Yesterday I noted how the Associated Press reported how it's "cool" to be American "again" overseas. Today the Seattle Post-Intelligencer found it's cool to be American again in its own backyard.
"Red, white and true blue: With newfound patriotism, Seattleites want to wave the flag," read the teaser headline on the Seattle P-I Web site.
The November 6 article by Andrea James and Kery Murakami found "poignant significance" for liberal Seattleites in the Obama victory who can proclaim that "[t]his is their America, too.":
Story Continues Below Ad ↓The feeling was evident in jubilant partying in the streets, in quiet moments of reflection and in blossoms of red, white and blue.
With newfound patriotism, Seattleites want to wave the flag, hang it from their homes and stick it on their cars.
"The thing that's kind of astounding to me is I never ever would have cared to own a flag," said Rosemary Garner, 42. "This is the first day in my life I actually feel this funny sense of pride about my country. It's a very foreign feeling, but it's a good one."
Garner, a self-described "flag virgin" who lives on Capitol Hill, bought eight flags Wednesday -- some to wave and others to stick on her car to "mix and match with some nice Obama and peace signs. Then I bought a couple of flags for some friends who wanted to hang them from their truck along with their biodiesel stickers."
[...]
At All the King's Flags in Ballard, people have been snatching up American flags.
"Just today I've had a noticeable rush on U.S. flags," said James Sawyer, assistant manager. "I had a lady come in and she said she's happy to be an American again, that's why she was buying a flag."
Of a dozen customers, one had supported McCain and worried about rising taxes, but everyone else was upbeat, manager Alex White said.
While flag waving is normal in some parts of the country, the Stars and Stripes haven't been so ubiquitous in Seattle.
"People around here don't fly flags like they do on the East Coast," said Seattle flag maker Carol Anderson, who hails from Rhode Island but has lived in Seattle for seven years.
The Star-Spangled Banner should transcend political party, said Anderson, who supported Obama.
"I don't care whether it's the Fourth of July or whatever. This country's at war. You'd think that you'd see a few American flags flying. Were they not flying the flag because they don't like George Bush? I mean, give me a break. It should represent more than who's in office. The flag itself to me has always represented an honor."
A New England upbringing has led Briggs Hause, a cashier at Magnolia Ace Hardware, to frequently fly the flag. But she disliked President Bush's leadership so much that she couldn't.
"I haven't the last eight years because I was very depressed with it," said Hause, who gave her age as "in my 60s." "It wasn't my America. I didn't put out one (a flag). Refused to. But now I will."
Photo credit: Paul Joseph Brown, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
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Comments Policy
These stupid morons make me
November 6, 2008 - 18:34 ET by HockeyKidThese stupid morons make me want to puke. They have not even the remotest idea what Old Glory represents. Their narcissistic view is that the flag represents the president and/or his party. On behalf of all my fellow veterans and everyone who understands the meaning of those stars and stripes, I say to these pinheads, "You're welcome for the country that allows you the freedom to live your ignorant life. Now try to pull your head out of your dark orifice and show a little respect."
And if 0bama is the only thing that makes you feel pride in your country, then go back to your damned Che Guevara flag. You don't understand its significance either, but at least you're not flying it for the wrong reason.
Oh, and go take a shower.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
wait a second...
November 6, 2008 - 18:54 ET by sawing battathese are the same clowns who were waiving the Soviet flag at the white house yesterday...make a choice Lefties - communism or capitalism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCMcv1VF4uQ
Amen!
November 6, 2008 - 18:56 ET by El__KabongThese stupid morons make me want to puke.
Same here, HKid. Ignorant fools they are. Drive-by flag wavers... what a joke.
My thoughts exactly, HC! It
November 6, 2008 - 19:00 ET by HypocriteHaterMy thoughts exactly, HC! It makes me feel sick and disgusted that I actually share the same country with these boobs. I'd tell them to shove their flags up their @sses, but I wouldn't want to disrespect the flag.
Good evening Kid
November 6, 2008 - 19:01 ET by cocodrieIf beauty is only skin deep, LETS SKIN 'EM.
I absolutely agree; they're
October 25, 2009 - 08:55 ET by Michael_BakerI absolutely agree; they're total idiots. But then again, this is America and there are all the different types of people who live here. Variety is the spice of life, isn't it? To release my pent-up energy, I'd rather buy steroids and pump some metal.
Screencap:Two Flags
November 6, 2008 - 18:32 ET by the strugglerThis woman better hope she doesn't run into William Ayers or Code Pink.
"Flag virgins"...Isn't it interesting that these leftists...
November 6, 2008 - 18:39 ET by PrairieSky"discover" their patriotism only AFTER their candidate wins? These yutzes remind me of Michelle Obama who apparently was unable to find any reason to be proud of her country, until her husband ran for president. What a pathetic joke they all are.
Republicans and conservatives find reasons to feel love and patriotism for our country every day...Not just when we get our way and our candidates win an election.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
"The thing that's kind of
November 6, 2008 - 18:47 ET by RESTLESS 1"The thing that's kind of astounding to me is I never ever would have cared to own a flag," said Rosemary Garner, 42. "This is the first day in my life I actually feel this funny sense of pride about my country. It's a very foreign feeling, but it's a good one."
Typical. That about says it all folks. What a bunch of f**king douche bags.
"This liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
fair weather flag bearers
November 6, 2008 - 19:06 ET by katainkenthow sweet.
Ignoramuses
November 6, 2008 - 19:34 ET by iveseenitallUnfortunately, most people, particularly the young, in this nation have no idea of what it is to be patriotic. They have no concept of what love of country means. The welfare state and the public schools are just two reasons for this, among many others. Of course, it will only get worse because of the results of this election. A woman in her 40's who just found her pride in America will now be living in the White House with a ......... Sad.
P.S. Barry now has our nuclear secrets---pray.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Fair Weather Patriots
November 6, 2008 - 19:13 ET by JeffWeimerDon't count on them, they only love the country when they think it agrees with them.
I'm surprised they haven't
November 6, 2008 - 19:18 ET by Chris NormanI'm surprised they haven't suggested replacing the stars with Obama's face. This facetious satirical prediction will become reality in 5-4-3-
Chris
November 6, 2008 - 20:02 ET by iveseenitallRush Limbaugh touched on this very idea today. He showed how the MSM are just now discussing the creepy nature of this man and his "image". He noted that the MSM are now talking about how he stood alone at his acceptance speech and how he often is seen standing alone looking off in the distance, head held high. The media are now admitting that they really don't know much about Obama. But I guess we know enough to give him CIA briefings and nuclear secrets. Yes, it is scary. One wonders who he thinks he is. Rush said that there have been others like Barry in the past. History repeats itself.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
isia,
November 6, 2008 - 20:24 ET by Chris NormanBut the questioning of what they have wrought won't last too long. The giddiness brought by the inauguration (coronation?) will close off that line of inquiry. I don't detest the Democrats or even Obama as much as I detest the media for not only allowing Obama to roll in without any investigation, but actively running interference for him. They turned themselves into partisan weapons and by doing so have done more damage to our society than even Obama will. Their actions and surrendering of their sacred responsibilities will allow Obama to do any of his damage.
How cute
November 6, 2008 - 21:49 ET by jcheneyWell, this a bit hypocritical since a Seattle newspaper published pictures and addresses of houses who had McCain signs in their yard. Heck, I was afraid to have a McCain bumper sticker on my car for fear of vandalism. It was tense here in Washington state, so that article seems a bit insincere to those of us who live here. In fact, while having coffee today with a friend, we had to watch our backs when talking about the election for fear of being negatively confronted.
Here in Washington state there is no unity or tolerance...that is, unless you support Obama.
jcheney... What you
November 6, 2008 - 21:56 ET by Clear thinkerjcheney...
What you describe is scary.
I guess people really do want to be stupidly led around their whole lives.
Dear Sarah
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Another Washingtonian here
November 6, 2008 - 22:57 ET by MichelleCThis is precisely why I rarely go into Seattle. This kind of thinking (if it can be called that) is truly frightening. I am ashamed that these people live in my state and call themselves Americans.
I live about 60 miles south of Seattle and I can tell you that there are dozens of American flags flying in my neighborhood. I proudly fly it at my home and have stickers on my car and truck. I also proudly put a McCain/Palin sign in my yard and a sticker on my vehicles. I never had a problem though my area isn't as crazy liberal as Seattle. I did make sure my insurance covered vandalism though!
I'm always proud of my country and feel sorrow for these people who have no idea what it means to be an American.
Republicans believe every day is the 4th of July. Democrats believe every day is April 15th ~ Ronald Reagan
Seattle Scuzzbucket
November 7, 2008 - 01:53 ET by L.N. SmitheeWell, this a bit hypocritical since a Seattle newspaper published pictures and addresses of houses who had McCain signs in their yard.
That was the work of Dan Savage, a Gay-stapo writer and sex advice columnist. In 2000, Savage claimed that he deliberately gave GOP POTUS candidate Rev. Gary Bauer the flu by licking the doorknobs of his Iowa Caucus campaign office.
"Well, I've got nothing against the press...they wouldn't print it if it wasn't true..." -- Joe Jackson, "Sunday Papers"
Rosemary is 42 years
November 6, 2008 - 22:22 ET by JerryRosemary is 42 years old.
She has seen man walk on the moon.
She has seen America celebrate her bicentenial birthday.
She has seen America liberate Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq, seeking nothing in return.
She has seen America be the first and sometimes only nation to rush to the aid of a country in need, time and time again, with monetary aid, medical, aid, meal aid, and military aid, seeking nothing in return.
She has witnessed in amazement, the launching and landing of the space shuttle.
She has witnessed desperate immigrants risk their very lives to reach the shores of our great nation, just for the opportunity to share in the dream America represents.
She has read of our founding fathers and the writing of the Constitution that governs this great land.
She has read of the millions of brave American soldiers who have given their lives to advance the causes of freedom and liberty.
She has witnessed the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall, neither of which would have been possible without the diligence of the United States.
She has seen the Statue of Liberty, as it beckons across the ocean to the repressed and impoverished people of the world.
She has read of how this country endured a great Civil War so that all men would be treated equally.
She has read of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
She has heard true Americans singing with pride and honor...
O beautiful, for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
And yet, now is the first time she has felt a twinge of patriotism. A patriotism so shallow and vain, it can be won over by the hollow words of socialist politician. A patriotism not founded in a pride of country, but a pride of political ideology.
All hail the new age of "patriotism". All hail Obama. And bye, bye, Miss American Pie.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Perfect.
November 7, 2008 - 01:15 ET by JWFStunningly perfect Jerry.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Obama once refused to wear flag lapel pin - Video
November 7, 2008 - 01:45 ET by L.N. SmitheeExcellent Summation, Jerry.
And don't forget; it was just over a year ago that Obama let it be known that he would not wear a flag lapel pin. He started wearing one when he started to lose elections to Hillary.
"Well, I've got nothing against the press...they wouldn't print it if it wasn't true..." -- Joe Jackson, "Sunday Papers"
A true American flies the
November 6, 2008 - 22:40 ET by rbosqueA true American flies the flag at any good opportunity, not just when Marxists get into power.
"...I never ever would have cared to own a flag"
November 6, 2008 - 22:40 ET by Scout Finch"This is the first day in my life I actually feel this funny sense of
pride about my country. It's a very foreign feeling, but it's a good
one."
What self-serving conceit.
I have to comment
November 7, 2008 - 11:24 ET by badcleatsI have to comment about this article, can't pass it up. The Seattle P I! The epitome of Left Wing in America! For years! When the Seattle P I starts to write About anything conventionally Patriotic....comparte it with the Cubs talking about the World Series. It just don't fly! The area has blamed Bush for everything bad in the world for 8 years, voted everyone of their socialist loosers back into office again, and the P I endorsed all of em. The story is a whole lot longer, this is enough.
the american flag belongs to
November 7, 2008 - 13:22 ET by patmac49the american flag belongs to ALL citizens......not jut the ignorant ones
I have already put my flag
November 7, 2008 - 13:27 ET by ArchConservativeI have already put my flag upside down. Deal with that liberals. Well on second thought, you don't fly the flag anyways in time of war so why should you care how I fly mine. Not only that, your Vice President said that by paying my taxes I'm patriotic so since I will continue to do so, that should be the only bar you can hold me to.
He's your choice. You will have to live with that decision.
You support the troops by supporting the mission! If you don't support the mission, have the guts to say you don't support the troops.
Obama: Not my President. Ever.