This is what we're up against folks: FW: PICTURES DON'T LIE

[apnu]

Got this in one of those endlessly forwarded to everybody in your address book things. I hate them so much, and I only get them from Republicans I know (mostly family members) who just don't understand it when I tell them to stop sending me such drivel.

Anyway, here is the body of the email in all its glory. This is exactly how I got the message, minus the fonts and about 800 strangers email addresses. (How come these people don't know what BCC is?) This is the exact case, spelling and image arrangement in the email.

COULD THIS BE TRUE? PICTURES DON'T LIE.


This tells the true story!!!!! PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!


HOW STUPID CAN YOU GET ???




I had heard about this but a picture is definitely worth 1000 words! God save us!!!


IF THIS IS WHERE HIS HEART IS THIS COUNTRY SURE WILL BE IN TROUBLE. TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OR ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN, THIS COUNTRY SURE DOESN'T NEED THIS MAN, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU CAN CALL HIM,HE DOESN'T EVEN BELIEVE IN THIS COUNTRY.
THIS MAN IS FOR HIMSELF!!!!!!!!!!

Resp! ect
Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem.
Barack Hussein Obama's photo (that's his real name)......the article said he REFUSED TO NOT ONLY PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, BUT REFUSED TO SAY THE PLEDGE.....how in the hell can a man like this expect to be our next Commander-in-Chief????

My only question is: Is this photoshopped or a real photograph from somewhere, if so, where?

I really don't care if its real or not, nor do I care if Barack Obama put his hand on his heart or not.

What this shows is how the GOP and its supporters campaign on gut viscerial responses. Something the Democratic Party will need to improve upon.

That being said, the email shows me the rampant ignorance of the sender and anybody who's swayed by this poor attempt at political commentary.

On edit: this has been debunked by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/obama.asp But the picture is real, it is a still from a video where they are listening to the National Anthem.

[NJSecularist]

1. Pretty sad that this will be a main focus of the Rethug's attacks in the Fall

[ElsewheresDaughter]

17. that and that he is a Muslim and was sworan in on the Quran and Michelles "proud" remarks

[LSK]

73. Keith Ellison

Was sworn in on the Koran.

Just remember that name to debunk that claim.

[Flabbergasted]

123. HUSSEIN. I'm waiting for the: "Daddy was a big fan blitz"

Many people won't bother to realize that Barack was born before Sadamn's rise to power.

[Dems Will Win]

61. No it will not this was during the Star Spangled Banner NOT the National Anthem

Military Code: Hand over Heart during Pledge of Allegiance but you SING during Star Spangled Banner -- IT IS A SONG, NOT A PLEDGE.

People get confused because baseball players take their caps off and sometimes naturally hold them over their hearts.

This is a specious RW lie. Obama ALWAYS holds his hand over his heart for the Pledge, but as his grandfather taught him, you SING for the ANTHEM.

[NMDemDist2]

71. not to nitpick or anything but the Star Spangled Banner *IS* our national anthem

I understand you meant the Pledge......

[Obamanaut]

149. Flag code suggests hand over heart, does not mention singing

For every occurrence of the National Anthem in public, I stand exactly as Mr Obama is standing in the OP photo. I am retired military, and have never been approached by anyone about this. But the flag code does say otherwise. "Some" say the code is outdated, having been written in an era when most men wore hats, not the bill backward ball cap of today, but real hats (speaking to the 2nd sentence in rule 171.)

I agree with post 133.

http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#171

§171. Conduct during playing
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.

§172. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, 'I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.', should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

[CTD]

77. Just reply with this picture...

[woo me with science]

113. Cracks me up every time....

:rofl:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

128. Oh! *Snap*

That's perfect!

If I get another one of these that's what I'll send!

[Gelliebeans]

144. hee hee

every time I see that one I giggle, the idiot always looks like he has some gastrointestinal problems not to mention he is a poopy head too.

[my2sense]

146. Maybe he doesn't have a heart

:rofl:

[dchill]

164. Republicans...

just can't find their hearts.

:shrug:

[Girlieman]

133. I don't put my hand on my heart either for the national anthem

What's the big deal?

[mzmolly]

154. Indeed, and it's already started. For some reason I've gotten several of these emails and I always

"reply all" with the snopes link.

[nomorewhopper]

172. here's a pic of him holding hand over heart

but honestly, who cares?

[NightWatcher]

2. not only that, but look at him, he's a fucking giant

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

26. That or everyone else is tiny. n/t

[ailsagirl]

160. Why IS everyone else so tiny??? The women are miniscule...

[Hope Monger]

130. lol

[Mojambo]

3. It's weird how they are all looking in different directions

I don't put my hand over my heart when the national anthem or pledge is being read.

[Blue_Roses]

9. I don't either...

I feel like I'm in grade school. So fucking what.

[samdogmom]

12. I don't either--it seems too Nazi-like to me to fall into such a bogus display of patriotism!

Anyway--good call on the way the eyes are directed! I'm sure one of the DU Photoshop experts will debunk this photo soon. It's probably manufactured!

[BanzaiBonnie]

22. I have never put my hand over my heart for the national anthem

I had never heard of anyone doing that. Is it regional? AND who cares!

[weezie1317]

32. It looks like they are waiting for it to begin. ()

[Bake]

89. I put my hand over my heart for the Star Spangled Banner.

And I'm a -- gasp -- DEMOCRAT!

So why did everyone else have their hands over their hearts in that picture?

This IS what we're up against in the fall. Get ready for it.

Bake

[Auggie]

4. It looks fake

There is more fill (lighting) on the two faces and bodies in the back.

I'm an Art Director and do a lot of photo manipulation. That was the first thing I noticed.

[MADem]

27. Well, your talents fail you. The picture is real, but the accusation is bullshit.

Snopes has the answer, and VIDEO: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

The singer in the video should not quit that day job.

Save this link, it's likely it will come in handy later.

[adabfree]

51. go down further in the same snopes article..he has his hand over his heart

truth be told, persoanlly, sometimes I do..sometimes I don't

[MADem]

88. Here is the video of the full anthem, pretty much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwog6E08CFU&feature=related

The woman singing it stinks....!

[Auggie]

117. I stand corrected -- thanks. That is really an odd lighting situation.

[zanne]

29. Hillary looks three feet tall. nt

[China_cat]

101. The chairs are all the same size

but the people diminish in size as they would in a prespective shot. I also notice that Obama is the only one casting a shadow.

[Asia Expat]

155. Looks good to me

I'm also an Art Director.

[DJ13]

5. I always wonder when I see that photo what Richardson was looking at

And that phot was already debunked.

Do a search for the truth and send it to whoever sent that GOP slime piece to you.

[MADem]

39. The photo is real. Sorry. The "circumstances" are bullshit. Richardson was probably looking at

a nice big juicy STEAK, because the shot was taken at Harken's Iowa steak fry...

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

The cite quotes the flag code, but the flag code also says you shouldn't use the flag as bunting or decoration, either, and the GOP does that ALL the time.



I wasn't brought up to put my hand over heart during the anthem either....and I've got more time in service (under less arduous conditions, certainly) than McCain.

[bklyncowgirl]

141. Bill looks like he already had a few too many nice juicy steaks.

He looks like he's trying to find the nearest men's room.

[MADem]

143. He was LEAN, relatively speaking, back then...! He'd been dieting.

He may have been .... HUNGRY!

[VolcanoJen]

6. Obama: "My grandfather taught me that you put your hand over your heart...

... during the Pledge of Allegiance. During the National Anthem, you sing."

This is exactly the way I learned, it, and I know it's a regional/cultural difference. But honestly, that's just the dumbest thing for Repub freeptards to get all worked up about, isn't it?

Sigh.

You can always reply, changing the subject line to "DEBUNKED OBAMA SMEAR" and send them to Snopes. Snopes has some lovely photographs of Obama with his hand over his heart here:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

Of course it won't satisfy freeptards, but it makes me laugh to see them get themselves so frothy. ;-)

Edit: I've noticed at baseball games that about half the people put their hand over their heart during the Anthem, and the other half does not. Some people don't even take their hat off. Tell your email list that you expect them to point out all the people who hate America at the next sporting event they attend. :-)

[Emit]

122. Well reasoned response, VolcanoJen

:thumbsup:

[Emit]

127. P.S.

It also looks like he's singing along in the video

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Obama_doesnt_put_hand_over_heart_1022.html

[truebrit71]

7. Without sound and video how do we tell WHAT the hell is going on there?

...

[Emit]

124. Here's the video

on RawStory

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Obama_doesnt_put_hand_over_heart_1022.html

[Whisp]

8. p-shopped

the angle/size foreshortening of the people dont match that of the flag.
unless the last woman is a dwarf.

[damntexdem]

25. Snopes says the photo is real, from a Harkins Iowa Steak Fry.

I have never, ever put my hand over my heart for the National Anthem -- and after this, I will refuse to do so in the future.

I will say the original Pledge: "I pledge allegience to my flag and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." I always refuse to recite the bastardized version that Congress has made of the Pledge by interventions in the 1920s and 1950s.

[Whisp]

114. thanks for info

but it still looks wierd to me. vanishing points don't make sense. angle of pavement strip is very slight compared to the line up of people and the drastic foreshortening there.

o well.
I'm a graphic person so things like this usually stick out like a sore thumb - the 'something is wrong with this picture' thing.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

165. Yeah. You Know What You're Talking About.

:rofl:

God I love when people try to act like photoshop experts! LOL

[grantcart]

10. god how many times does this have to be debunked

this is not the pledge of alligence they are listening to the national anthem. some people cover their heart and others do not.

does anybody believe that any serious leader of either party would do something so provocative as not say the pledge of allegience at an appropriate time?

[apnu]

33. apparently 1000 more times than you think...

...because its still being passed around. Which is my point. This is what we are up against.

Rampant stupidity and nationalistic and moronic displays of jingoism.

[grantcart]

52. I lived outside the US for 20 years and it was such a relief not to be

bombarded with the nonending rampant hyper nationalism. The stupidest 3 worded phrase in the Engllish language "only in America"

[kdmorris]

11. More idiot bullshit

"Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem.
Barack Hussein Obama's photo (that's his real name)......the article said he REFUSED TO NOT ONLY PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, BUT REFUSED TO SAY THE PLEDGE"

The National Anthem is NOT the pledge of allegiance. You are NOT required to put your hand over your heart during the National Anthem, though many people do.

So, you are saying that THIS is the worst they got? THIS ignorance and inability to distinguish reality is our biggest problem?

Good... we win.

Edited to add: Read the snopes link and it does appear that you are supposed to put your right hand over your heart. I never knew that before and I've never done it before, so I was wrong.

But it's still bullshit stupidity.

[Occam Bandage]

13. Here's snopes' take.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

[SKKY]

14. I hope and prey they rely on this kind of stuff...

...Winning in November will be even easier if they do.

[Auggie]

15. It still makes me sick.

[SKKY]

24. Yea, but at least it shows their true colors...

...and how well do you think it will play if McCain uses the same tactics that GW and Karl Rove used against him. It will make him look like a total and complete idiot.

[libertee]

16. Actually the truth of it is...They were singing the Star Spangled

Banner, NOT DOING THE Pledge...and it is an authentic photo..but is being used in "vain".

[butterfly77]

18. Its real I was watching it on cspan..

at tom harkins cookout..

[rateyes]

19. Reply to the idiot who sent this with this video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=svo9mutE6TM

[apnu]

38. That's a great link! Kicked it out to them. Thanks! (nt)

[yourguide]

47. screw that...

I would just rickroll the knucklehead.

hahahahahaa.

[housewolf]

20. I don't know but there's definitely something else going on there...

You're supposed to LOOK at the flag when you say the pledge, and none of those 4 people are looking at the flag. Three of them, including Obama, are looking off to their right at something and the 4th is looking straight ahead. The flag seems to be floating on air with no support... or else the background itself is a set-scene of some sort. I'm suspicious....

[Wickerman]

21. This video shows it's The National Anthem, not the Pledge

Obama says the event was during the Anthem, not the Pledge. What a dumbass thing to get excited about, no matter what event...

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/11/obama-says-flag.html
video link about halfway down

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1662530_1446035,00.html

[Alexander]

23. It's the national anthem, NOT the Pledge. You are asked to "please rise"...

I have never been asked to put my hand over my heart for the Star-Spangled Banner.

Obama was probably asked to "please rise" and he did just that.

This is a non-issue.

[adabfree]

54. Yes it is...how many times at professional sports have people been told

to rise for the National Anthem...

It's not the Pledge..big difference...the vile things people will sink to...

[Obamanaut]

150. I've never understood why this is a part of some, not all, sporting

events. I went to a soccer tournament my grandson was in, involving many teams with each game being only one period. The announcer did the please rise thing, and then pointed out that the flag was on a building on the outside of the stadium (small town high school stadium) and did this every time a new team took the field.

I left after the third set of kids came on, with the accompanying "please rise."

Went to another tournament at an outdoor recreation complex, many teams, many fields, no national anthem. Asked my daughter (soccer mom with connections to the local soccer organization) to see if she could find out the difference for me. Never did get an answer.

[redqueen]

28. They campaign on BS because they can't campaign on their record, or issues. At all.

And yes, millions of mindless morans will fall for it, but I doubt those types would ever consider voting for a Dem to begin with.

[texas_indy]

34. especially a minority candidate.. (nt)

[NC_Nurse]

30. Pictures don't lie? Have these people never heard of Photoshop?

:eyes:

Even if it was real. So what? I don't put my hand over my heart for the anthem.
I haven't said the pledge since elementary school. :wtf:

[Yurem2008]

31. Photoshop look at the shadows

chairs, flowerpot, Obama, they do not completely match.

[MADem]

45. It is real. Not photoshopped.

Snopes has it. Links above. It's a stupid criticism, anyway.

[adabfree]

57. but its the National Anthem...not the Pledge..big diff

[MADem]

72. Actually, flag code says put the hand on the heart for both. So technically he erred.

That's in SNOPES too. Snopes points out that most people don't do it even though it is prescribed (it's honored in the BREACH, is their quaint way of saying that people use it to pick on people).

As I have said, the flag is not to be used as bunting, either. But the GOP does do that.

Here's some clearer video for anyone interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwog6E08CFU&feature=related

I can't tell if JE has his hand up there, either--he's facing well to his right.

[adabfree]

78. LOL..OMG...how many times have you seen people put their hands over their heart when

the National Anthem is played or sung...thinking of all the sporting events...people rise to show respect..period.

I know, I stand...and I've seen everyone around me stand..and I go to a lot of professional sporting events..very few hands over hearts..but if you want to crucify the man...so be it.....

"Ha Ha..technically, he erred!"

[MADem]

86. I generally was in uniform when it played, so in my case, never, certainly.

It's an antiquated custom, certainly.

Those wearing hats in civilian clothes would take off the hat and hold it over the heart, but in uniform, one SALUTES.

Why are you suggesting that "I" want to "crucify the man?" "So be it?"

Where the fuck do you get that idea from, pray tell? It was a dumbfuck thing to say, particularly without ANY indication that this was my wish.

I impart information from a website, and you -- AUTOMATICALLY, viciously and certainly partisanly -- make an invalid, false inference, either because you can't read for comprehension, or you just like to pick fights.

You come off like a rabid ass when you do that sort of thing, you know.

Why don't you read my commentary throughout this thread before you make such idiotic and halfassed assumptions?

[adabfree]

90. My bad, I didn't read all your commentary, so I apologize..

but in my experience, I've rarely seen people put their hand over their heart when the National Anthem is played...that you're military then yeah I can see where it would be different.

As far as my "crucify remarks" I'm in battle mode, so again I apologize.

keep posting..

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

166. LOL Another Photoshop Expert!

:rofl:

[TechBear_Seattle]

35. Pictures can't lie? REALLY?

Thank you, I'm glad to know these are all true. :toast:

[Iceburg]

36. If that is not photo-shopped we are in doo-doo/nt

[Emit]

120. It's the National Anthem not the Pledge of Allegiance

Not everyone I know puts their hand on their heart when they listen to the National Anthem.

[Debi]

37. Is the problem that Obama wore a dress shirt and slacks to a barbeque?

Or that Richardson wore jeans and a blazer? x(

Of course everyone knows that this photo was taken at Tom Harkin (D-IA) Steak Fry in Iowa.

Everyone knows that the pledge was not being recited by the National Anthem was being played.

Everyone should know that the flag behind the participants should NOT have been there b/c it was being used for decoration which is a flag etiquette no-no but NOBODY complains about that x(

[apnu]

98. Actually, not everybody knows.

This was sent to me by an Upstate NY fire fighter, and Republican supporter since 2000.

Everybody may know here, except me initially, but certainly not everybody in the nation.

Granted, there are idiots that will fall for this stuff, and that is what we must struggle against. (and more)

[Debi]

103. Yep, just create a file and be prepared.

You of course are correct, not everybody knows.

[Puzzler]

40. Pixel density is wrong

I'm no expert, but when I use a program to zoom in on the figures... Obama seems to have a much higher pixel density then the two women. And his pixel density is a bit higher than the man as well. It seems to me that some, or all of the figures are from different photo sources.

Also: the shaddows are wrong. Look at Obama's shaddow, and compare it to the woman on the far right. The shaddows show different light sources. Two suns that day?


-P

[Adelante]

It is not a Photoshop and it is not the Pledge of Allegiance

It was taken in Iowa at Rep. Harkin's annual steak-fry during the singing of the National Anthem.

Here is a good link:

Political Smears and the Internet

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/401/political-smears.html

[high density]

41. Oh I expect that to land in my inbox at work any day now

A coworker of mine loves shit like this.

[GarbagemanLB]

42. You should respond to the person who sent you that and say:

You are a fucking moron. www.snopes.com.

ttyl

[Apollo11]

43. If PICTURES DON'T LIE, then Hillary is 3 feet tall.

Look at the picture again and then try to deny the truth.

Sheesh! :eyes:

[MADem]

53. Hillary is three feet tall, then. The photographer used a long lens, is my guess.

Snopes has this. It's real. http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

There's even video there.

It is a silly contretemps.

As Snopes notes, the custom is honored more in the BREACH than the observance!

Link to the original source of the pic--TIME Magazine.

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1662530_1446035,00.html

[leftynyc]

44. I got it also

I have a conservative republican friend (don't ask) and on occasion she goofs and includes me on these kinds of things. I hit reply to all and sent the snopes link debunking this garbage. Whenever I get these from her I do the same thing.

[Sivart]

46. whatever......

This looks like a complete fake to me. What is the flagged attached to? Why is there absolutely nothing behind the candidates.....no security or anything....and if you look at the chairs, and how they get smaller as you go down the row.....the people get disproportionally smaller compared to the chairs.

And besides all that.....who freakin cares?

This photo has been circulating for many months.....and it does not seem to have had a negative impact on his ability to get votes.

[Botany]

48. The Big Lie .... from Wiki

The Big Lie is a propaganda technique. It was defined by Adolf Hitler in his 1925 autobiography
Mein Kampf as a lie so "colossal" that no one would believe that someone "could have the
impudence to distort the truth so infamously".

[MADem]

60. This isn't a big lie though. It's a silly truth and it only matters to idiots

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1662530_1446035,00.html

[Name removed]

49. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Adelante]

55. RIP you little shit nt

[Sivart]

56. You're voting McCain

You're voting McCain......ha ha ha ha!!!!

You complain about "piling RW shit" Then in the same sentence you say you're voting McCain.

I think you obviously have a great idea, and I wish you luck.

Clinton Supporters for McCain......UNITE!!! YES YOU CAN!!!!!

[Botany]

64. Want some Pizza?

BTW how could you have told us this was going to happen? This is your first F***ing post.

[MADem]

69. The "rise from my grave" comment suggested that the poster was someone who already had

gotten a pizza here....

[Botany]

74. Somebody who lives in Mom's basement got a new ISP.

ATT address cut off from DU .... get a road runner account.

He must have a great life.

[Alexander]

109. What kind of pizza?

[bicentennial_baby]

65. Zombie!!

Alerted :)

[apnu]

66. Fair is fair, I will fight the battles of ANY Dem so long as they stand against the RW.

I already kicked off my response to the whole lot. Thanks to the help here at DU, it was an easy snatch.

I'm more than happy to defend Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton against this kind of mental drool.

Bring on the next, weak ass, attack against them, I'm ready!

[MADem]

68. It's a natural inclination, one I intend to resist.

Though if I came to a point where I couldn't vote for BO, I'd write in Clinton before voting for McCain, myself.

If it ends up that Obama is the nominee, I will hold my nose and vote for him. I do think he will have a tough time winning the election, and his supporters are in denial if they don't think his MASSIVE voter turnout wasn't helped by strategic votes from GOP mischief-makers.

In fact, Obama's campaign encouraged GOP voters to cross over "just for the primary" and then return to the GOP come Novemeber. One of his precinct captains stepped down after sending out a rather negative flyer to that effect.

The plan is to "Win Now, By Whatever Means Necessary" and then come around and try to make up with people like you after crapping on you wholesale.

I myself know five people who are singing from your same sheet music. I'm going to try to avoid the tune, myself.

That said, I do understand your irritation. The "Obama Nation" is chock full of more than their fair share of fucking assholes, frankly. Hopefully, the nicer people will tamp them down in the run up to November.

[greguganus]

83. Lazarus...is that you? n/t

[Alexander]

108. Good riddance, you idiotic troll. You disrupted poorly.

Go take your right-wing comments to Freeperville where they belong.

[Infinite Hope]

50. He was probably preoccupied thinking about the soldiers and direction of the country.

Thinking...something Hillary hasn't done too well (Iraq, Iran, bankruptcy, etc.)

[Vinca]

58. Someone needs to find the next frame where he puts his hand

over his heart. Maybe we should hustle him off to the tattoo parlor and get red, white and blue stripes from head to toe, then cover the damn shirt with made in China flag pins. Jesus - the absurdity of it all.

[MADem]

70. You can see the video at Snopes. Links are throughout this thread. NT

[asdjrocky]

59. And what in the hell is Richardson looking at?

[MADem]

87. Probably a big thick juicy steak--it was at Harkin's steak fry that the picture was taken. NT

[milkyway]

62. Why are you posting this filth on DU? Do you know how much garbage is floating

around the Internet?

[apnu]

80. Yeah, actually I do, I'm a network administrator, I see it every day, and wose than this.

Plus, I think there is merit to knowing the filth we face in this election. Hell, this is politics... we're up to our ears in filth because that the standard operating procedure of politics. Has been that way for hundreds of years (probably thousands) and will continue for the foreseeable future, given the nature of human beings.

[Quixote1818]

63. He is clearly snubbing Bill Richardson! nt

[Deep13]

67. It looks like that phone ad with all the reception bars.

Seriously though, this country loves its symbolism and this will be damaging.

[Zavulon]

75. This strikes me as GREAT news.

If the Repugs have to resort to something this low and pathetic, that's good for us, not bad.

[BobbyVan]

76. IT'S A FAKE!

How dare the Republicans try to make Obama appear un-American. I refuse to believe that this is an actual photo.

[MNDemNY]

145. It's real, not the issue the email claims, but the photo is real.

[GoneOffShore]

79. Hell, good for him!

Any more I no longer will recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing The Star Spangled Banner nor bow my head when some empty suit says let us pray.

I stopped doing it a long time ago.

It's not necessary nor is it productive and it is not a loyalty test.

[LanternWaste]

81. I hope there were no people who thought the GOP would lay down

I hope there were no people who thought the GOP would lay down during the General Election. I hope there were no people who actually thought the GOP would ratchet down what they've been doing since '92.

While I realize that many posters have written that the GOP would be worse on Sen. Clinton than on Obama, I simply figured that was just part of the noise machine by some of his more strident and vocal supporters.

Regardless of who the eventual Democratic nominee is, the GOP will use every trick in the book they have to defeat him/her. For anyone to think that one candidate would get preferential/better/worse/nastier treatment is simply absurd.

This is not new. This is not even a taste of what's going to happen. It's going to get bad. And the GD:P of today (with all our sniping, petulance, and fingers-in-the-ears) will look like child's play next to what the right wing will unveil-- regardless of whether the target is Obama or Clinton.

[Iceburg]

82. The video (link attached) opens him up to even greater criticism

video link

[apnu]

84. That link doesn't work, but this one does.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=svo9mutE6TM

[Iceburg]

94. Fixed the link- thanks; yours is a different video /nt

[H2O Man]

85. silly

[apnu]

92. that's probably the best response so far.

concise, to the point an appropriate to the whole thing.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

91. You only put your hand there when it's the pledge and it wasn't the pledge!

you can sing the national anthem any way you want.

[Maddy McCall]

99. Not according to flag code.

United States Code Title 36 Chapter 3 — National Anthem, Motto, Floral Emblem, and March
§301. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner
The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.

Conduct during playing — During rendition of the national anthem—
when the flag is displayed —
all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

[snappyturtle]

116. The following says the same but simpler:

The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.

www.usflag.org

Yours says the same. Actually, according to this etiquette, they were all wrong. Should have been facing the flag while the music played. right?

[Perry Logan]

93. The man is running for President. But he foolishly slips up by refusing to pledge the flag. Doh!

[yellowcanine]

97. It is the National Anthem, not the pledge. Some people do hand on heart for the anthem, some don't.

He is standing respectfully.

It is no big deal to anyone except jealous bitter people who can't find anything else to snipe at about Obama.

[Perry Logan]

102. I see. My point was, the story doesn't even make sense on the surface of it.

[sniffa]

95. Tell HRC to take you off their mailing list

[apnu]

100. To be fiar, sniffa, this did not come from a HRC supporter.

From a Republican fire fighter in Upstate NY. Leave HRC and her supporters out of this one.

[sniffa]

105. Oh, my bad

It just seemed like something that would come out of the HRC camp. My mistake.

[GOPBasher]

96. I hope I get that email. I'll write back, not too pleasently. n/t

[all.of.me]

104. Looks like Photoshop to me.

How can Hillary be that tiny just one chair away from Bill? It doesn't make sense. The perspective isn't right, even if it was a wide angle shot. Grasping at straws?

[Maddy McCall]

106. It's not fake. Read snopes on it.

[LadyVT]

107. Messiahs don't salute the flag :) (just a little humor here)

Google Obama and Messiah. Please.

[proud2BlibKansan]

110. Skinner needs to put that picture on the front page

to save you all the trouble of posting it over and over and over again.

[Vinca]

111. I just heard this addressed by Barack on CNN.

They weren't saying the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner was playing. He says you put your hand over your heart for the pledge, but that's not what was happening.

[paperbag_ princess]

112. everyone should by now know that this was not altered

and that it was not the pledge, but the Star Spangled Banner

still the reason the Repubs do this stuff...is that it works....people are very gullible and want to believe the worst.

[IndianaGreen]

115. You ever been to a NASCAR race or an NFL game?

You should see how many people are holding a beer while the national anthem is playing.

[Emit]

118. It's real, I saw the video, but how many people put their hand on their heart when they're listening

to the National Anthem?

I thought that was customary for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

119. I got that!

Sent it back with a scathing note about being intellectually lazy and using trivial BS to elicit kneejerk reactions.

Oh, and it was the National Anthem not the Pledge of Allegiance as stated in the childish email.

[Horse with no Name]

126. I did too..mine was altered a bit

The breathless title was:
Fwd: Barack Hussein Obama-Chilling picture

Followed by 40-pt red font that stated:



THIS NEEDS TO BE SEEN BY EVERYONE WITH A COMPUTER. AND YOU CAN SNOPE IT.

IT HAPPENED AND SNOPES' RATIONALIZATIONS DON'T WASH. THIS MAN'S LOYALTIES

DO NOT INCLUDE THIS COUNTRY. GOD BLESS THE USA!

And the picture was captioned:
Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem.
Barack Hussein Obama's photo (that's his real name)......the article said he REFUSED TO NOT ONLY PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, BUT REFUSED TO SAY THE PLEDGE.....how in the hell can a man like this expect to be our next Commander-in-Chief????


I've already debunked this more times than I care to count. I just started deleting them.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

132. I've only seen it once. My Republicans must not love me. :-(

:rofl:

No, I've already asked most of them not to send me foolish junk and if they didn't respect my wishes they've been sent to my spam folder. I may have more of these setting in there with all the Cheap Viagra, Refinance NOW! and heart-wrenching request for my much needed assistance from Nigeria.

Mine was missing the snopes reference, instead there was a part about being afraid and sad as to what could happen to our country. Other than that it was just like yours.

I fail to understand how people can not care about making fools of themselves by sending out junk like this.

[Horse with no Name]

136. I have one email that all kinds of this shit dumps into

My main one has a disclaimer that if you send me spam, I will block anything you send.
It's been pretty effective,lol.

[Horse with no Name]

121. A lot of southerners put their hands over their heart during the national anthem

I grew up out West and never did.
I thought it was because they were too lazy to move it after the pledge...:hide:

[MethuenProgressive]

125. Have you been under a rock?

This is old "news"

[bluedawg12]

129. This kind of flub is what happened w/ swiftboaters

people responded on a gut level. Don't discount visuals and sound bites.

[Indy Lurker]

131. Isn't your heart in the middle of your chest n/t

[cooolandrew]

134. I don't think Richardsonis as tall as Barack.....

[goldcanyonaz]

135. It's real, the video is on the snopes page.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

[all.of.me]

137. Hey, is that John Edwards in the blue jeans off to the right?

Where is HIS hand?

[MADem]

138. Ah, that's the real reason why he suspended his campaign!!! nt

[ihelpu2see]

139. It was the National Anthem. I have played sports my whole life and never

NEVER held my hand over my heart for the National Anthem. Pledge to the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance yup.... but never the Anthem.

GROW UP.... And for his wife she said "Really Proud" and all of the pro-Hilbots have been listening to the Fox news edited version that cuts the "Really" out.... watch the clip on Drudge her lips move and say Really but the sound drops out....

So Grow up. Hillary has lost, in my opinion she would have been a good candidate in the fall but has the greatest chance of losing to McCain.

Go Bama

[rasputin1952]

140. This is the best they can come up with????

After the neo-con GOP has done everything it can to subvert the Constitution, we get some incredibly silly tripe like this.

I suppose that the GOP has forgotten that worship of the flag has nothing to do with patriotism. True patriotism goes far deeper than simple overtures to a banner, it is a deep and abiding love of country; and in this nation, patriotism is defending the Constitution and it's amendments. It is a faith that we can overcome by rule of law, injustice, inequality and advance the human species to a higher plane.

When one wraps themselves in the flag, they fail to notice that movement becomes difficult, if not impossible; they find that their voices have become muffled, and sight has been denied them. The flag becomes a shroud, not the banner of freedom that should rise in the wind and be seen as a symbol of tolerance and hope.

I have served my nation under our flag, I ask no special privilege, I understand that the flag is a symbol of what we can become under a just and noble set of laws...something we have been fighting for, both physically and morally for 238+ years. To me, there is serious concern for the Constitution, the flag is seen all over this nation 24/7, few have read, and fewer still understand the Documents that gave this nation it's start. To me, that shows a serious lack of patriotism.

[Marrah_G]

142. It is shameful that this shit is being used to slander a good man.

[YOY]

147. Oh NOES!! WHO KEN SAFE US FROM TEH UNPATRIOTIK OSAMA-OBAMA???

Why...the asshole who will repeat the words "Freedom", "Family Values", "Jesus", "Patriotism", "fiscal responsiblity", (and possible "9-11" if it wasn't passe...thanks SO MUCH RUDY! You just had to run it into the ground!) of course!!!!

Of course the asshole will really stand for none of these and have pundits on CNN and FOX repeating ad nauseum and without merit how he is part of the party of "Grown Ups"...

[mtnester]

148. I see this posted in LOTS of places...public and private in offices

And, in a two sentence, sound bite society, perty pictures are all that matter to, sadly, FAR too many people.

I tried to argue this picture with someone once, it was like arguing with that MadTV character (lalalala...lalalala) or a stubborn two year old. I kept getting Uniform Code tunnel vision shoved back at me, so I simply quit trying.

[Arkana]

151. If this is all they've got they're going to lose big.

[Liberal Gramma]

152. Has anyone else pointed out the obvious?

You put your hand over your heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. During the playing of the national anthem, it is optional NOT REQUIRED. Have you ever noticed all the "traitors" on the football field who put their hands behind their backs, holding their helmets, during the national anthem? Again, OPTIONAL.

[YOY]

153. Yes, but we are dealing with Republicans ...

Knee-jerk nationalis...I mean "PATRIOTISM" is what gets them elected and keeps them in power...because they seem to think they have American Pride copyrighted.

I insist on kicking them in the balls when they start that "unpatriotic democrat" shit.

[Voice for Peace]

156. I loathe all expectations that any human being should behave like a robot.

Even in elementary school I found it strange to robotically chant the
pledge of allegience. I do not stand up when I hear the national anthem.
I listen to the words, and I wonder about them, and I look at the people
and wonder about them too.I wonder about what they are feeling and
thinking, with their hands on their hearts. I think about my own commitment
to real freedom and real truth.

For me, life is about feeling, and actions. What we do because it's expected,
or because it pleases somebody else, doesn't necessarily have anything to do
with what is actually going on in our hearts and minds.

Sorry if this affends any 'patriots'

[Skoods]

157. It's the National Anthem...

And it's true

http://snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

Just in case you were wondering if any of his other urban legends are true...check it out

http://snopes.com/politics/obama/obama.asp

[elixir]

158. Check out the full video, he never puts his hand over his heart. Keep in mind this is during the

Star Spangled Banner, not the Pledge of Allegiance, so I wasn't that upset about it. It's very clear during the video that he is the only one doing this as the camera pans around to the audience. Maybe he didn't see everyone else do it? Who know, but it's pretty bad for a politician to make this kind of gaffe.

Just sayin'.

[napi21]

167. Sorry to reference this junk, but these are the kind of silly, stupid

mistakes "inexperienced politicians" make. I'm not referencing any kind of foreign, life, or any other experience relevant to being a President. I'm talking about being too much of an ordinary person to realize what the media, the public & your oposition do to you when you don't comform to things like this.

I admit, it was hammered into my head all through grade school, so even at age 84, when they play the Star Spangled Banner before a football game, even at home I stand up and put my hand over my heart.

You can call it silly, stupid, old fashioned or whatever you want, but lots of people DO CARE about this kind of thing. It's a silly error that should never have happened!

[elixir]

159. Here's the link from YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xV-HMmNZO8

[elixir]

161. Sorry, that was the wrong version of the video - here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWTxcT-KMR8

[MyNameGoesHere]

162. That's a problem for Obama supporters.

Good luck defending all that is going to come from the rw wackos. You'll need it, because i am afraid when he just answers with Breathe a dream and yes we can, it won't change their minds. So good luck with all that.

[elixir]

163. A thousand apologies, I attached two videos from YouTube that I thought were

the right one. Clearly, they aren't and after viewing them I apologize, they are insulting.

There is a plain vanilla video of this outdoor rally. I will try to find the RIGHT one.

[0007]

168. Gee! that's pretty petty in my estimation.

Desperate times are for desperate people. How can this ever become an issue.

[HughBeaumont]

169. Well, this bullshit was productive.

In the immortal words of an old Bloom County comic strip:

CLEAR THE COURT YOU LOONS! THIS IS #@&%ING RIDICULOUS!!!

[Barack_America]

170. The people who believe this crap are the same people who won't vote for...

...a woman or a black man anyway. So, what's the harm?

Many people have and will get this e-mail. Most will learn that this is bunk. But the ones that won't accept the truth, well, fortunately they're a minority.

[rodeodance]

171. I am inspired by Hillary's substance vs MT suits--so, you are right, I do not need that photo.