Summary: Circulating via email, an alleged quote from Barack Obama explains why he doesn't wear a flag pin or salute the flag during the national anthem.
Description: Email hoax / Satire
Circulating since: March 2008
Status: False
Variant #1:
Email example contributed by an AOL user, March 27, 2008:
FW: Obama Explains National Anthem Stance
From: "Brig Gen R. Clements USAF ret"
On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:48:04 -0400, "LTG Bill Ginn" USAF ret forwarded:
Hot on the heels of his explanation for why he no longer wears a flag pin, presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama was forced to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.
According to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171, During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides," Obama said. "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it."
Variant #2:
Email example contributed by Phyllis P., Oct. 24, 2008:
Subject: FW: 'Meet the Press' Read and FORWARD!!!
This is scary
The following is a narrative taken from Sunday Morning's televised 'Meet The Press' and the author is employed by none other than the Washington Post!!
From Sunday's Televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. Obama Explains National Anthem Stance Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It'
Senator Obama Live on Sunday stated:
'As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said. 'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine'. Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United State s and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America.'
WHAAAAAAAT!!!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it right. This could possibly be our next President. I, for one, am speechless.
Dale Lindsborg,
Washington Post
Comments: No, Barack Obama didn't really say these asinine things. Nor does it say much for the intelligence of a segment of the American population that they believe he, or any serious presidential candidate, actually did.
Some of the words -- the sentences quoted first in the earlier variant above, such as "I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it" -- were put in Obama's mouth by conservative humorist John Semmens (see his October 27, 2007 column, "Semi-News, on the Arizona Conservative website). The intent was satirical.
Semmens was poking fun at two of the candidate's actions early on in the presidential campaign that were perceived by some as insufficiently patriotic -- his decision to stop wearing a U.S. flag pin, and his failure to place his hand over his heart during a rendition of the national anthem at a public event in 2007.
