A lapel pin is not true patriotism

The Democratic primary "debate" last month was a journalistic travesty of the first order. But one of the most disappointing questions was raised by a citizen from Pennsylvania who questioned Barack Obama's patriotism because he chooses not to wear a flag pin on his lapel. And make no mistake, even though the query was couched as though there was no question of his patriotism, the nature of the question ensures that there was.

The problem of the lapel pin and patriotism shows a distinct lack of understanding about what patriotism actually is.

Patriotism is taking up arms against an aggressor nation. Patriotism is enlisting for military service. Patriotism is taking a job riveting plates on an LTV knowing that job may not be available to you when the war ends. Patriotism is organizing rubber drives and paper drives when resources are scarce. Patriotism is volunteering to serve in the Red Cross because "our boys are dying over there."

Patriotism is sacrifice.

Spending two dollars on an enamel pin and affixing it to your lapel is not a sacrifice or show of patriotism; it is nationalism. Nationalism is used to create fear of the other, both now with the flag pin, and in the past with the swastika.

David Shroder

Elgin