Maybe Romney is going for a new record; a gaffe a day. First, of course, there was the "very poor" remark we covered HERE and HERE. Next came the Trump and Romney Show. Now, there is this.
It's not merely that his pronouncement today that "we are the only people who put our hands over our hearts during the national anthem" is patently, wildly and provably false; His explanation of why FDR asked Americans to do so is a misrepresentation bordering on historical illiteracy.
The reason FDR (and every other decent American) adopted this common tradition was to eliminate the widely used Bellamy Salute. Named for the author of the Pledge of Allegiance, socialist and activist minister Francis Bellamy, this original ritual was as follows:
At a signal from the Principal the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the flag the military salute -- right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and close to it. Standing thus, all repeat together, slowly, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” At the words, “to my Flag,” the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward, toward the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation; whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side.
Take a look. Get it?
If Mitt Romney is not actually trying to throw this thing, he's doing a damn fine imitation of someone who is.
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