FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John McCain releases statement regarding his feelings about recent accusations against Barrack Obama's patriotism.
My friends,
It has recently come to my attention that emails have been circulating throughout the internet which question the patriotism of my fellow Senator, colleague, and opponent Barrack Obama. I would like to take a minute from my busy schedule to address these rumors personally.
The essential nature of the rumors involves Barrack's refusal to salute the flag, and "quote" him making comments disparaging our nation. These quotes include "'There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all." and "It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it.'
Now, I know most of you are smart enough to see a pink elephant when it is standing in the room with you, offering a cheap joke for some change for a bus fare. However, for those of you less savvy to the modern psycho-socio political landscape, I would offer you suggestions on how to navigate truth from rumor in these clamorous times. For instance, the song "I would like to Teach the World to Sing" is from a Coke commercial. Hence, it is somewhat unlikely that Mr. Obama, well aware of the "aloof" label he has been tagged with, would gaffe so achingly awkwardly. Words like "bellicose" and "parochial" add an Ivy League-ish heir to the quote, but are meant solely to further entangle the reader in the web of deception, especially if said reader is unable to retrieve the exact definitions of these words from their memory. While parochial can mean "narrow in scope" it is much more commonly used relating to a "church parish." So readers are immediately led to feel that the negativity presented carries over onto Mr. Obama's view of religion. Isn't it amusing how these vixens play on the God fearing voters of America? The phrase, "you know, the bombs bursting in air and and all" sounds not like the words of a Presidential contender, but rather, sound like the words of a sixteen year old cashier at Zumiez.
Examination of the actual arguments purportedly put forth by Obama in these manufactured quotes reveals their deceptive nature.
Whether we like it or not, the American flag IS a symbol of oppression to a good deal of people in the world. This was no more clear than on the clear, cruel Tuesday that came to be known as 9/11. We do not have to agree with, or accomodate these people, but they do exist. In fact, we are waging a global war against them.
Additionally, the anthem does convey a message of war, in that it was written DURING a battle in the War of 1812. I consider these aspects of the false quote to be "deceptive truths" because they sound salacious in a negative context, but in actuality would add nothing of substance to a discussion. A helpful history can be found here:
http://www.gbjann.com/anthem/history.htm
I have worked with Senator Obama for a few years now, and while we do not agree on many of the solutions to the issues facing our nation, I do not question his patriotism. I suggest you do the same. Senator Obama has lived a dignified life of service to this country, and it deserves respect and not back alley lies and derision.
Regarding Barrack's supposed desire to "Teach the World to Sing" this link provides a more factual account:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/459/
For those of you who have read that Mr. Obama will not say the Pledge of Allegiance or otherwise holds the nation in disregard, I suggest you take a moment and watch this YouTube video, of Mr. Obama bringing the Senate to order.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvil4LLcpnc
In the vein of maintaining the integrity of this election, I invite you to visit the following web site and report any emails you receive that seem to deliver falsehoods. [www.fightthesmears.com] As we all know well, it says in the Decalogue, "Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbour. (Deueronomy 5:20)
My friends, lets make a concerted effort to maintain a level of civility in these coming months. Mr. Obama and I are both respectful gentlemen, and we prefer to stick to discussion on policy issues and what we believe will be best for our country. There is no need to call anybody a "clown" or accuse anyone of having "no pride in their country." Furthermore, thoughts like "he doesn't deserve to be a dogcatcher" smack of a subtle racism, and it has no place in our dialogue.
In the spirit of moving forward in a bi-partisan manner, I invite each of you to investigate my website as well as Senator Obama's, examine each of us as well as yourselves, and make your decision in November based on an honest examination of the facts and the issues.
Thank you for your time, and God Bless America.
Yours Truly,
Senator John McCain
Phoenix, Arizona
June 25, 2008
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