Reading my Sept. 15 issue of Newsweek (the one with Governor Palin on the cover, shotgun over shoulder), and on page 29, I was treated to a picture of Sarah, literally wrapped in the flag for the photo op. You know, Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the “Grand Old Flag.” Yes, that flag.
As I recall, the blatant and crass use of a show of extreme patriotism to deflect legitimate criticism has long been referred to by the metaphor, “Wrapping oneself in the flag.” Never mind that Governor Palin would appear to be in violation of U.S. Public Law 94-34, Section 4, e and i, which deals with the approved uses of the flag, including advertising (was this photo not a political advertisement?). This use of the U.S. flag is surely offensive to many Americans.
As one of the governor’s constituents, a member of the VFW, a Vietnam Veteran and a high school history teacher, I am profoundly disappointed that our governor allowed herself to be photographed in this manner, with this flag. What can this say about her political judgement as the potential leader of the country whose symbol is this very flag?
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