The flag pin itself validates them subliminally to viewers as 'true' patriots. It's a subtle and effective political tactic, a small detail to be sure, but also showing how far behind we are in communications and positioning strategy. They 'own' the flag as their symbol and the very best we can do is 'equal' them on it by wearing the flag pin ourselves.

Aravosis over at AmericaBlog picks up on this today in his post about challenging Rove's security clearance. "Perhaps a button/image everyone can put on their Web sites to show solidarity on this issue - a modern day 'loose lips sink ships'? I'm quite serious..."

Excellent point, John. I agree wholeheartedly. In fact, this past weekend I ran across a fascinating idea for a lapel pin: the US Constitution.

Think about it. Extremists wave the flag, we proudly fight for the Constitution. It's excellent framing for us, a strategic 'trump card', if you will. As a lapel pin, it's a small trump, yep, but an important one.

In the larger scheme of things, there's a communications narrative that can be developed precisely along these conceptual lines. It highlights BushCo's and the extremists' manifest failures, abrogating the Constitution in Plamegate, the run-up to war, Iraq, yadda and yadda.

In fact, I found out someone has already come up with the idea: PinsforPatriots.com. Check them out.

Apparently, Senator Byrd and his staff are already wearing these pins. (Disclosure: I have no personal financial, monetary, marketing, whatever, etc. interest in this site, pin or issue. None, nada, nil.)

As a political and public policy researcher/strategist, I think this frame, highlighted by the lapel pin concept, is an excellent idea, great positioning and offers a lot of communications 'ammo' on every participatory level, grassroots, netroots, social gatherings, public appearances, you name it.

In my view, this positioning shows precisely the level of political combat in which we absolutely must engage extremist Republicans. And we absolutely must win with the public at this level, my friends. If we don't, the party's over. Literally.

 

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I wish to thank you for making this product available. I have grown tired of the shameless appropriation of the flag of the United States by people who seem not to realize that the true greatness of this nation resides in its' founding document. As the erosion of our civil liberties accelerates nationwide, it has become more important than ever before for all Americans to re-connect with the US Constitution and the freedom it expresses so beautifully.

Scott Wichmann
Richmond, Virginia