"You know, the truth is that right..." - Quote by Barack Obama
You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a (flag) pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for, I think, true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest.
More by Barack Obama
“American politics is always somewhat fluid. In this age of social media, it means that voters can swing back and forth.”
“We do need to make sure that we have an orderly, lawful immigration process.”
“The arts are what makes life worth living. You've got food, you've got shelter, yeah. But the things that make you laugh, make you cry, make you connect - make you love are communicated through the arts. They aren't extras.”
More on Patriotism
“America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem.”
“A man's first duty is to his own conscience and honor; the party and country come second to that, and never first.”
More on National Security
“In the string of amazing decisions made during the first year of the Obama administration, nothing seems more like sheer insanity than the decision to try foreign terrorists, who have committed acts of war against the United States, in federal court, as if they were American citizens accused of crimes.”
“We will kill bin Laden. We will crush al Qaeda. That has to be our biggest national security priority.”
“Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country”