponents. Now, it appears, they are going to bring Senator Obama's patriotism into question.

Like the Christian who thinks wearing a big cross of gold about his neck makes him a good Christian, our fellow citizens on the right have convinced themselves and their sheep-like followers that wearing a lapel pin with an American flag emblazoned upon it makes one a patriot. Come again? How does sticking a piece of metal through a bit of fabric relate to one's commitment to the ideals of one's country? Are we so superficial that we actually buy into this garbage? I suppose next they will expose the lack of a magnetic, yellow "Support Our Troops" ribbon on his car as proof positive of the senator's subversive, anti-soldier intentions.

It is clear that symbols have come to replace the actual values for which they once stood. The American flag waving in the breeze above Guantanamo Bay no longer stands for opposition to torture and a commitment to the rule of law. The Christian cross has been subverted to stand for economic prosperity and a focus on often violent self-righteousness that would have horrified the humble, loving, impoverished founder of the sect. Even the quintessential symbol of American consumption and arrogance, the Hummer, is now being presented as a tool by which those wealthy enough to afford one can help the "little guy" in times of crisis. I'll bet there were oodles of Hummers in the 9th Ward during Katrina and helping to evacuate families during the recent wildfires in California. (I bet Obama even wants to increase the mileage these tools of salvation get!)

Expect more of this. Lots more. The "conservative" movement is ethically and politically bankrupt and has nothing to present as positive evidence for its claim to power. All that's left is for them to attack the ideals and commitment of those whom they hate so deeply. It's a dark time for America.