Comments on: Age, education, political affiliation and patriotism

By: Pat Cunningham

Pat Cunningham — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:38:55 +0000

ROTS: Several things: 1) I love how you avoided all but a very indirect reference to the Fox poll of two years ago in which Republicans were more inclined than Democrats to consider themselves more patriotic than most Americans. 2) Your reference to Obama perhaps turning “patriotism into a competition” was gratuitous since there’s no indication that his wearing of a flag pin makes him think of himself as more patriotic than anyone else (which is where the competition factor would come in). 3) You’re presumptious in saying the fact that 59 percent of poll respondents think wearing a flag pin is patriotic puts me “in the minority — the counterculture.” I’ve worn such pins on certain occasions. My attitude is that displaying the American flag is not necessarily a patriotic gesture, a point dramatically impressed upon me when I was a journalist covering Nazi and Ku Klux Klan rallies where flags abounded among the creeps wearing white robes or brown shirts. 4)Your reference to “a classic example of media bias” is completely irrelevant. This opinionated blog is not intended to be objective journalism. My posts are no more biased than your comments here or the posts on your own blog. You’ve got your axe to grind, and I’ve got mine.
5) When I noted that 40 percent of poll respondents said flag pins are “not much” or “not at all” an indication of one’s patriotism, I thereby made a clear mathematical indication that a minority of respondents felt that way. I stressed that number because I consider it counterintuitive. I would have expected that a larger percentage of Americans felt the pins were patriotic. 6) That stuff at the top of your comment about Americans ranking the items is silly nonsense. Do a little Googling and you’ll find thousands of stories in which it is said that a poll shows that Americans rank this or that. Such stories don’t mean that poll respondents made lists of items. They mean that Americans on the whole rank such-and-such as important or bad or whatever and another such–and-such as not so much so.

By: Right Of The Star Blog

Right Of The Star Blog — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:50:40 +0000

Pat, these are interesting polling numbers, just a few points.

On the Gallop poll Americans did not rank the items, they were answering each item individually stating whether that action expressed patriotism. Gallop then ranked the six items they asked about in the order of the results. Semantics maybe but there is a difference in polling methodology and potential results when given a list and asked to rank the items 1 to 6 vs asking each individually.

Combined the two polls seem to indicate that while most people understand what expressions of patriotism are, only some feel they live up to or exceed those expectation by their actions. These results aren’t unexpected or unusual at all as Democrats tend to be, and are proud of being, more counter culture rather then traditional.

But what you didn’t point out is that when you combine the “greatly deal” with the “moderate amount” on the question of whether wearing a flag pin expresses patriotism you end up with 59% — right under those who feel protesting US policies they oppose is an expression of patriotism at 66% (vs 82% saying supporting US policies expresses patriotism).

With 59% saying wearing a flag pin is an expression of patriotism it’s no wonder Senator Obama has decided to include it in his wardrobe. (Hey, does that mean he’s turned patriotism into an competition, or is he just a typical politician who can read polls?)

That 59% puts you in the minority — the counter culture, which I’m sure your proud of (this is not meant sarcastic, but as a compliment). — Oh, and I love how you wrote this post to avoid pointing out 59% feel wearing the flag pin is at least moderately patriotic, you may not see it but that is a classic example of media bias.
David

By: Menlo Bob

Menlo Bob — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:52:22 +0000

Even the New York Times editorial board on Independence Day is impressed* with Obama’s message of Change.

“…Mr. Obama’s shifts are striking because he was the candidate who proposed to change the face of politics, the man of passionate convictions who did not play old political games.”

*registration required

By: Menlo Bob

Menlo Bob — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:28:14 +0000

Speaking of Obama, he’s now giving two-a-day press conferences. The second pc to clear up the first pc. It’s becoming apparent that Obama has two opinions on everything. Time for new campaign theme music to bring the point home. Wasn’t it only yesterday that we learned that McCain’s campaign was in disarray? Sounds like it’s becoming the norm for everyone.

By: Kaus

Kaus — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:49:31 +0000

2 observations
1. Obama is AGAIN wearing the flag pin.
2. Not displaying the flag is like Kerry Wood wearing a business suit to pitch the 9th inning….we have to know what team you’re on Pat.

By: Menlo Bob

Menlo Bob — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:14:57 +0000

But you are flying your flag today right?