The following is a narrative taken from a 2008 Sunday morning televised "Meet The Press."  

From Sunday's 07 Sept. 2008, 11:48:04 EST,  Televised "Meet the Press" the then Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. 

General Bill Ginn, USAF (ret.), asked Obama to explain WHY he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played. 

The General stated to Obama that according to the  United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... 

During rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present (except those in uniform) are expected to stand at attention, facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart.  Or, at the very least, "Stand and Face It". 

NOW GET THIS !!

'Senator' Obama replied:

"As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides....."  "There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression...."  "The anthem itself conveys a war-like message.  You know, the bombs bursting in air, and all that sort of thing."

(ARE YOU READY FOR THIS???)

Obama continued:, "The National Anthem 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.   In my opinion, we should consider reinventing our National Anthem as well as 'redesign' our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love.  It's my intention, if elected, to disarmAmerica to the level of acceptance to our  Middle East    Brethren.   If we, as a Nation of warring people, conduct ourselves like the nations of Islam, where peace prevails - - - perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments ......"