Capture The Flag

Note the photo just below of McCain - sans flag pin.  Unpatriotic old wuss - went to Colombia and was afraid to wear the American flag.

I was a child of the 60's swept along by the California anti-war movement (moved to SF in 1968), and the flag was a disdained symbol of the dreaded "establishment." Unfortunately, we were more interested in vocal protest than the intellectual consideration proposed by Al, and we did not realize what we had given away. I have been moved in a most surprising way over the past weeks, by a redefinition of patriotism that claims our right to the flag, indeed to patriotism, hand in hand with our right to dissent. I think we gave up too easily years ago, and allowed the right wing to hijack what rightfully belonged to all of us.

Oh, did I ever love the game as a kid.  Sneaking past the opponents when they were focusing on something else.  Grab that flag and run it back to our side.  Oh, look of surprise when they realized what had happened.  To that end, bought my new flag (made in the US) and it's proudly flying next to my Obama signs out in my rather conservative neighborhood.

I'm in. Does anyone know where to buy a pin made in the USA?

He's within 5 in Montana. Apparently McCain is running ads in VIRGINIA.

Whatever Obama is doing, it's working. There just doesn't seem to be a state where Obama isn't a factor-except possibly Utah. The Republicans are used to the typical 18 state strategy against a Northesastern Democrat.  The strategy left whole swaths of the country uncontested-the South, the West. But Obama is going everywhere, and so is his people. He refuses to abandon any state at all, so they can't  focus on any of them the way they like without leaving a state out.

Another factor for them is the unprecedentedness of Obama's run. How do you run against an African-American whose essential base is just about everywhere, especially everywhere urban?

You can run the usual stereotypes against a Kerry and a Gore, long-time Senators with roots more in Washington than in their ostensible home state, whose parents were influential. Obama comes from Chicago and Hawaii, is hardly a child of privilege, and certainly is not a long term denizen of the Beltway. Obama is hardly an atheist (Rove was able to play off Gore and Kerry's northern reserved religiosity to imply they were godless).  Obama is a northerner, but hardly a yankee (old southern stereotype again), and in any event, do voters think of a black candidate in the same North/South terms as a white candidate?

But there simply is no cultural script that goes with a Black Democrat running for President-nobody ever expected this to happen for real. How do you swiftboat that? That is without going too close to the KKK-Stormfront arguments and turning off suburbanites who like to think of themselves as at least tolerant. (Whether they really are is another matter-but they don't like raw racism).

I love it!

Here is a web site that sells flag pins, union made in the USA:

http://www.unionlabel.com/us-flag-lapel-pin.htm

JoAnn

http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/ctl/mlk/img/king_flag.jpg

Fond flag memories are of all the flag kitsch: flag bandanna ala Jimi Hendrix, flags on blue jean jackets, flag cakes. Besides as an Af-Am, we can say we earned the flag: from Crispus Attucks to the Civil Rights Movement, we've made this country. So there's no conflict for us.

Remember the Sunday School and Scout pins where each year and badge was added? An American flag with a Vote Obama attachment?

This is great - I'm in too.  I'm also going to link this on myBO - remember the "Hussein" middle name idea that arose in the comments section there - it really took off, and was even the subject of a NY Times story last week.

KD

Fieldhands flag pin - could the pole/staff be a pitchfork?

I'm not kidding!!!!  Elitist Farmer Steven H.- what would be the best symbol of the Farm to include in a Fieldhands flag pin????

I'm in.

What I really want is a flag pin with a little Democratic kickin' mule attached.  Or the word liberal.  Any suggestions?  Here in Utah that'd send a clear message: nobody owns the flag.

As for McButt's strategy, it's boiled down to this: nee ner nee ner nee ner! See?  Obama wants to consult generals about tactics, not policy!! He responds to what he believes are the needs of the nation on FISA!! His supporters don't think POW experience translates to executive decisionmaking on foreign policy!  How can we trust that dirty rotten scoundrel politician?  Huh?  Huh?

On the 4th of July, in these times that the people of this country will hopefully sever ties with the with that small group that have ruined our economy and debased our nation in the eyes of the World, might I suggest that all Obama supporters where a flag pin featuring the revolutionary motto:  Don't tread on me.

No mules or "liberal" ... I think one of the issues is to get away from meaningless labels... and I happen to know a few Republicans who see things "our" way. I like combining either an Obama logo (kinda like "don't tread on me" too); or, something symbolic to field hands, which could also be a nice conversation starter. 

I wear it now and then, I'll pin it on my jacket with my Obama Pin.

I've always flown the flag on Flag Holidays.

When you have known people that  fought for what it represents and died for what it represents, you fly it.

I looked around the hood this morning and not another Flag to be seen. It makes me sad.

Let's take it back Field Hands, it belongs to all of us.

 

You know, a regular old mule might be fun.  The people I'm reaching out to have a grudging respect for mules, and might even ask what's up with it.  After all, many of them came out here on mule power.  Maybe I can find a mule pin...

Al- you should come up with a flag pin to sell! Proceeds could go towards the work you do here on The Field or towards additional funds for Denver. Something along the lines of Field Hand-Obama 08. I'd rather buy one from you than from Walmart, Target, or any other mass selling superstore. So, sell me a flag pin, Al. I'll wear it with the pride I'll feel this November when Barack Obama is elected the President of the United States of America!

 

Obama's VP... Is it just me or has much of the speculation simply died out? Other than the GOP fearing that Obama will choose Dick Gephardt, there doesn't seem to be much else on the topic these days. link

http://pinsforpatriots.com/constitution-goldplated.html

Perhaps a Constitution pin would look swell with a flag pin?

 

al when i sober up, i'm gonna make you something for sure.

Carol Duhart:  The most recent poll (Rasmussen) of Montana has the O-man up 5%, which is shocking.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/polltracker/mtpres/

Something is most definately happening, and we're just getting warmed up!

I'm with Phrank at 6:18. "Don't tread on me" would be a great phrase to bring back. I would wear that kind of flag pin very proudly.

I remembered reading this a few weeks ago and thought that it sounded like a clever kick in the pants to those who want to use it as a weapon.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/whose-flag-is-this-anyway_b_107371.html

I agree with Al-- make wearing a pin moot. As your northly neighbour it makes us insane all this draping yoursleves in the flag. We are citizens of the world; sure I am proud of bing a Canadian.. but that is small thinking... I am more proud of being a ciitizen of this Earth. Now I do not want an earth pin or flag!!

Happy Birthday America... did you know we had ours on Tuesday (July 1)?

Malia Obama, beloved first child our candidate celebrates her 10th birthday, today the 4th of July!

Way to make Billings, Montana feel special too ;)

Some lovely family pix at the kos diary:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/4/16157/95851/484/546664

I've said for years that the left needs to claim the flag and one thing that's excited me about Obama is that he writes the left into the core of the American story. He did that beautifully in his NH speech (the one on whic the well known music video was based) and he does that in other forms as well. So, yes, we should wear our flag pins with our Obama pins.

 

Now, here's to what I wonder: Looking back at the last few weeks, what I don't see Obama doing as well as he did before is turning around McCain's arguments. For instance, in clarifying his position on Iraq, which he did because of the false media-McCain claims that he was changing position, Obama repeated his views but didn't draw as clear a distinction from McCain, nor go after McCain on Iraq and national security. I've seen Obama do a great job in saying "you're thinking all wrong about this" and then say why the Democratic view is better. I'd like to see him do this more consistently and doing it on offense not just defense.

Think of how long it took to sell the war to the American people. And it wasn't just time, but disciplined messaging from lots of players.

Obama's team (and, yes, that includes us-- but also a more focused surrogate operation) could keep repeating that McCain's way on national security has and will make us weaker. Yes, he does say it, but say it MORE often and push, push, push.

I am NOT a chicken little, but there is negative potential from the tale that Obama keeps shifting positions. And I think crystal clear messaging helps blunt that.

On another note, I'm pleased as punch to see Rove out there making comments about Obama a lot. This is a huge opportunity for the Obama campaign to talk about the McCain-Bush-Rove approach.

Am about to go on vacation "off the grid" for a while, but before I go wanted to extend thanks to Waterprise for the Petition.  I just read your comment from a few threads back about your childhood experiences.  Thanks so much for those minutes that you spent pulling petition together!  What a difference a few minutes of effort makes.  Thank you!  Thank you!

Will be finding a flag pin somewhere, soon.  Love the cover of Rolling Stone!

Al is right - Obama is about to "drink McCain's milkshake".  (Where does that come from, anyway?)

I've just posted an action diary over at Daily Kos - if you deem it worthy, please give it a rec.  I hope we can tap into that "can do" attitude and get folks on the blogosphere hitting the streets this weekend:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/4/225949/1709/356/546792

Hope everyone had a nice 4th.

Barath,

"I drink your milkshake" was a line uttered by Daniel Day Lewis' character in the movie "There Will Be Blood". For someone reason, it's really taken off quickly to become a catchphrase.

 I take a few days off and come home to tremendous news. Kos must have read smart dissent, huh? The petition has over 1300 signatures, the money is there, now the only thing missing is that credential. I have a flag pin I will wear along with my Obama button but I would really like a fieldhand pin as well. Where can we donate to send the CredentiAL stickers to netroots nation in Austin?

Have you all emailed Aaron Myers yet? MyersA@demconvention.com   

Denver Credential Held Hostage Day 20

It is time for more press on this.

Day 20 it is and I just wrote to Aaron Myers again.   This behavior from Deb is like HIllary thinking she was going to somehow win (steal?) the nomination after Wisconsin.  For Deb, nothing good can come of her further procrastination and not accepting reality here. 

I too wrote a follow-up letter to Aaron Myers, having gotten no reply at all to the first e-mail.

Excellent work with the petition Pamela, does it get delivered electronically?

I just entered "Al Giordano The Field" as search words on Google and it looks pretty good now.  The first page of searches (other than one which is the exField high-jack by the BF), is the list of other links for the new Field at narcosphere.narco news.com/thefield and the recent stories on Daily Kos, etc. about the relocation and stolen credentiAL. 

Interestingly, the first link on the page when you do that google search is:

The Back Forty

By J. Marcus. A barrel of oil hit $143 this week. When this country elected its’ stunted version of Daniel Plainview for president in January of 2001, ... www.ruralvotes.com/thefield/ - 59k - Cached - Similar pages

Who is J. Marcus, and why is it showing ruralvotes.com/thefield as the primary link?  Curious.

 

This flag is known as the First Navy Jack and attributed to Commodore Esek Hopkins of the Continental Navy.  The flag was first used as a signal among ships to engage the enemy.

There is considerable dispute among historians as to whether Hopkins' Navy Jack actually carried the snake and motto "Don't Tread on Me."

The Naval Historical Center, for one, takes the story apart.

However, I love the combination of the 13 stripes and the snake & motto, and the concept that it was a flag of battle.

 

"Capture the Flag" captures the spirit of the endeavor perfectly and many interesting comments here. I haven't worn lapel pins before because I've got family in other parts of the world. My connections with them and others in the world transcend national boundaries.

But if the battle for the political future of this country means part of it is fought on my jacket lapel, so be it.

I'm thinking of getting 3-4 pins and rotating them. Keep the opposition confused. Flag pin, constitution pin, "Don't Tread on Me" pin: these are all good ideas.

Does anyone know where to get a Saul Alinsky lapel pin?

Navy Jack lapel pin link

That the liberal/left ceeded overt displays of patriotism to the rightwing long ago has been a disaster.

Loving your country and being a true patriot means making sure that people aren't reduced to wage slavery--and striving for having a voice as to the direction our country is moving.  It's called small 'd' democracy.

The fake patriots denude the symbolic significance of our evolving ideals of who we are--that which is the best about us as a nation.

I like the fact that Obama will not EVER let some punk-ass question his patriotism with out immediately answering back.

We should do the same.

If you loved and respected the people of the US, would you distort intelligence and lie in order to advance an illegal war of agression?  Would you allow mega-corporations to pay slave wages, off-shore jobs from profitable companies to places that allow super-exploitation and ecological havoc, etc.?

I think a healthy argument based on policies can help the average citizen to see the true patriots from the fake opprotunists and proponents of oligarchy and insane militarism.

@Mainer and others pointing to the "engage" flag: I too look forward to seeing Obama and his team do a bit more on offense. Honestly, it seems that though the candidate is stumping in Bush-2004 states, the whole Obama operation is rather quiet, surrogates and all, these last few days.  I wonder if key people are getting a needed rest or are organizing for the global tour.  When Obama is on offense consistently, he's controlling the media narrative and not giving the Rove machine room to lie and con the dupes and shills in the traditional media.  Hell, Repubs are unaccustomed to seeing Dems go for the jugular. 

Oh, and what about Obama accepting the nomination before 75,000 in an outdoor stadium!!! What an amazing, high energy image that might be!

Finally, it is curious that VP talk has diminished... calm before the storm?

Having a degree in art and design, I've always loved the flag which is a great piece of graphics. I also collect buttons and usually wear one of the Roosevelt's campaign buttons on elections day. Yesterday at a Fourth of July parade, I saw a man wearing a fabulous pin, a small wooden disk on which he'd written with a Sharpie (flag pin). While understand that this pin would never meet the standards of the topic of this diary, for purposes of the broader conversation, it was a perfect graphic comment.

The recaputure of the flag is brilliant. My question is are we getting diverted from the primary goal of an Obama Administration to "our" credential?

? Fieldhands for Obama around the flag. With CredentiAL below. ?

My 84yo mother just called me from NYC where she is visiting my sister; she has the opportunity to attend a $250/head fund-raiser for Barack--he'll be there.  But she was wondering if she should go to Denver with my 35yo daughter instead.  (My 85yo mother-in-law lives in Denver...)

She's decided to go to Denver so that the three of them can attend more events AND the nomination speech at the stadium!

All I can say is:  Watch Out Denver!!

 

 

 

 

waterprise2 AKA Pam

Liberal with a Capital L!

...that you have been named June 2008 Field Hand of the Month. New thread up!

If we told folks that they couldn't wear a flag pin unless they could find one 'Made in the USA', we'd shut a lot of folks up.

"Put a flag in the window,

sing "Hail to the Chief",

follow the leader

and suspend your disbelief.

My country right or wrong,

you know what to do

sing, God Bless American!

that red, white, and blue"

---David Rovics, folk singer

Who says that live ends after 70?

Granny D is over 90, as was Mother Jones.

Soujouner Truth engaged her best rabble rousing into her 60's and 70's!