Martin Bashir: Sarah Palin's Bus Tour a 'Breach of Federal Law'
MSNBC's Martin Bashir on May 31 insisted that Sarah Palin's bus tour amounts to a "breach of a federal law."
Anchoring his eponymous program, Bashir scolded, "In fact, the whole thing could be in breach of a federal law because the United States Flag Code establishes important rules for the use and display of the stars and stripes, the flag of the United States."
[Video embedded after the page break.]
In his accusatory "Clear the Air" segment, the former ABC Nightline anchor lectured Palin that "standards of respect and etiquette" discourage using the American flag for "any advertising purpose whatsoever."
"She drapes herself in the stars and stripes and makes millions of dollars in the process," chided Bashir. "This has got nothing to do with the presidency and everything to do with filling her pockets."
The only problem: the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag burning is protected by the First Amendment. If flag burning is protected speech, certainly displaying the flag on a tour bus is legal. Or do the rules not apply to Sarah Palin? In Bashir's warped sense of reality, conservatives like Palin would be arrested for flying the American flag at rallies in which they promote causes that Bashir does not support.
Where was Bashir's patriotic tongue-lashing for any Democratic politician who has ever flown the American flag at campaign rallies and in political advertisements?
[UPDATE, June 1 2:55pm ET: Click here for a still-shot of MSNBC using the American flag as part of its on-screen graphics in 2001.]
Even if Bashir wasn't aware of the landmark Supreme Court decision that settled flag-desecration issues, he is still misunderstanding the section of U.S. code from which he cited as evidence of Palin's crimes.
The Congressional Research Service, a non-partisan organization that provides legal analysis to members of Congress, clarified that observance of the Flag Code is "purely voluntary" in a 2008 congressional report: "While wearing the colors may be in poor taste and offensive to many, it is important to remember that the Flag Code is intended as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag."
By doubting another citizen's patriotism and labeling her a criminal, the man who lambasted Palin for exploiting the American flag for political purposes committed the same sin he ostensibly loathes.
A transcript of the segment can be found below:
MSNBC
Martin Bashir
May 31, 2011
3:57 p.m. EDT
MARTIN BASHIR: It's time now to Clear the Air and to ask a question: what is the purpose behind Sarah Palin's current bus tour? It's difficult to ask that question directly because Sarah Palin specializes in checkbook journalism. That is, she only gives interviews to a network that pays her in excess of $1 million a year. So we're forced to make judgements from the outside and it all looks like the precursor to a presidential campaign. The vehicle itself reminds us of all those campaign buses that crisscross the nation at election time. The media are ever-present, catching her every handshake and every book signing. And the journey itself – visiting locations of national importance along the East Coast and proclaiming once again as the most patriotic American that ever lived.
And yet, even in her paid-for interview, she seems coy and almost confused about what she's doing. "This is not a campaign bus," she said on Fox News. "This is a bus to express to American how much we appreciate our foundation and to invite more people to be interested about all that is good about America." It all sounds like a wonderful commitment to American values and American history, but it's nothing of the kind. In fact, the whole thing could be in breach of a federal law because the United States Flag Code establishes important rules for the use and display of the stars and stripes, the flag of the United States. Under standards of respect and etiquette, it's made clear that the flag of the United States should never be used for any advertising purpose whatsoever. Yet that's precisely what Sarah Palin is doing. She's using the flag of the United States for her own financial purposes. She drapes herself in the stars and stripes and makes millions of dollars in the process. This has got nothing to do with the presidency and everything to do with filling her pockets. And by raising her profile, she raises her income. It is as simple as that. So she was right when she said that hers is not a campaign bus. It's a cash bus and she'll keep it rolling for as long as she can. Thanks so much for watching.
--Alex Fitzsimmons is a News Analysis intern at the Media Research Center. Click here to follow him on Twitter.
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Comments
wouldn't t also be AS TRUE if not MORE TRUE that mister
Submitted by porpoiseboy on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:19pm.
bashir's comments have NOTHING to do with news, NOTHING to do with actual respect for the flag, NOTHING to do with even caring that someone, ANYONE might desecrate the flag, and EVERYTHING to do with pushing his political agenda AND "filling his pockets"? i vote yes.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left
The best social program is a JOB...ronald reagan
Lay down
Submitted by gAMEoVER on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:21pm.
and go to sleep bashir. you are terrible and don't deserve any more oxygen. really, go home and die.
This guy is a dirtbag!
Submitted by FistsforLiberty on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:23pm.
A dirtbag!! I tella.
A PUTRID one, at that!
Submitted by Diesel on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:28am.
A PUTRID one, at that!
MSNBC is the real 'breach of law'
Submitted by Slyrr on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:24pm.
I think the whole of MSNBC should be a breach of Federal Law.... Certainly the way Obama is stealing our tax money to keep this failed network afloat is a crime.
Video: Obama not Saluting the Flag
Submitted by libBuster on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:34pm.
If Bashir wants to talk about breaches of the Federal Code, here is a video of Obama not saluting the American Flag:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU9iCANi02o
That may be a violation of United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171 which reads:
So today this hack and his
Submitted by LAM SON 719 on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:22pm.
So today this hack and his liberal buddies are suddenly worried about the flag?, Ted Nugent needs to go back and educate this loser again. These LEFTIST FREAKS lauded the teleprompter moron when he wouldn't wear a flag pin.
Respect and Etiquette?
Submitted by ThisnThat on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:26pm.
I certainly don't need any liberal to wrap himself in his suddenly elevated moral authority and try to lecture me on respect and etiquette.
__________
“Didn't win the Medal of Honor? Didn't even serve? Then lie about it. We'll support you." — 9th Circuit Court
Nice!
Submitted by Radical Reductionist on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:28pm.
Nicely done Alex the Intern!! Now go get us some coffee!
You must be Bill Clinton and
Submitted by ant on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 1:03am.
You must be Bill Clinton and you must be mistaking Alex for Barack Obama. Of course, that also means you would've gotten semen all over Barack's dress.
Sarah is making a fortune...
Submitted by bigdaddy on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:30pm.
...living rent-free in the minds of the liberal media. She is giving them nothing and they have to create this crap on their own. It would be tragic if their little clown cars collided with each other as they fly around trying to get the next piece of trash to make up the next "Palin-bash" story.
Yep, its a masterful
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 12:05am.
Yep, its a masterful manipulation of the LSM and the people who watch it.
Bashir's ingornance
Submitted by Galvanic on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:41pm.
Palin's road tour campaign is about revitalizing interest and respect for American history. She said so herself.
But Bashir insists that this isn't her real motivation. She's just out to make money (How?).
In his strained attempt to bash Palin, Bashir becomes totally absurd.
Bashir Hussein Obama
Submitted by jmigyanka@msn.com on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:42pm.
Please return to aljazeera....no foreigner should discuss my FLAG, My Country, My future president.
The fox
Submitted by Richard B. on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:44pm.
The fox (Sarah Palin) is leading the MSM and libs on a merry chase. For a dumb country girl from Alaska she is certainly out-foxing the news idiots. She is leading them around as if she has rings in their noses.
And we Should Care About What This Import Has to Say!
Submitted by gruyere cheese on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:47pm.
So, a Brit or whatever country he is from is lecturing us about American History and the meaning of our Flag? These ex-CNN reporters (includes the lib Amanpour) are becoming so mainstream they are simply unwatchable and annoying to listen to.
APDS
Submitted by Free Stinker on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:48pm.
Acute Palin Derangement Syndrome.
Amazing how a simple bus trip can cause an outbreak of mass hysteria by the Make Believe Media.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Oh yeah, I always turn to Paki nationals for US flag etiquette.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:46pm.
Here's one you may have missed, Bashy.
And that's what launched
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:18pm.
BO's career. A most honorable beginning.
Good one, Bashir
Submitted by vote24 on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 6:49pm.
I can only hope that this rather sick display of left wing bias all over the news media is beginning to sink in to some liberal minds somewhere, as an eye opener to what the landscape will be like as consrvatives rule the politics and media of the near future. They will howl at any conservative bias, without even a thought of how this all came to be. I still believe we can take down the communists in our media and government through the ballot box, so far. But they are working constantly to rig elections and that will be the spark of their own literal demise. Thinking people can see it coming, why can't a liberal? Well, because they are very good at seeing what's right in front of them, but can never see what's coming around the corner. It is frightening to be following their leaders into the abyss. Plus if America all goes down, well, that's the liberal's second choice anyway, after total control of all things. How stupid do you have to be to be a Democrat voter. It's has to be getting embarrassing for some of the smarter ones.
Flag??? What flag???
Submitted by motherbelt on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:11pm.
Updated to add links.
Do you see a flag anywhere on this bus???
All I see is some red and white striped bunting, like lots of politicians use at rallies, etc.
Are red and white stripes forbidden?
Hey, Martin, check out THIS
and THIS
and THIS
Explain again how she's using the FLAG????
Yeah, sure, Martin.
Add this one
Submitted by FastEd on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 8:04am.
How about the c-span bus?
http://www.uscoachways.com/election-bus-wrap/election-campaign-bus-wrap-...
"We the People . . " Hey, congress - I'm one of the people - start listening!
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
What would this British Muslim know about American law?
Submitted by Dave. on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:01pm.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Well it's obvious.
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:22pm.
Palin needs to be stoned for not being Sharia compliant.
Bahir's not even American
Submitted by Jack Bauer on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:04pm.
Maybe the BRITISH CITIZEN Bashir is confused about American traditions.
Obviously the cretin had never attended ANY political event in the US, where invariably the Stars & Stripes is prominently displayed on any none moving space..
Okay -- I admit that neither have I attended an American political rally (yet) BUT i do watch television!
I think maybe his MSNBC producers hate him and they wanted the snide buffoon to make a giagantic arse of himself in front of his miniscule audience.
Mission accomplished chaps.
All of the above Mr Obama? --- How about ALL OF THE BELOW, instead.
Jack,
Submitted by Dave. on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:09pm.
LOL - Y'all want him back?
Or should we just go ahead and pack him off to Ashcanistan so he can mingle with his Muslim relatives?
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Yes Dave, send the idiot
Submitted by Jack Bauer on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:47am.
Yes Dave, send the idiot back.... because I intend leaving the UK for the states!
All of the above Mr Obama? --- How about ALL OF THE BELOW, instead.
The Palin hate machine rolls on
Submitted by Sefton on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:07pm.
This is great. Nothing like watching the left having grade school hissy fits over Palin again.
Keep going Sarah. Before long they'll be having self-immolation broadcasts in protest of their own insecurities.
WRT to the flag, generally speaking
Submitted by Deskpilot on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:12pm.
WRT to flag ettiquette, it refers to the actual, FABRIC (cotton, nylon...) flag, and it's presentation and respect that should be shown thereto. The flag code does not address images of the flag, painted on a bus, airbrused onto a billboard on a taxi, etc.
An image of the flag is not salutable, an image may not be hung across a street, mounted on a flagpole, or braped from the rafters.
The fool is looking to scratch the a$$ of a gnat where one does not exist, except in his gnat sized brain.
When I went to the Memorial Day parade in my area, I saluted every flag that was carried in procession, and not once did I salute an image of a flag that adorned a car.
I saluted for the National Anthem, and the playing of TAPS.
I also saluted the veterans on floats as they passed. A salute is a sign of RESPECT and honor towards those to whom it is rendered. While a vet of OEF, my country would not be what it is today (immediate current events notwithstanding) without these heroes of the generations that preceded me. When i have a few more gray hairs, i too sahll oneday be on one of those floats.
Gonna disagree there a little sir.
Submitted by The Vet on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:46pm.
The Flag code also refers to how flags or images of the flag can be displayed. For example on clothing, painted on the floor etc.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
§ 3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag
Any person who, within the District of Columbia, in any manner, for exhibition or display, shall place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, or any advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America; or shall expose or cause to be exposed to public view any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign upon which shall have been printed, painted, or otherwise placed, or to which shall be attached, appended, affixed, or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, or drawing, or any advertisement of any nature; or who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandise, upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign, to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court. The words 'flag, standard, colors, or ensign', as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.
http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#173
Well, Martin Bashir didn't do
Submitted by motherbelt on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:11pm.
Well, Martin Bashir didn't do enough research. <shocked face>
I know you're talking about the generalities of flag representation, but I think Bashir is way off here.
What's on the bus is no different from the red/white/blue bunting used at July 4th picnics and political rallies all over the country.
See my comment above for some links to examples.
by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.
I think the key words are "average person" and "without deliberation."
I don't think anyone looking at Palin's bus would think that's an actual flag representation. It looks more like a ribbon than a flag.
Even if there was a flag representation
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:17pm.
I would feel much better about Palin sporting it, then Bashire
I was just disagreeing on the flag code.
Submitted by The Vet on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 11:48pm.
Haven't addressed Mrs. Palin's representation yet.
The 2 excerpts I pulled from the flag code do not apply to Mrs. Palin as far as I can tell.
The first one applies to the flag or representation of a flag as Mr. Deskpilot mention.
The second is for souvenir trinkets that one would sell in D.C or receptacles for trinkets. Unless Mrs. Palin is selling stuff off the bus, it would not apply.
I know that. That's why I
Submitted by motherbelt on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 6:07am.
I know that. That's why I said:
I know you're talking about the generalities of flag representation......
Sorry mb.
Submitted by The Vet on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 8:16am.
I should have read a little closer.
NP.....I figured you missed
Submitted by motherbelt on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 8:42am.
NP.....I figured you missed it; Lord knows *I* read too fast sometimes. My point was that, even considering flag etiquette, Palin's not doing anything wrong, because she's not displaying a flag or anything that could be mistaken for a flag, no more than any of the buntings normally used.
Just below is a link to Obama's bus, which no one had any problem with.
This once again proves the bias and selective outrage of liberals in the media.
delete double
Submitted by motherbelt on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 6:23am.
delete double
a quick google searchfor
Submitted by Conservative in... on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:16pm.
a quick google searchfor "Obama campaign bus" gives a bus for Obama that is covered in stripes and stars for the 2012 registration campaign. wish I could post a pic, here is one quick link: http://www.collegetribune.ie/index.php/2011/01/usi-ucdsu-look-forward-to...Seriously..
Submitted by liberalsarefunny on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:32pm.
There is something wrong with this guy. Seriously.
Martin Bashir and the American Flag
Submitted by Gary Hall on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:37pm.
Hmm.
Curious as to how Martin Bashir would greet Obama's ole pal, Bill Ayers:
Bill Ayers expressing his knack of respect and etiquette standards for the American flag
(;~> gary
These bastards applaud when
Submitted by rbosque on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:40pm.
These bastards applaud when an American flag is burned, NOW they're upset about the flag?
He should be more upset with how the Democrats in Congress are using the Constitution as toilet paper and how Obama is abusing his power by ignoring the War Powers Act.
Even if Bashir
Submitted by HockeyKid on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:46pm.
had the first clue about his subject, this would be a non-story.
As it is, he's nothing but a loud-mouthed, petulant, childish, British Paki with an axe to grind.
Loser.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
The entire network of M.S.S.R. could be
Submitted by djwolf12 on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:48pm.
in breach of impersonating the Network of MSDNC, or MSLSD
Where did this Sh** for
Submitted by Zippy on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:46pm.
Where did this Sh** for Brains come from.....????????
Oh, another drive by Liberal. "Do as I say, not as I do"....
Wow!
Submitted by Bob K on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 7:50pm.
The level of desperation her critics are reaching is simply mind-boggling.
Go home
Submitted by tjmorrill on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 8:03pm.
Dear Mr. Bashir...take your lousy reporting skills and go back home. We don't need your pontificating smug views around here.
I couldn't stop laughing for five full minutes....
Submitted by wizardjr on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 8:13pm.
Oh gawd these people can't possibly be reviewing their program tapes. But then only the five people who aren't related to this assclown would be listening anyway. This was just effin hilarious. Thanks NB, I needed that.
Pure Agitprop
Submitted by stratman on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 8:32pm.
Or, Bashir's an ignoramus when it comes to 20th Century US flag use/abuse beginning in the 60's with the counter culture Left.
Throwing his poo against the wall to see if any sticks. Unfortunately, the stink continues to surround him.
Can't wait till they talk about her shoes like they did on Fred Thompson's first campaign appearance at a state fair. Never mind the crickets of Moochelle wearing $500 sneaker to dish a meal to the homeless.
ABC has officially entered the running for worst network news. Enjoy your fall, morons. We will.
This is their best argument?
Submitted by drsamherman on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:03pm.
First we have that whining from the NYT that Sarah Palin won't abide by *their* rules. Now we have the penultimate hack Martin Bashir scraping the bottom of the outhouse with accusations that Sarah Palin's bus might be abusing the flag? Will they next accuse her of witchcraft?
The NYT childish moaning was bad enough, but Martin Bashir just descends into a level of desperation usually reserved for uncontrolled bipolar patients.
Will they next accuse her of witchcraft?
Submitted by Free Stinker on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:37pm.
Will they next accuse her of witchcraft?
Too late. The Democrats already wasted that Card on Christine O'Donnell.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Witch oh here's one, get a look at the top comment,loll
Submitted by upcountrywater on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:49pm.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAy2xtD3K3Y&feature=related
You Didn't Build That.
Thanks UCW
Submitted by Free Stinker on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:54pm.
Thanks UCW. That made me laugh too.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Martin BashHer
Submitted by Chris Norman on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:20pm.
I wonder how BashHer feels about the burning of the American flag by radical Islamists and American liberal radicals? I doubt he has ever made a peep about them. No, BashHer reserves his stupid objections to one conservative woman politician, in the process making an even bigger fool out of himself.
Wait. He's A Liberal Complaining About Violation of Law?
Submitted by Tenebrous on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:34pm.
Seriously, does he think about what he says before he says it? Liberals don't care about laws. They love themselves some ACORN, some Secretary of State Projects, Obama's financing, Gore's fundraising, Clinton's perjuring, and on and on it goes. You want to talk about law, Martin? You want to talk about LAW? Bahahahah!
Visions and Principles blog
Next up, Bill Clinton & John
Submitted by Free Stinker on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 9:37pm.
Next up, Bill Clinton & John Edwards will lecture everyone about Martial Fidelity
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
What an Idiot!
Submitted by CobraMan on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:26pm.
This guy is such an idiot! There's no copyright for the Stars and Strips, and the statute he cites is only applicable to actual U.S. Flags and not images or reproductions of Stars and Strips pattern.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus. The US Supreme Court
Or Anwar al-Awlaki.
I swear
Submitted by MightyMouth on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:42pm.
msnbc could train chimps to give better content than the line up of morons they have now.
What kind of backlash would there be?
Submitted by Boil It Down on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 10:59pm.
What do you suppose would happen if MSNBC were successful in shutting down Palin's tour? Do you think they ever took that into consideration? Naw, all they know is bashing, truth be damned! BASHir is a pretty loathsome character. -bidn-
Wow
Submitted by ant on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 1:05am.
Fox News is being compared by libtards as the evil Mao regime and now British Muzzies are talking about respect for the American flag. They really will twist reality into a Bizarro pretzel in order to grasp for some semblance of power, won't they?
Stunningly stupid
Submitted by tombaker on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 1:08am.
This is a new low water market for MSNBC, and Mr. Breathless. To think they sat around the table to use this BS on the brains of their audience.
Sadly for the viewers, MSNBC believes they will buy this sewage. Sadly for the country some of them do.
Tombaker ditto on that. I
Submitted by MaximusBraveheart on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 1:48pm.
Tombaker ditto on that. I hope some wake up. I know a few have. Most don't care too and love bashing Palin on their FB. They don't have a clue what our Country is about. Only what they want to change it into. A sewer. Another UrinaLIST with Stephy & friends.
-- Maximusbraveheart -- Is TRUTH knowable? Moral Relativism is the abandonment of Truth. Truth is knowable. Truth conforms to Reality. Reality is observable by evidence & witness in this day & from history. Relativism is Sesame Street play land.
Really Martin really?
Submitted by Injest on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 1:14am.
MARTIN BASHIR:
"It's difficult to ask that question directly because Sarah Palin specializes in checkbook journalism.
That is, she only gives interviews to a network that pays her in excess of $1 million a year."
Don't cable channels have rules about stuff like that? I seem to remember some anchor making a demo at some other cable outlet and getting fired for it. Palin must be smarter than the anchors at MSNBC.
"So we're forced to make judgements from the outside and it all looks like the precursor to a presidential campaign."
Looks to me like a family on vacation. Is that a crime now?
"The vehicle itself reminds us of all those campaign buses that crisscross the nation at election time."
Sounds like a personal problem.
BTW who is responsible for the images that pop in yur head?
"The media are ever-present, catching her every handshake and every book signing."
And its her fault that the media are following her around? Interesting.
"And the journey itself – visiting locations of national importance along the East Coast and proclaiming once again as the most patriotic American that ever lived."
Really? "the most patriotic American that ever lived" Is that a real quote or the voices in yur head, again?
"And yet, even in her paid-for interview, she seems coy and almost confused about what she's doing. "This is not a campaign bus," she said on Fox News."
Whats coy and confused about "This is not a campaign bus"
"This is a bus to express to American how much we appreciate our foundation and to invite more people to be interested about all that is good about America."
It all sounds like a wonderful commitment to American values and American history, but it's nothing of the kind. In fact, the whole thing could be in breach of a federal law"
Oh my I sense a conspiracy coming on!
"because the United States Flag Code establishes important rules for the use and display of the stars and stripes, the flag of the United States. Under standards of respect and etiquette, it's made clear that the flag of the United States should never be used for any advertising purpose whatsoever.
Yet that's precisely what Sarah Palin is doing."
Really? How?
What is she selling? What is her itinerary? If no one knows where the next stop will be how can she be selling anything to anyone?
"She's using the flag of the United States for her own financial purposes. She drapes herself in the stars and stripes and makes millions of dollars in the process. This has got nothing to do with the presidency and everything to do with filling her pockets."
"And by raising her profile, she raises her income."
Ah news flash Buckey, if you don't cover it it doesn't raise her profile now does it?
"It is as simple as that. So she was right when she said that hers is not a campaign bus"
Yes! she is using the Palin mind control thing that works on small minds like the media that are following her around.
BTW are you aware of stalker laws? Just asking!
"It's a cash bus and she'll keep it rolling for as long as she can.
Thanks so much for watching."
Wow! Palin's not selling anything.
On the flip side however we have a Newsweek cover photo of Palin with the American flag, a copyrighted photo Newsweek illegally used to sell its rag.
In fact Newsweek altered the photo so that her "Blue Star Mother flag" was all but erased. I wonder why Newsweek did that?
I wonder why no one at MSNBC brought that up?
And then there that photo of Bill Ayers Photographed Stomping On American Flag to sell his anti-American story Sept. 12, 2001. Hummm, I wonder why no one at MSNBC brought that up?
“In fact, one thing that I have noticed...is that all of these conspiracy theories depend on the perpetrators being endlessly clever. I think you'll find the facts also work if you assume everyone is endlessly stupid.”
Brian Moore
obama logo
Submitted by sarainitaly on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 8:13am.
What does he think Obama's logo is?
That was used for advertising purposes, money making purposes. And what does he think Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger, and every other t-shirt company out there, that uses the flag, are doing - NOT making money?
http://tinyurl.com/3reg3ye
or this?
Submitted by texasborngranny on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 9:40am.
talk about dissing the flag: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=obama+campaign+flag&view=detail&id=C...
Breach of federal
Submitted by Beukeboom on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 9:48am.
Breach of federal law?!?
splut-BWAAAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!
Now I gotta get a new keyboard.
jealousy is
Submitted by ohio granny on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 10:20am.
jealously is a bitter pill for MSNBC to swallow. They sure do whine a lot too.
Desperation at MSNBC seems to
Submitted by Beukeboom on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:11am.
Desperation at MSNBC seems to be increasing steadily the closer we get to the 2012 election.
This is not just mindless attack on Sarah
Submitted by Ashrak on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 10:37am.
This is an attempt to get her to declare that she is indeed a candidate.
Sarah is driving the Establishment Media absolutely crazy because she is not bowing at its alter. She is drumming up crowds and gaining coverage, albeit in MSNBC (and others) negative, on her own, on her terms and when she chooses.
This Flag situation is a bottom of the barrel attempt to force her hand. All they are doing here is proving that Sarah isn't owned by media and they are not realizing how much the American people LIKE that!
Sarah, you go girl!
What an embarassment
Submitted by ghostsouls on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 10:50am.
This guy should be the next one to leave the MSM. This is just the beginning of the FEAR Sarah Palin tour from the media. If what Palin says is stupid, erroneous, illegal, immoral, lies, or anything else derogatory....they why do they go after her so hard? If she is irrelevant, why try to tear her down, one would think the more she speaks the more she will tear her own self down. It is the fact that they DO go after her with a vengeance, that makes them afraid of her. Especially now that their boy has lost his charm and appeal. Now that everyone has seen his outright lies. No one got the hope and change they were looking for.
It has begun, they are going to knit pick every thing this woman does and try to twist it any way they can to hurt her, ONLY because they fear her, if they did not fear her, she would be a non issue and would not even spend one minute talking about her. But the fact that they can't take their eyes off her, like a deer caught in the headlights, shows just how much they fear her.
If you want to talk disrespect for the US flag, Basher (spelled it wrong on purpose) go look at the shameful video of the now U.S. president who refuses to salute it. The same one who refused to wear the flag lapel pin.
Look at all those people in the name of art that want to urinate, defecate, show it with gun toting nuns......and that is okay with you for the sake of art... please, go find a new job, cuz you suck at reporting real news.
Help!
Submitted by packman on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:07am.
I've fallen on the floor laughing and I can't get up...
"...Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread..." ~Thomas Jefferson
One thing we won't have to worry about....
Submitted by almostacowboy on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:07am.
...is seeing the American Flag at events like "Restore Sanity" or "One Nation" or "The American Dream", unless of course their underneath a red one with either a gold star or hammer and sickle.
MSNBC
Submitted by jessieH on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 11:08am.
The American people wear their flag t shirts with pride. They show their patriotism in many ways. This is one of the ways. WE can, and sometimes do, paint our flag on barn roofs. Sometimes on our cars & trucks. MSNBC thinks it's a felony. They have no problem, showing other countries burning our flag, but take offense if WE show our pride. Treason comes in many forms. The lame stream media is but one of them.
Politician Buses
Submitted by TamiB on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 10:28pm.
I didn't learn of Bashir's idiotic comments until today and decided to do a bit of google searching to see just how much of a hypocrite he is and how poorly he researched his rant. Go to google images and see for yourself. Those who have an American flag on or as a large part of their campaign/political bus or plane decorations include:
John Edwards
Kerry and Edwards campaign bus
McCain's Straight Talk Express
Bush and Cheney first and second election
"The Won" Obama himself
Howard Dean jumped on the American flag bus bandwagon with his register to vote bus tour
C-Span's bus is an entire America flag, this pic was a bit hard to find but can be seen at http://www.uscoachways.com/images/election-wrap/c-span-campaign-bus-wrap-2.jpg
Bashir would undoubtedly smear the conservatives included in this list, but how does he explain Howard Dean, Edwards and even Obama using the flag on their campaign buses/planes? Oh that's right, Bashir lives in liberal-land.