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Obama Che Guevara Flag ‘Scandal’

The blogosphere is roiled up over the flag issue again. No, not that flag. This one:

Obama Office Che Guevara Flag

That’s the Cuban flag with the image of Ernesto Che Guevara superimposed on it. It’s tacked onto the wall of an office in Barack Obama’s Houston campaign headquarters. An office belonging, apparently, to a low level staffer who’s in charge of setting up the office.

I’m immediately reminded of a line from Charlie Daniels’ breakout hit, Uneasy Rider: “I betchya he’s even got a commie flag tacked up on the wall inside of his garage.” The classic response: “I ain’t even got a garage, you can call home and ask my wife!”

But I digress.

Here are the headlines of some select reactions to the Obama flag flap:

  • Matt Bramanti: “Obama office adores psychotic Marxist thug”
  • Ed Driscoll: “Sixties Radical Chic, Frozen In Amber”

Morrissey is simultaneously fair and not:

Does Obama know his Houston supporters honor a terrorist in his campaign office? I’m sure he doesn’t. However, it would behoove him to ensure that the flag gets taken down and that he renounces any affinity for Che and the Fidel Castro regime.

He’s right that Che is a terrorist who shouldn’t be honored by decent people. Che worship (or, alternatively, the wearing of Che t-shirts as a statement without the slightest clue of who he was) seems to be a phase that certain left-leaning activists go through in their youth; it generally passes. Driscoll’s characterization of it as “juvenilia” is spot on.

But, surely, Obama doesn’t need to publicly weigh in on the decorating choices of every low level staffer? Let alone “renounce” affinities which he’s never shown?

Johnson’s insinuation is simply beyond the pale: “Barack Obama won’t wear an American flag on his lapel, but on the wall of his Houston campaign office: a Cuban flag with a picture of Communist mass murderer Che Guevara.” As I noted when the ridiculous flap over Obama’s calling flag pins “a substitute for true patriotism” emerged,

I don’t mind people wearing pins or putting stickers on their cars as a show of support for their country or their cause. I am, however, irritated by the notion that so doing makes them somehow superior to those who don’t.

The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating.

CORRECTION: The original contained the sentence “John Cole’s suggestion that the flag is merely a statement on our Cuba policy strikes me as giving credit where it decidedly isn’t due.” Cole responds in the comments below that the discussion of Cuba policy was merely an aside rather than an attempt to analyze the motivations of the office worker. My apologies for the inference.

UPDATE: Johnson responds here arguing that I’m attributing something to him that he doesn’t believe. It seems to me, though, that the implication of juxtaposing Obama’s refusal to wear an American flag pin with supporters displaying a Che flag is plain enough.

The “loyalty oath” goes to the whole notion — implied by Johnson and others quoted above — that Obama is under some obligation to declare that he’s anti-Communist and pro-American. Neither of those should be in doubt.

As to my “rushing to do damage control for Barack Obama,” regular readers can decide for themselves on that one. New readers can feel free to check through my Barack Obama archives.

UPDATE: Ace disagrees with me but has a reasonable take. I’m sympathetic to the “Lie down with dogs and you get fleas” sentiment. But the nature of Big Tent politics is that both sides are going to attract some yahoos. Ronald Reagan was endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan, after all. I don’t think it serves anyone’s interest to play the “whose crazies are crazier” game. Ultimately, it’s just guilt by association.

Yes, I’m “interested in rejecting what seems to be easy pandering and hackery.” But not simply out of high-mindedness, drug induced or otherwise. Frankly, there are plenty of good reasons for conservatives to oppose electing Obama president. Making mountains of aspiring molehills weakens our case rather than strengthening it.

About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia.

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Comments
 

This is an honorable response. I'm a big Obama fan and I don't envy the position that a stupid supporter has put him in; this image is going to be in emails and blog posts attacking him from here until January of 2017.

Posted by SDM | February 12, 2008 | 09:30 am | Permalink
 

I read somewhere that more than one office has this flag. Let's be fair here. Obama is allowed to have friends of Castro as his friends. I believe he also supports Chavez's efforts to be social in South America.

Posted by davod | February 12, 2008 | 09:37 am | Permalink
 

PS:

SDM: A little revealing that you are upset about Obama's followers choice of decoration. You and he should be strenously arguing for their right to display what they want.

Posted by davod | February 12, 2008 | 09:40 am | Permalink
 

If you watched the actual fox news clip, you would learn that these are volunteers and this is not an official campaign office.

Posted by jb | February 12, 2008 | 09:49 am | Permalink
 

John Cole’s suggestion that the flag is merely a statement on our Cuba policy strikes me as giving credit where it decidedly isn’t due. Che worship (or, alternatively, the wearing of Che t-shirts as a statement without the slightest clue of who he was) seems to be a phase that certain left-leaning activists go through in their youth; it generally passes. Driscoll’s characterization of it as “juvenilia” is spot on.

I never suggested any such thing. All I said was this was much ado about nothing, evidence that the GOP party flacks are starting to worry about Obama, and then, as an aside, I wrote:

"BTW- Is there anyone except the troglodyte right who thinks our Cuba policy has been a success and doesn’t need to be thought through?"

BTW means by the way, and my aside was little more than a random thought, and NOWHERE in my post did I assert, imply, or anything else that the reason these folks had the silly flag up was to make a 'statement' on our Cuba policy.

Don't believe Ed's spin.

Posted by John Cole | February 12, 2008 | 09:50 am | Permalink
 
Posted by jb | February 12, 2008 | 09:54 am | Permalink
 

This is not an official Obama campaign office with staffers. These are volunteers and with all volunteers (i.e. take a look at the signs carried by the some of the dignified Freepers at GOP events), you get some wackos. As I understand it, the Obama campaign has disavowed any connection and asked the volunteer to take it down.

Am I right in thinking this is very similar to holding a Blogger responsible for every opinion in the comment section?

The campaign's responsibility, like a Blogger, extends only to their willingness to keep up reprehensible postings after their attention is brought to them. The Obama campaign took it down.

Posted by Other Ed | February 12, 2008 | 09:56 am | Permalink
 

Yup, my mistake, needed to look a little closer, thought it was a Conquest of the planet of the Apes poster, lol, it really is a terrorist on a flag.

Posted by G.A.Phillips | February 12, 2008 | 10:06 am | Permalink
 

Yet another daily tempest in a teapot. And if the Right Blogosphere want to build an argument out of this they should at least build a decent argument (I think there are a couple to be made). But this dog won't hunt.

Posted by Dave Schuler | February 12, 2008 | 10:09 am | Permalink
 

Thanks, James.

Posted by John Cole | February 12, 2008 | 10:38 am | Permalink
 

Morrissey is being fair all the way around. Now that it has become an issue the official campaign should simply ask for the flag to be taken down as it reflects on the candidate. Should the campaign be held responsible that it was there in the first place? No. But it now becomes responsible for it staying there if it does not come down.

To me it's not so much a symbol of subversion or lack of loyalty as it is a symbol of immaturity and naivety. Those labels are something the campaign should avoid.

Posted by Steve Plunk | February 12, 2008 | 10:48 am | Permalink
 

You liberals are all missing the point here: it is volunteers for Barack Hussein Obama who have a communist mindset that have displayed the flag. Sure, it is not Barack Hussein Obama himself, but should it be any surprise that his supporters display a Cuban flag and worship a murderous terrorist? No!

And John Cole: our US policy toward Cuba has indeed been a rousing success! It shows that a communist nation has a very hard time being successful w/o America help, and how its citizens will do nearly anything to escape. Also, they live in a 1950's time capsule with its population virtually prisoners. Hmmm...yet it is democrats who want to emulate their system. Interesting...

Posted by Christopher | February 12, 2008 | 11:04 am | Permalink
 

I believe he also supports Chavez's efforts to be social in South America.

This might be irritating if one could figure out what it is supposed to mean.

On what basis do you believe he supports Chavez in his efforts to be social, whatever that is?

Posted by Pug | February 12, 2008 | 11:04 am | Permalink
 

I supposed if it were a Confederate flag it would have been okay.

Posted by DC Loser | February 12, 2008 | 11:04 am | Permalink
 

Personally I find this more revealing about the type of person drawn into the Obama cult than about Obama's policy positions on Cuba.

But still, Obama has given many signals to his supporters that his foreign policy will be more of the kumbaya type than of the confrontational type. That is all well and good when aimed at our friends. But dangerous to an extreme the way Obama will use it with our enemies as well. It is almost like he is oblivious to the fact that people like Che Guevara still actually exist in this world. And contra to what Obama thinks his warm hugs all around policy will not keep us safe.

I used to be very favorably inclined toward Obama. During this campaign however I grew to dislike him intensely.

Posted by ken | February 12, 2008 | 11:54 am | Permalink
 

What did Che Guevara do to classify his as a terrorist? I'm unaware of him engaging in any acts of violence that were aimed at terrorizing a population. Instead, it seems that he engaged in pretty conventional warfare and insurrection.

What he did in terms of tactics isn't really any different from any insurrectionists have done, including George Washington and all of those who fought under him...

Now that doesn't mean that the politics and policies of Che and Washington are interchangeable.

Posted by Scott Swank | February 12, 2008 | 11:55 am | Permalink
 

What was the name of that book that Goldberg fellow wrote? "Liberal....." ummmm "Liberal Compassion"? Nooooo. Um...."Liberal Liberal Liberal..."

Darn.

Ok google, here I come.

HAH!

Found it!

"Liberal Fascism"!

Posted by N. O\'Brain | February 12, 2008 | 12:12 pm | Permalink
 

Someone thinks of Obama as Che-like out there. Check the mug. I don't think Obama is responsible, but as usual, some on the left cheer on those who actually deserve condemnation.

Guevara was responsible for executions without trial, political imprisonments, and the like. Its worth looking into if you are not sure what acts he may have committed.

Posted by wade | February 12, 2008 | 12:18 pm | Permalink
 

This flag by a volunteer, shows the mindset of the followers of this candidate. Isolated incident? We shall see as it is harder in this internets age to keep these incidents from the public view.
Your concern is that it got exposed so you attack the messenger and defend the message (Che Guevera as a heroic figure). Sad.

Posted by Kat | February 12, 2008 | 12:19 pm | Permalink
 

Scott,

Among the many horrible unspeakable things Che did: he sentenced to death young teenage boys whose fathers had been against communism. He would allow their mothers to beg for their son's lives, but overwhelmingly would reject their pleadings and order their sons to be hanged. He was given this power by Castro.

Good guy for you liberals to worship.

Posted by Christopher | February 12, 2008 | 12:22 pm | Permalink
 

Well,

I don't want to upset Obama, but he is going to HAVE TO TAKE A LOYALTY OATH if he is sworn in as president.

Or is he going to balk at that?

Posted by Walter L. Newton | February 12, 2008 | 12:23 pm | Permalink
 

I've said it before and doubtless there will be cause to say it again- the right's utter terror of communism is pretty dang amusing.

What was the name of that book that Goldberg fellow wrote?

Another homeschool wonder who doesn't understand the difference between fascism and communism. Much like Goldberg himself.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 12:24 pm | Permalink
 

I'm not saying that Che Guevara was a nice guy. For the record, Hitler wasn't a terrorist, neither was Stalin. Now the IRA, the Basque nationalist movement, the Kurds in Turkey and Fatah have clearly engaged in terrorism. Terrorism is a tactic, not a moral state.

Posted by Scott Swank | February 12, 2008 | 12:30 pm | Permalink
 

Among the many horrible unspeakable things Che did: he sentenced to death young teenage boys whose fathers had been against communism. He would allow their mothers to beg for their son's lives, but overwhelmingly would reject their pleadings and order their sons to be hanged.

Yeah, and Iraqi troops threw Kuwati infants out of incubators and stepped on them. Remember, when lying, less is more.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 12:30 pm | Permalink
 

Hi James.

The Leading Lizard is now saying you're carrying out "damage control for Barack Obama":

If I’m “insinuating” anything, it’s this: when you actively pander to and encourage the radical leftist elements of your party, as the Democrats have been determinedly doing for the past eight years, you’re going to end up with embarrassing scenes like this.

And attacking the messenger who points it out is standard political damage control.

The leading lizard seems to think you're a Dem, simply for disagreeing with him.

Have you considered it? I'm sure they'd be delighted to have you and John Cole can attest that you won't go blind or impotent.

I'm sorry Johnston's being such an ass - but when you actively pander to and encourage the radical rightist elements of your party (e.g. LGF), as the Republicans have been determinedly doing for the past twenty years, you’re going to end up with embarrassing scenes like this.

Regards, C

Posted by Cernig | February 12, 2008 | 12:31 pm | Permalink
 

"The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating."

er um.... and just what is the oath of the office of the President?

Posted by Becca | February 12, 2008 | 12:32 pm | Permalink
 

"The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating."

The President's Oath of Office is a loyalty oath!

Also one for congress:
There's also one for Congress:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."

Posted by kholloway6 | February 12, 2008 | 12:34 pm | Permalink
 

The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating.

I followed the Links to Charles Johnson's site, and I can't find anything remotely resembling what you have asserted in the quote above re "loyalty oaths."

Posted by Terry | February 12, 2008 | 12:36 pm | Permalink
 

If a Confederate Flag were spotted on the wall of a Republican Presidential candidate, the s*** would hit the fan. It would be all over CBS, NBC, etc. It's a fair point: A person who celebrates Che is supporting Obama.

Posted by mg | February 12, 2008 | 12:52 pm | Permalink
 

The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating.

Whose suggestion was that, and exactly when? Have you a link to support your accusations? The lust for loyalty oaths appears to exist only in your mind. Do you find your own suggestions irritating?

Posted by Clemente | February 12, 2008 | 12:54 pm | Permalink
 

It seems to me, though, that the implication of juxtaposing Obama’s refusal to wear an American flag pin with supporters displaying a Che flag is plain enough.

Sorry, James, I'm with Charles on this one. Equating such a juxtaposition with loyalty oaths is a stretch too far. Especially in the face of Charles' clear declaration that he was making no such implication.

Posted by Billy Hollis | February 12, 2008 | 12:56 pm | Permalink
 

No matter what Obama's own thoughts and positions, this makes him look bad just as the white supremacists' support of Ron Paul made him look bad.

I have a seriously hard time supporting any candidate who counts among his supporters fans of Che Guevara.

Posted by Eric | February 12, 2008 | 12:58 pm | Permalink
 

The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating.

[From "The Naked Communist," by Cleon Skousen]

CURRENT COMMUNIST GOALS

Goal #13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

Posted by kholloway6 | February 12, 2008 | 12:59 pm | Permalink
 

'The “loyalty oath” goes to the whole notion — implied by Johnson and others quoted above — that Obama is under some obligation to declare that he’s anti-Communist and pro-American. Neither of those should be in doubt."

No, it should NOT be in doubt, especially for a serious contender for the presidency....yet I wonder given the company he keeps.

Posted by Becca | February 12, 2008 | 01:00 pm | Permalink
 

A reasonable rule of argument:

Please address the issues people you disagree with put forth. Don't invent stuff they probably believe too.

Posted by billhedrick | February 12, 2008 | 01:06 pm | Permalink
 

our US policy toward Cuba has indeed been a rousing success! It shows that a communist nation has a very hard time being successful w/o America help, and how its citizens will do nearly anything to escape. Also, they live in a 1950's time capsule with its population virtually prisoners.

You can only call that a success if this were the goal. The goal of our policy is to replace the communist government with a democratic one, not make the residents of Cuba prisoners. In that respect our policy has been a miserable failure.

Posted by Michael | February 12, 2008 | 01:06 pm | Permalink
 

I'm gay and find these Che flags VERY offensive. Since its inception, the Communist regime's treatment of homosexuals has been notorious. Gays (along with other dissenters which the Communists saw as undesirable)were sent to Che's forced labor camps where they were tortured and/or murdered. I really would like to hear more about the "Change" that Obama and his supporters are planning to bring to this country if he's in the White House.

Posted by Kevin | February 12, 2008 | 01:13 pm | Permalink
 

Dismiss this if you choose to, but it does show that some of Obama's supporters are in fact radical leftist kooks. I don't expect him to answer for this, because he can't possibly know what flag is hanging on every staffers wall, BUT, when you spend eight years pandering to this element, things like this are going to happen. You sleep with skanks, there's a good chance you get an STD, ya know???? If nothing else, I have yet another reason to NOT vote for BO for president if he were to get the nomination.

Posted by MM | February 12, 2008 | 01:14 pm | Permalink
 

The President's Oath of Office is a loyalty oath!

no, it isn't. Here's the oath:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

it is an oath of duty, not loyalty.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 01:17 pm | Permalink
 

it is an oath of duty, not loyalty.

Now who's splitting hairs?

Posted by The Dread Pirate Gryphon | February 12, 2008 | 01:19 pm | Permalink
 

Some interesting comments, and some that raise questions. I wonder if some here think about the implications of what they are saying.

While it might be fair to say that a supporter placing a Cuban flag in a campaign office is not expressing official opinion of the campaign, one could expect that any voter would like to hear an explanation of why the campaign allows it. Of course that could include any response, such as having Cuban Communist supporters or whatever, but still any American voter could reasonably expect an official response from the campaign. I would expect a similar explanation from anyone hanging the Confederate flag on the wall.

Since the original allegation is that Johnson says that Obama needs to swear a loyalty oath, I would like to see you cite where you got that from, since I can't find it. Otherwise, apologize.

Also, I do not fear Communism. I hate it. It has been the cause of untold suffering in our lifetimes. It is impossible to hold to the philosophical underpinnings of Communism and be faithful to American values concerning the freedom of the individual. So if you are a Communist, you are not an American. Period.

Posted by Harry | February 12, 2008 | 01:21 pm | Permalink
 

Now who's splitting hairs?

Words have meaning. Duty and loyalty are not even remotely the same thing.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 01:23 pm | Permalink
 

If it were a Nazi flag or a KKK banner, none of the "enlightened" discussion (above) would take place. Nor would Obama hesitate for a nanosecond to disavow it and order it to be taken down.

Che is just another immature way to give the finger to the establishment for too many on the left. Those who find reason to explain this away are only serving the Kook-Aid.

Integrity is made of sterner stuff.

Posted by David | February 12, 2008 | 01:25 pm | Permalink
 

Also, I do not fear Communism. I hate it. It has been the cause of untold suffering in our lifetimes.

You say that as if capitalism hasn't...

I don't find either philosphy very attractive, but listening to Hitler call Stalin "evil" cracks me up.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 01:26 pm | Permalink
 

Tlaloc,

You are inventing stuff. Where in my post do you see anything anywhere remotely connected to capitalism?

Fact. More people have died as a result of Chinese Communism, Cuban Communism, and Stalinism that any other single factor. The common linking characteristic is Communism.

Posted by Harry | February 12, 2008 | 01:30 pm | Permalink
 

Fact. More people have died as a result of Chinese Communism, Cuban Communism, and Stalinism that any other single factor. The common linking characteristic is Communism.

Any other factor? I'm guessing you don't have a link to that statistic.

Posted by Michael | February 12, 2008 | 01:37 pm | Permalink
 

Sorry James. You have had a contrary thought and it looks like you have not met the criteria of the conservative idealogical police. You are no longer allowed to call yourself a conservative and must now be disowned.

Thank you for playing.

Posted by Other Ed | February 12, 2008 | 01:38 pm | Permalink
 

So if you are a Communist, you are not an American.

Fortunately for us Americans, our citizenship is not dependent on our philosophical opinions.

Posted by Michael | February 12, 2008 | 01:40 pm | Permalink
 

"You can only call that a success if this were the goal. The goal of our policy is to replace the communist government with a democratic one, not make the residents of Cuba prisoners. In that respect our policy has been a miserable failure."

Sorry mate. Cuba has the rest of the world to trade with. That they cannot improve the standard of living of their people is a testament to Cuban governance, not US policy.

Posted by davod | February 12, 2008 | 01:42 pm | Permalink
 

You are no longer allowed to call yourself a conservative and must now be disowned.

James has been ex-conservated?

* I'm trademarking that word, every time a conservative blow-hard says some other conservative is no longer a conservative, they have to pay me a royalty.

Posted by Michael | February 12, 2008 | 01:42 pm | Permalink
 

Sorry mate. Cuba has the rest of the world to trade with. That they cannot improve the standard of living of their people is a testament to Cuban governance, not US policy.

Ok, first of all, that wasn't my point. My point was that Cuba as it is now was not the goal of our policy.

Secondly, being that the US is still the world's largest economy, and the biggest consumer of global products, not being able to trade with us would hurt any country, regardless of it's form of government.

Posted by Michael | February 12, 2008 | 01:46 pm | Permalink
 

Sorry mate. Cuba has the rest of the world to trade with. That they cannot improve the standard of living of their people is a testament to Cuban governance, not US policy.

Actually, by US law, any ship that docks in Cuba may not dock in the US. So the rest of the world has to choose between trading with the US or trading with Cuba.

Posted by Scott Swank | February 12, 2008 | 01:47 pm | Permalink
 

it is probably pretty unfair to whack BO with the Che bit, to be sure. campaigns are free-wheeling, nuts affairs full of people you wouldnt ordinarily necessarily sit next to at McDonalds off the interstate.

that said, Im amused at some of the reactions here. broadcasting the images was hackish certainly, but also neatly hit one of the evergreen Democratic sorespots, which is their utter inability to throw their marginal hands overboard. consider that a roomful of workers for a very viable candidate for PoTUS worked around, and passed by, an image glorifying a communist revolutionary murderer. and no one said, "hey, maybe that belongs on your dorm wall, you know, theres the whole optics bit, and the 50 million who died following the ideology. Just sayin is all...."
nope, no one harshed the mellow.

Cant grasp that? think of your honest reactions if a Mccain office had a confederate flag prominetly displayed--and no one said a peep.

cheap shots over moral ineptitude make for silly distractions during campaigns.

Posted by mcgruder | February 12, 2008 | 01:47 pm | Permalink
 

Sorry James,

I agree with Billy Hollis, Charles has established his integrity. Your PC head tilt has once again given us pause.

Posted by Gary Gulrud | February 12, 2008 | 01:52 pm | Permalink
 

If a Confederate Flag were spotted on the wall of a Republican Presidential candidate, the s*** would hit the fan. It would be all over CBS, NBC, etc. It's a fair point: A person who celebrates Che is supporting Obama.

Like, for example, a sitting Vice President visiting a hunting lodge with a Confederate flag flying? I know where I stood on that issue- it was a stupid non-issue.

All the concern troll BS from Ed and others a la "Does Obama know his volunteers are flying a Che flag" is just the latest round of stupid from this crew of buffoons.

Posted by John Cole | February 12, 2008 | 01:53 pm | Permalink
 

Scott Swank says, "What did Che Guevara do to classify his as a terrorist? I'm unaware of him engaging in any acts of violence that were aimed at terrorizing a population. Instead, it seems that he engaged in pretty conventional warfare and insurrection"

Well, let's see: Argentinian born, Cuban guerilla and fomenter of revolutions in Congo and Bolivia. Neither of which he was invited into. Hardly "conventional" warfare.

His additional duties under "conventional" warfare included extra-judicial executions and warden of an infamous prison in Cuba, with him being quoted as saying he didn't need legal documents to execute anybody he felt deserved execution.

Some Obama supporters probably feel the same way.

Posted by John425 | February 12, 2008 | 01:54 pm | Permalink
 

If a low-level staffer for John McCain suspended photos of a right-wing terrorist superimposed over said terrorists national flag, I suspect you'd all be singing a different tune. I further suspect that that story would make headlines in the mainstream media. Of course, no conservative would ever disrespect the country or the candidate by executing such an immature act.

Posted by Glenn | February 12, 2008 | 01:56 pm | Permalink
 

The President's Oath of Office is a loyalty oath!

no, it isn't. Here's the oath:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

it is an oath of duty, not loyalty.

Replace "Constitution of the United States" with "King of France" and what do you have?

Posted by Cluebat | February 12, 2008 | 01:56 pm | Permalink
 

Scot:

"Actually, by US law, any ship that docks in Cuba may not dock in the US. So the rest of the world has to choose between trading with the US or trading with Cuba."

Surely, the rest of the world can spare ships to go to Cuba and others to go to the USA.

Posted by davod | February 12, 2008 | 01:58 pm | Permalink
 

TO: James Joyner
RE: A Proposed Bumper Sticker

Obama/Guevera '08
CHEnge we can believe in!

I LIKE it.....

These images, along with his unwillingness to (1) sport a bit of metal on his lapel and (2) 'salute' during the Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem/whatever, are going to make what the SwiftVets did the Kerry look like a love-fest.

Regards,

Chuck(le)

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:02 pm | Permalink
 

TO: davod
RE: Not Much....

"Surely, the rest of the world can spare ships to go to Cuba and others to go to the USA." -- davod

...of a student of logistics, are you.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[Amateurs study tactics. Professionals study logistics.]

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:05 pm | Permalink
 

TO: John425
RE: All That....

"Well, let's see: Argentinian born, Cuban guerilla and fomenter of revolutions in Congo and Bolivia. Neither of which he was invited into. Hardly "conventional" warfare." -- John425

....and, apparently, something of a racist too.

According to some reports I've picked up over the last year or so, Che didn't think much of other people who had darker skin than his.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[Where there is no religion, hypocrisy becomes good taste. -- George Bernard Shaw]

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:09 pm | Permalink
 

Hmm.

Methinks that had this been a Confederate flag in a district office for Mike Huckabee or Fred Thompson, your position would be the polar opposite, no? Instead of supporting the right to speak their mind you'd be condemning it, right?

No wonder poles exist in politics.

Posted by John | February 12, 2008 | 02:10 pm | Permalink
 

You are inventing stuff. Where in my post do you see anything anywhere remotely connected to capitalism?

I said it is funny how the right fears communism. You responded that you didn't fear it- which implies you consider yourself on the right. The right has a huge hard on for free market capitalism. A->B->C

Fact. More people have died as a result of Chinese Communism, Cuban Communism, and Stalinism that any other single factor. The common linking characteristic is Communism.

Really?
Mao's "cultural revolution" killed up to 1.5 million. His original revolution maybe 2-5 million. Stalin (not actually a communist but whatever) killed less than a million with the "Great Purge." I know you guys like to blame CHina's famine on Mao but that's pretty disengenous, not to mention the figures for how many died get ridiculously inflated.

By way of comparison-
AIDS has killed 25 million and infects another 33 million
Spanish Flu killed 25 million
Black Death killed 20-30 million

But if you want to restrict yourself to philosophical causes- estimates of the Native American loses in just North America at the hands of european colonizers range up to 100 million. In fact if we add the destruction of the Native Americans (including in south america) to the inquisitions and the crusades Christianity comes out far and away the leading cause of death, when talking philosophies. Easily.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 02:10 pm | Permalink
 

Replace "Constitution of the United States" with "King of France" and what do you have?

Ooh... ooh.. I know! A monarchy and not a Constitutional Republic!

That is just silly. It's like saying "replace Senator McCain with Duke McCain and what do you have?" There's a reason the President swears an oath to defend the Constitution, rather than, say, the American people. Threats to the Constitution can come from within.

Posted by Tom in Texas | February 12, 2008 | 02:11 pm | Permalink
 

Actually, there's more than one Che flag. There's another one in a different office at the same campaign HQ. Obviously, there's more than one Che supporter in Barack's camp.

Check out the Fox Houston website for a second video.

Posted by IrishEi | February 12, 2008 | 02:16 pm | Permalink
 

sorry the black death killed *75* million. 20-30 was just the estimate for europe.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 02:17 pm | Permalink
 

NOT EMPLOYEES OF THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN.
NOT AN OFFICIAL OBAMA CAMPAIGN OFFICE.

'nuff said.

Posted by Jessica | February 12, 2008 | 02:19 pm | Permalink
 
Posted by ninjapirate | February 12, 2008 | 02:22 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Jessica
RE: Yeah....Right....

"NOT EMPLOYEES OF THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN.
NOT AN OFFICIAL OBAMA CAMPAIGN OFFICE.

'nuff said." -- Jessica

They're just the 'advance party', or 'Lead Team". They set things up. And Obama takes over.

No affiliation whatsoeveeeeerrrrrr....

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[I was born at night. But it wasn't LAST NIGHT.]

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:22 pm | Permalink
 

Wow Tom, you're really on the ball.

Point is that the "oath of duty " that Tlaloc was referring to is no different than an "oath of loyalty". It is exactly that, an oath of loyalty to the constitution.

Posted by Cluebat | February 12, 2008 | 02:27 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Jessica
RE: Oh...Yeah...

Has Obama repudiated the display of Che in association by his 'volunteers'?

Just asking.

Regards,

Chuck(le)

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:28 pm | Permalink
 

Replace "Constitution of the United States" with "King of France" and what do you have?

You'd have an oath of *duty* to the King of France. Notice not one word in the oath says nything about *obeying.*

Loyalty means doing what they tell you to do. Duty means doing what you said you'd do. There's a pretty big distinction there.

Why is this so hard to understand. COntrast the President's oath with that of an enlisting soldier:

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

The italicized parts speak to duty. The bold and italicized speaks to fidelity. The bold part speaks to loyalty.

Three different things.

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 02:29 pm | Permalink
 

It is absolutely mindnumbing that the bandwagon 'changers' are immune to what an Obama Presidency really stands for. Sure, it stands for change, but not in the direction of a stronger America.That's for sure.

One would also think that a candidate who enthuses that he would WITHOUT hesitation engage the Iranian mullahs and the Castro regime to 'dialogue' over our differences, is just a stones throw away from championing the terrorist thug Che.What a surprise.

BTW, this is the same Obama whose spiritual advisor gave a lifetime achievement ! award to the notorious antisemite Farakan, and who opines that Black Power is the antidote to Jew Power. Hmmmm.Enough said.

Posted by Adina Kutnicki | February 12, 2008 | 02:29 pm | Permalink
 

Can we lock the lock the little green foottards and the Paulinistas in a coat closet together?

Posted by Tlaloc | February 12, 2008 | 02:31 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Tlaloc
RE: It Would Be VERY Hard....

...to explain much of anything to you about (1) duty, (2) loyalty and/or (3) fidelity....

....as you seem to have a serious problem recognizing the relationships of the three; as embodied by the oath of office for 'officers' of the United States.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[Those who would treat politics and morality as two separate issues will never understand one, nor the other. -- Lord Blackstone, Viscount of Morley]

P.S. Change politics and morality to read duty and loyalty and you get the same result, on a different scale.

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:40 pm | Permalink
 

Tlaloc,

You're still splitting hairs buddy.

Although I really don't see that much difference, I do believe that the Presidential oath for all intents and purposes mostly conforms to an oath of duty. But loyalty to the same should be a given.

Like a soldier, the Commander in Chief has a "Duty" to defend the Constitution.

Duty. What they tell you to do.

And be proud of it.

Posted by Cluebat | February 12, 2008 | 02:42 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Adina Kutnicki
RE: Indeed

"It is absolutely mindnumbing that the bandwagon 'changers' are immune to what an Obama Presidency really stands for. Sure, it stands for change, but not in the direction of a stronger America.That's for sure." -- Adina Kutnicki

Whenever I encounter someone so adamantly for 'change', I ask them to consider putting a bullet in their brain.

After they get over the shock, I remind them that THAT would be 'change'. Then I ask them if they would be happy with it.

They usually get rather 'disgruntled'. But it does cause them to 'think' about 'change'.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[Obama/Guevera '08; CHEnge we can believe in!]

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:43 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Cluebat
RE: It All Depends....

"You're still splitting hairs buddy." -- Cluebat to Tlaloc; regarding duty, loyalty and/or fidelity

....on how you define 'splitting'.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
P.S. The Democrats are NEVER going to live that business 'down'....until they openly repudiate Mr. Bill and all who are associated with him.

Maybe Obama is a start. But they're getting off on the wrong foot, with someone who despises the ideals espoused in the Constitution of the United States.

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 02:48 pm | Permalink
 

Umm. Cluebat might i refer you to your name while I restate the following:

An oath to a constitution is utterly different than an oath to a monarch. It is why we are a constitutional Republic and other countries are monarchies. Duty and fealty are different.

Posted by Tom in Texas | February 12, 2008 | 02:57 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Tom in Texas
RE: What...

"An oath to a constitution is utterly different than an oath to a monarch." -- Tom in Texas

....kind of education do they teach you there in Texas? Anythink like what that woman in the photo (above) got?

Duty and fealty/loyalty are, as I stated earlier to whatzizname, are intertwined. And if you don't understand that, you'll never understand either of them.

But what does that have to do with the fact that Obama supports like Che? Nothing. It's a diversion tactic from the real issue here....

....is Obama a communist? Or just a good number of his 'volunteer supporters' who happen to be his 'lead team'?

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[A man is known by his followers.]

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 03:03 pm | Permalink
 

TO: Tom in Texas
RE: ERRATA

That should read...

....Obama SUPPORTERS like Che?

My error.

Regards,

Chuck(le)

Posted by Chuck Pelto | February 12, 2008 | 03:06 pm | Permalink
 

I hope this Cuban-American can offer his two cents worth:

First, Mr. Joyner, with all due respect - and with very little knowledge as to your background - the loyalty oath: Perhaps it may be because you were born here in the US and, thus, may have a propensity for taking the privilege of being an American Citizen for granted, the following is incorrect, and, truly irritating:

The suggestion that Americans need to start swearing loyalty oaths, though, is light years beyond irritating.

For those of us that CHOSE to become American Citizens rather than having been blessed with the privilege by birthright, we MUST swear allegiance to this country prior to becoming Citizens. Taking that loyalty oath is, for most if not all that do, by far one of the proudest moments in our lives.

To whomever stated that Che Guevara or Hitler or others were not terrorists: enough with the semantic hijinks. You dont have to bomb buildings and cafes to be a terrorist, all you have to do is instill fear into people by whatever means possible. Che was very good at that by doing little things like taking a prisoner out daily and having him stand at the paredon - the execution wall - and then faking the whole execution. he would do this until one day he just felt like killing you and you were dead. Period. He would also bring family members - moms, wives, sons, daughters, parents - of prisoners and walk them by the very same blood stained paredon where their loved one had either already been shot or was scheduled to be.

And will someone please tell me how many people one man has to kill before he is considered a mass murderer? 100? 1000? Who comes up with that number? Guevera was responsible for more deaths than Pinochet, so, who decides who's a killer or not? Why not a German flag with Hitlers face on it? Of the Hammer and Sickle with Stalins mug on it?

As for those that think that having the image of a murderous marxist/communist in a US presidential campaign headquarters - official or volunteer - is no big thing, I beg to differ. Che Guevara was a self-proclaimed enemy of the United States of America, communist and staunch anti-capitalist and, if Mr. Obama now wants my vote - beca