Flag pins, to prove one's patriotism? What Joe McCarthy incarnation dreamt that one up? ?

Flag pins, bumper stickers, breast cancer ribbons, school windshield decals... all they do is let the outside world know what your feelings and beliefs are on any topic.

Am I proud of my son, serving in Iraq as a US Marine? Yes, and I have had a service star pennant hanging in my front window for 3 years. And I've worn a service star pin on my jacket lapel a lot longer than Sarah Palin has. I have a yellow ribbon magnet on my car's bumper and a gold Marine seal stuck to the inside of the back windshield.

What about the people who displayed flags on their vehicles after 9-11? Was that MccCarthyism? No, just showing solidarity with the bravery and love for our hurting country.