> In unusual TV news this week, Democratic Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, D-Ill., said in an on-air interview that he would no longer wear the American Flag lapel-pin that has become so politician-popular post 9-11. He says the pin itself has become a substitute for true patriotism and he'd rather show his loyalty by reforming the country than sporting cheap-collar-clap-trap. An admirable message -- but strangely, super-risky.

"I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest. I'm going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism," he said.

Apparently what Barack doesn't know is what hurts him: No, the American people don't think paltry-pins promote patriotism -- it's those magnetic yellow car-ribbons (bought from the "local" Wal-Mart) that really stand as a true American testimony.

Anyone feeling unease about Senator Obama's decision can rest-assured: Senator Clinton's pin is parked prominently on her pink suit.